Signature Bloody Mary
Baseline Bloody Mary with horseradish, hot sauce, spiced rim and garnish ideas. Make ahead tips and simple substitutions.
There are many variations of the classic Bloody Mary cocktail recipe. All of them are delicious and interesting, but after some research we concluded that this recipe is the baseline for them all. Follow this closely or drift afar, but be sure to share the tales of your Bloody Mary travels in the comments below!
- This is the core Bloody Mary: vodka, tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire, hot sauce, lime, and spices.
- Rim the glass with Bloody Mary Mate or celery salt, fill with ice, then pour the shaken cocktail and add bold garnishes.
- Make a double batch of the mix ahead and chill. Swap vodka for gin or omit alcohol for a virgin version.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
Combine vodka, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, and spices. Mix or shake ingredients well.
In a small dish, pour out an extra tablespoon of Bloody Mary Mate. Wet the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and dip the glass in the dish gently until the rim is coated in the spice blend.
Fill glass with ice, pour cocktail, and garnish to your liking.
We suggest a celery stalk, lime wedge, olives, a cheese stick, and a pickled carrot.
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
You can take this recipe anywhere you want it to go. Add a splash of kimchi or pickle juice, use soy sauce or cocktail bitters, or you can try using gin instead of vodka. For best results make a double batch of the mix ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bloody Mary Mate and can I substitute it?
Bloody Mary Mate is a spice blend used to rim the glass and boost flavor. If you do not have it, use celery salt, a mix of salt and black pepper, Old Bay, or Tajin.
How do I rim the glass correctly?
Pour about a tablespoon of spice into a shallow dish. Run a lime wedge around the glass rim, then gently dip the rim into the spice so it sticks. Let it set, then add ice before pouring the cocktail.
Can I make this a nonalcoholic Bloody Mary?
Yes. Skip the vodka and increase tomato juice or add a splash of sparkling water for lift. You can also use nonalcoholic vodka alternatives and keep the same seasonings.
How do I control the spice and heat level?
Adjust cayenne, hot sauce, and horseradish to taste. Start with the recipe amounts, then add small increments and taste as you go. Swap a milder hot sauce or reduce horseradish to lower heat.
Can I make the mix ahead of time and how long will it keep?
Yes. Mix everything except the vodka and store in the fridge overnight for best flavor. The prepared mix will keep 2 to 3 days refrigerated. Add vodka and ice just before serving.
What can I use instead of vodka?
Gin is a classic alternative and adds herbal notes. You can also try tequila, mezcal, aquavit, or leave out the spirit for a virgin drink.
What are good garnish ideas?
Classic options include a celery stalk, lime wedge, olives, and pickled vegetables. Try a cheese stick, pickled carrot, bacon, shrimp, or skewered olives and peppers for a showy presentation.
How can I change the flavor profile or body of the drink?
Add a splash of pickle juice, kimchi brine, or olive brine for tang. Use soy sauce or Worcestershire for umami. For a thicker, heartier texture try V8, Clamato, or a bit of tomato paste.
What is Bloody Mary Mate and can I substitute it?
Bloody Mary Mate is a spice blend used to rim the glass and boost flavor. If you do not have it, use celery salt, a mix of salt and black pepper, Old Bay, or Tajin.
How do I rim the glass correctly?
Pour about a tablespoon of spice into a shallow dish. Run a lime wedge around the glass rim, then gently dip the rim into the spice so it sticks. Let it set, then add ice before pouring the cocktail.
Can I make this a nonalcoholic Bloody Mary?
Yes. Skip the vodka and increase tomato juice or add a splash of sparkling water for lift. You can also use nonalcoholic vodka alternatives and keep the same seasonings.
How do I control the spice and heat level?
Adjust cayenne, hot sauce, and horseradish to taste. Start with the recipe amounts, then add small increments and taste as you go. Swap a milder hot sauce or reduce horseradish to lower heat.
Can I make the mix ahead of time and how long will it keep?
Yes. Mix everything except the vodka and store in the fridge overnight for best flavor. The prepared mix will keep 2 to 3 days refrigerated. Add vodka and ice just before serving.
What can I use instead of vodka?
Gin is a classic alternative and adds herbal notes. You can also try tequila, mezcal, aquavit, or leave out the spirit for a virgin drink.
What are good garnish ideas?
Classic options include a celery stalk, lime wedge, olives, and pickled vegetables. Try a cheese stick, pickled carrot, bacon, shrimp, or skewered olives and peppers for a showy presentation.
How can I change the flavor profile or body of the drink?
Add a splash of pickle juice, kimchi brine, or olive brine for tang. Use soy sauce or Worcestershire for umami. For a thicker, heartier texture try V8, Clamato, or a bit of tomato paste.
Nice recipe.