Bloody Maria - Tequila Bloody Mary
Smoky tequila take on a Bloody Mary with mezcal, preserved lemon brine, smoked salts, and bold spices. Batch recipe, tips, and garnish ideas.
Recipe courtesy of Chasity Marini, Evanston store manager. Chasity prefers Del Maguey tequila for this recipe. The Vida variety is the most versatile but if you want a real smoky version then use Chichicapa. You can use any tequila you like, but a smokey mezcal is what makes this drink a Smokey Maria.
Yield: 4-6 servings
- Use a smoky mezcal for a Smoky Maria; Del Maguey Vida is versatile, Chichicapa is smokier.
- Preserved lemon brine, smoked salt, horseradish, and clam juice add bright umami and depth.
- Make ahead and keep chilled; rim glasses with spicy smoked salt and serve with bold pickled garnishes.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
Stir ingredients together thoroughly, keep chilled.
Wet the rim of glass and coat with Vulcan's.
Serve over ice cubes and garnish with your favorite snacks and pickles. We used pickled okra and cauliflower, sliced preserved lemon, and olives.
An extra dash of Vulcan's on top is desired
Enjoy!
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
Adjust flavors and heat as you see fit. Trust us on the preserved lemon juice, it is delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bloody Maria?
A Bloody Maria swaps vodka for tequila or mezcal, giving the classic Bloody Mary a bright, agave or smoky character. Using mezcal turns it into a Smoky Maria.
Which tequila or mezcal should I use?
For versatility use Del Maguey Vida. If you want pronounced smoke, choose Chichicapa or another smoky mezcal. Any good-quality tequila works, but mezcal adds the smoky notes.
How do I make a single serving from this batch recipe?
Use a roughly 3:1 tomato juice to spirit ratio. For one drink: about 4 to 5 oz tomato juice and 1.5 oz mezcal or tequila. Add the same proportions of the other seasonings to taste.
Can I skip the clam juice or find a vegetarian substitute?
Yes. Replace clam juice with low-sodium vegetable broth plus a splash of soy sauce or miso for umami. Vegan Worcestershire or extra horseradish also helps build savory depth.
What is preserved lemon brine and can I substitute it?
Preserved lemon brine is the salty, slightly fermented liquid from preserved lemons and adds bright, complex lemony saltiness. If you do not have it, use fresh lemon juice with a pinch of salt and a tiny bit of lemon zest or caper brine for extra tang.
How do I rim the glass if I do not have Vulcan's Fire Salt?
Wet the glass rim with lemon or reserved brine, then dip into a mix of Maldon smoked sea salt, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne or Aleppo flakes as a substitute.
How long will the Bloody Maria mix keep in the fridge?
Store the mixed batch in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Stir or shake before serving and keep it chilled on ice when serving.
What garnish ideas work best with a Bloody Maria?
Go bold: pickled okra, pickled cauliflower, olives, celery, bacon, shrimp, or a preserved lemon slice. Finish with an extra dash of smoked or spicy salt on top.
What is a Bloody Maria?
A Bloody Maria swaps vodka for tequila or mezcal, giving the classic Bloody Mary a bright, agave or smoky character. Using mezcal turns it into a Smoky Maria.
Which tequila or mezcal should I use?
For versatility use Del Maguey Vida. If you want pronounced smoke, choose Chichicapa or another smoky mezcal. Any good-quality tequila works, but mezcal adds the smoky notes.
How do I make a single serving from this batch recipe?
Use a roughly 3:1 tomato juice to spirit ratio. For one drink: about 4 to 5 oz tomato juice and 1.5 oz mezcal or tequila. Add the same proportions of the other seasonings to taste.
Can I skip the clam juice or find a vegetarian substitute?
Yes. Replace clam juice with low-sodium vegetable broth plus a splash of soy sauce or miso for umami. Vegan Worcestershire or extra horseradish also helps build savory depth.
What is preserved lemon brine and can I substitute it?
Preserved lemon brine is the salty, slightly fermented liquid from preserved lemons and adds bright, complex lemony saltiness. If you do not have it, use fresh lemon juice with a pinch of salt and a tiny bit of lemon zest or caper brine for extra tang.
How do I rim the glass if I do not have Vulcan's Fire Salt?
Wet the glass rim with lemon or reserved brine, then dip into a mix of Maldon smoked sea salt, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne or Aleppo flakes as a substitute.
How long will the Bloody Maria mix keep in the fridge?
Store the mixed batch in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Stir or shake before serving and keep it chilled on ice when serving.
What garnish ideas work best with a Bloody Maria?
Go bold: pickled okra, pickled cauliflower, olives, celery, bacon, shrimp, or a preserved lemon slice. Finish with an extra dash of smoked or spicy salt on top.
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