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Bloody Mary Recipe

Bloody Mary Recipe

By What’s Baking

A savory, spicy tomato concoction infused with vodka that balances tang and heat for the perfect brunch companion or hangover remedy.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A tall Bloody Mary in a crystal highball glass with a salted rim, captured in natural morning light that highlights its vibrant crimson color. Condensation beads on the glass's exterior while a celery stalk protrudes dramatically alongside a skewer of olives, pickle, and lemon. Flecks of black pepper and celery salt float visibly on the surface, with the liquid's rich texture suggesting its hearty mouthfeel. The background features a rustic wooden brunch table setting, suggesting the cocktail's traditional morning enjoyment context.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50ml vodka</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml tomato juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml fresh lemon juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">7ml Worcestershire sauce</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3 dashes hot sauce (Tabasco or similar)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 pinch celery salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 pinch freshly ground black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 pinch smoked paprika (optional)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon prepared horseradish (optional)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 celery stalk, for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 lemon wedge, for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Green olives, for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Pickle spear, for garnish (optional)</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glass</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing glass</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail picks or skewers (for garnish)</li> </ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Prepare your highball glass by running a lemon wedge around the rim, then dipping it in celery salt for an enhanced flavor experience with each sip. Fill the glass with ice cubes and set aside. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a mixing glass, combine the tomato juice, vodka, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and horseradish if using. The acidity from the lemon juice helps balance the umami flavors while brightening the tomato base. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 20 seconds to fully incorporate all ingredients without diluting the mixture too much - unlike shaken cocktails, a Bloody Mary benefits from a gentle mixing technique that preserves its rich texture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary - this is crucial as tomato juice varieties differ in sweetness and acidity. Your perfect Bloody Mary should have a balanced savory flavor with just enough heat to be interesting but not overwhelming. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Pour the mixture into your prepared highball glass through a fine mesh strainer to catch any horseradish chunks or spice clumps, ensuring a smooth drinking experience. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Garnish with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, green olives, and pickle spear if using. These aren't just decorative - they add complementary flavors that enhance the drinking experience as you sip. The celery provides a fresh crunch that contrasts with the savory liquid. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> For the best flavor development, let the drink rest for 1-2 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to marry and the flavors to fully bloom. This brief resting period makes a noticeable difference in taste complexity. </li> </ol>

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the best vodka to use for a quality Bloody Mary?

For the best Bloody Mary, choose a smooth, clean vodka without strong flavours that would compete with the complex seasoning. Premium brands like Ketel One, Grey Goose or Belvedere work excellently. Pepper or citrus-infused vodkas can add an interesting dimension for adventurous drinkers.

Why is this cocktail called a Bloody Mary?

The cocktail's name has several origin theories, most popularly that it was named after Queen Mary I of England, nicknamed "Bloody Mary" for her persecution of Protestants. Others claim it was named for a waitress at Chicago's Bucket of Blood bar or Hollywood star Mary Pickford.

Can I make a Virgin Bloody Mary that still tastes authentic?

Absolutely! A Virgin Bloody Mary (often called a "Bloody Shame" or "Virgin Mary") can be just as flavourful as the alcoholic version. Simply omit the vodka but keep all other ingredients and proportions the same, perhaps adding extra hot sauce or horseradish for complexity.

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