Perfect for Festival - Try This Delicious Bloody Mary Recipe!
Bloody Mary Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:1g
Carbohydrates:7g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades. It is believed to have been created in the 1920s by a bartender named Fernand Petiot at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. The drink quickly gained popularity and became a staple at brunches and hangover cure.
- The name 'Bloody Mary' is said to be inspired by Queen Mary I of England, known for her brutal persecution of Protestants.
- The cocktail has evolved over the years, with many variations and garnishes being added to the original recipe.
- It is a favorite among those who enjoy savory and spicy flavors, making it a popular choice for brunch and daytime drinking.
How Bloody Mary Tastes?
The Bloody Mary is a savory, spicy, and tangy cocktail with a strong tomato flavor. The vodka adds a subtle kick, while the Worcestershire and hot sauce provide a complex depth of flavor. The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, and the celery salt and black pepper give it a slight earthiness.
Interesting facts about Bloody Mary
- The Bloody Mary is often considered a 'hair of the dog' hangover remedy, due to its combination of alcohol and restorative ingredients like tomato juice and spices.
- The cocktail has inspired many variations, such as the Bloody Caesar (made with Clamato juice) and the Michelada (a Mexican beer-based version).
- The garnishes for a Bloody Mary can range from simple (celery stalk, olives) to extravagant (bacon, shrimp, cheese, and even mini hamburgers).
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Tomato juice: 3 oz(90ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 dashes
- Hot sauce: 2 dashes
- Celery salt: 1 pinch
- Ground black pepper: 1 pinch
- Garnish: 1 celery stalk
- 1 green olive:
- 1 lemon wedge:
A few good options for Bloody Mary are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
The core spirit of the drink. It's a neutral alcohol that allows the bold flavors of the other ingredients to shine without overpowering them. Too much vodka and you'll be over the moon; too little and it's tomato juice's less exciting cousin.
Mary Mitkina
Tomato Juice
The heart of a Bloody Mary providing vitamins, color, and flavor. It's thick, rich, and has a savory quality that carries the cocktail. Skip it, and it's not a Bloody Mary; it's a sad Sunday.
Alex Green
Lemon Juice
This is the zesty zing for that tangy twist. It adds a sharp, fresh acid to balance the savory tomato. Lemon juice keeps the drink lively—if missing, the drink becomes a flat-footed ballet dancer.
Emma Rose
Worcestershire Sauce
It's the umami bomb. A few dashes add depth and complexity with its blend of vinegar, molasses, anchovies, and other spices. Omit this, and the cocktail loses its mysterious whisper of the sea.
Mary Mitkina
Hot Sauce
Here's where you get to play with fire. The hot sauce gives the Bloody Mary its kick—dial it up for heat, down for a gentle warm breeze. Go without, and your Mary is timid and mild.
Alex Green
Celery Salt
The secret handshake of spices. This savory element complements with a herby edge, elevating the richness of tomato. If missing, you'll find your Mary strangely incomplete, like a password without a username.
Emma Rose
Ground Black Pepper
A hint of spice and a touch of tradition, black pepper gives a subtle bite and warmth. Forget it, and you'll miss that comforting grandma's kitchen smell.
Mary Mitkina
Garnishes
A celery stalk is a Bloody Mary's leafy stirrer and adds a crunchy snack. The green olive brings a briney pizzazz, and the lemon wedge is for that optional extra acid hit. They're the trio of charm—take them away, and it's like a garden without flowers.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Bloody Mary Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, and black pepper.
- Shake well to combine and chill the mixture.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a celery stalk, green olive, and lemon wedge.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and high-quality tomato juice can make a big difference.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking. Some people prefer a spicier Bloody Mary, while others like it milder.
- Experiment with garnishes. Traditional garnishes include celery, olives, and lemon, but you can also try pickles, bacon, or even shrimp.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Grilled shrimp: The smoky flavor of grilled shrimp is complemented by the tangy and spicy flavors of the Bloody Mary.
- Deviled eggs: A classic appetizer that pairs well with the savory notes of the cocktail.
- Assorted cheese platter: The acidity of the cocktail cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Brunch
- Eggs Benedict: The cocktail's acidity balances the richness of the hollandaise sauce.
- Bacon and sausage: The salty and savory meat complements the umami in the drink.
Seafood
- Oysters: The mineral flavors of oysters are enhanced when followed by a sip of a spicy Bloody Mary.
- Lobster rolls: The refreshing tomato and acidity of the lemon work well with the sweetness of the lobster.
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What you could change in Bloody Mary
- Vodka: You can substitute vodka with gin or tequila for a different flavor profile.
- Tomato juice: Clamato juice can be used for a Bloody Caesar variation.
- Hot sauce: If you don't have hot sauce, you can use a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Explore all drinks starting with B here
And of course - twists🍹
Bloody Maria
Swap vodka for tequila to give your drink a Mexican twist. The smokiness and slight sweetness of tequila pair beautifully with tomato juice.
- Replace Vodka with Tequila
- Follow the original recipe Tequila offers a rich, earthy undertone that differs from vodka’s neutrality.
Red Snapper
For those who adore gin, replace the vodka with gin for a herby kick.
- Replace Vodka with Gin
- Follow the original recipe Gin introduces floral and botanical flavors for a more complex taste.
Virgin Mary
Want to skip the alcohol but keep the punch? Skip the vodka and you've got a brunch-friendly, hangover-free delight.
- Exclude Vodka
- Follow the original recipe (minus the alcohol) Perfect for those who love the flavor but not the fog that alcohol can bring.
In case you forgot basics how to make Bloody Mary
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Bloody Mary
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Bloody Mary?
Yes, the non-alcoholic version of a Bloody Mary is often called a 'Virgin Mary'. It includes all the same ingredients, minus the vodka.
Why is the Bloody Mary often associated with brunch or morning drinking?
The Bloody Mary is often associated with brunch or morning drinking because its savory and spicy characteristics make it a good pair with typical brunch foods. The tomato juice and restorative spices also make it a popular 'hair of the dog' hangover remedy.
Why does a Bloody Mary sometimes come with a beer 'back'?
In some regions, a Bloody Mary is served with a beer 'back' or a small glass of beer on the side. This is to cleanse the palate in between sips of the Bloody Mary, enhancing the enjoyment of both beverages.
What types of events is a Bloody Mary typically served at?
Bloody Mary cocktails are popular at brunches, daytime parties, and events like wedding showers and picnics. They are also commonly served at bars and restaurants offering brunch menus.
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