Classic Bloody Mary Recipe
Learn the secrets to making a classic Bloody Mary, a refreshing and spicy classic cocktail for your next brunch!
The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail that has resisted the passing of time and trends for good reasons. It’s refreshing and delicious with super addictive kick to it.
Like the Bellini, the Bloody Mary is a brunch staple.
It’s super easy to make and call for few easy-to-get ingredients, which is why you should ditch the store bought mixes to make your own fresh homemade mix.
What Does the Bloody Mary Taste Like?
In case you’ve never tried it before, the classic Bloody Mary is a tomato based savory cocktail that has a nice spicy kick. It taste similar to the cocktail mix in an oyster shooter.
The cocktail is always topped with fun garnishes that complement the drink. The most typical garnishes are celery, tomatoes and olives.
Why is it Called a Bloody Mary?
The origins the Bloody Mary are uncertain.
But it is said to have been created in New York City at the King Cole Bar by their bartender, Fernand Petiot during the 1930s. He later moved to another bar and was supposedly asked to rename the drink to The Red Snapper because it sounded classier.
Its name is in reference to its red color that resembles blood. Thus, it is probably named after Queen Mary Tudor (also nicknamed Bloody Mary).
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make a Classic Bloody Mary Cocktail
Vodka — Use the brand of your choice. However, since it’s the only liquor used in this recipe, choose a good quality one.
Tomato juice — Bottled or fresh. If you can make it at home, choose ripe juicy tomatoes.
Worcestershire sauce — A dash goes a long way. This classic sauce will amp up the cocktail’s flavor.
Tabasco sauce — For the spicy kick.
Celery salt — You can use regular plain salt. But the celery salt adds the perfect celery flavor addition.
Black pepper
Fresh lemon juice — The citrus component.
Plenty of ice
Optional for garnish:
When it comes to garnishes, the Bloody Mary can be served in many different ways. But we are keeping things simple and classic —
Celery stalk
Pepper stuffed green olives
Lemon wedge
Cherry tomatoes
How to Make the Classic Bloody Mary
1 — In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the tomato juice, lemon juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, tabasco sauce, celery salt, and black pepper.
2 — Shake well for 30 seconds or until chilled.
Optional to rim the glass:
3 — In a small plate, mix the celery salt and chili flakes together. Pass a lemon wedge over the rim of the glass. Dip the wet rim in the celery salt and chili flakes mixture.
4 — Strain and serve the cocktail mix in the prepped glass.
Optional garnish:
5 — Garnish with a celery stalk and a cocktail pick with a cherry tomato and olives.
This cocktail can easily be made in a large batch and kept chilled in the fridge. Just make sure to leave the ice out to avoid watering down your cocktail mixture.
For a large batch, use the following measurements.
— 2 cups vodka
— 4 cups tomato juice
— 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
— 1/3 cup tabasco sauce
— 1 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
— 1 teaspoon black pepper
— 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Recipe Notes and Tips
If you make your own tomato juice:
Make sure to strain well to avoid having the seeds in the cocktail. Using fresh tomato juice will make a noticeable difference.
Adjust the dressing according to your liking:
Add more salt or less Tabasco sauce depending on how spicy you would like your cocktail. You can also add more vodka for a stronger Bloody Mary.
More Bloody Mary garnish ideas:
Other fun garnish ideas include pickles, pickled onions, hot peppers, and cucumber slices.
You can also garnish it with items that food items that are being paired with the Bloody Mary.
For instance, serve the Bloody Mary with a some Sriracha Bacon Egg Cupcakes. And include bacon as your cocktail garnish.
More Drink Options for Your Next Brunch
Classic Bloody Mary Recipe
Equipment
- Tall glass
- Cocktail pick optional
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz tomato juice
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dash tabasco sauce
- 1/3 tsp celery salt
- 1/3 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- Ice
Optional for the rim:
- 1 tsp celery salt
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 lemon wedge
Optional for garnish:
- 1 celery stalk
- 2 pepper stuffed green olive
- 1 cherry tomato
Nutrition
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, tabasco sauce, celery salt, and black pepper.
- Shake well for 30 seconds or until chilled.
- Optional to rim the glass: In a small plate, mix the celery salt and chili flakes together. Pass a lemon wedge over the rim of the glass. Dip the wet rim in the celery salt and chili flakes mixture.
- Strain and serve the cocktail mix in the prepped glass.
- Optional garnish: Garnish with a celery stick and a cocktail pick with a cherry tomato and olives.
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