Bloody mary

Bloody Mary

(0 ratings)

The ultimate savory cocktail combining vodka with spiced tomato juice, perfect for brunch or any time you crave bold, umami-rich flavors.

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Recipe

1 cocktail (260ml)
  • Vodka 
    45 ml
  • Tomato Juice 
    150 ml
  • Lemon Juice 
    15 ml
  • Worcestershire Sauce 
    3 dashes
  • Tabasco Sauce 
    3 dashes
  • Horseradish 
    1 tsp
  • Celery Salt 
    1 pinch
  • Pepper 
    1 pinch
  • Celery Stalk 
    1 whole
  • Lemon 
    1 wedge

Instructions

Step

Prepare the glass by rubbing the rim with a lemon wedge, then dipping the rim into celery salt spread on a small plate.

Step

Fill the prepared Collins glass three-quarters full with ice cubes.

Step

In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish (if using), celery salt, and black pepper.

Step

Shake gently to combine – avoid over-shaking as tomato juice can foam excessively.

Step

Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice.

Step

Stir gently with a bar spoon to ensure everything is well combined.

Step

Garnish with a fresh celery stalk and lemon wedge, adjusting garnish as desired.

Equipment

Shaker
Fine Mesh Strainer
Bar spoon
Plate

Description

The Bloody Mary stands as one of cocktail culture’s most beloved savory drinks, renowned for its complex blend of tomato, spice, and umami flavors. This brunch staple offers endless customization possibilities while maintaining its core identity as a refreshing, bold cocktail that’s as much about the garnish as the drink itself.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (260ml)
Calories
125
ABV
14 %
Alcohol
12 g
Carbs
8 g
Carbs from Sugar
6 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
2 g
Sodium
650 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
Allergens
Celery, Sulfites

Tips & Notes

  • Use high-quality tomato juice or make your own by blending fresh tomatoes and straining - this makes the biggest difference in flavor quality.

  • Always taste and adjust the spice level - start with fewer dashes of hot sauce and Worcestershire, then build up to your preference.

  • Don't over-shake the mixture as tomato juice will foam excessively; a gentle shake or even stirring in the glass works perfectly.

  • For parties, prepare a large batch of the non-alcoholic mix in advance and refrigerate, then add vodka and ice to individual glasses when serving.

  • The garnish is essential - it provides aroma and additional flavor with each sip. Don't skip the celery salt rim as it adds crucial mineral depth.

Absolutely! Simply omit the vodka to create a Virgin Mary – all the savory, spicy flavors remain intact, making it perfect for any time of day.

The spice level is highly personal – start with 2-3 dashes each of Worcestershire and hot sauce, then adjust to taste. The heat should complement, not overpower, the tomato and vodka base.

Choose a clean, neutral premium vodka that won’t compete with the complex flavors. Some bartenders prefer pickle-infused vodka for added complexity and brine notes.

Yes! Mix all ingredients except vodka and ice up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Add vodka and ice when ready to serve.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Vodka
    45 ml
  • Tomato Juice
    150 ml
  • Lemon Juice
    15 ml
  • Worcestershire Sauce
    3 dashes
  • Tabasco Sauce
    3 dashes
  • Horseradish
    1 tsp
  • Celery Salt
    1 pinch
  • Pepper
    1 pinch
  • Celery Stalk
    1 whole
  • Lemon
    1 wedge

Method

  1. Prepare the glass by rubbing the rim with a lemon wedge, then dipping the rim into celery salt spread on a small plate.
  2. Fill the prepared Collins glass three-quarters full with ice cubes.
  3. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish (if using), celery salt, and black pepper.
  4. Shake gently to combine - avoid over-shaking as tomato juice can foam excessively.
  5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
  6. Stir gently with a bar spoon to ensure everything is well combined.
  7. Garnish with a fresh celery stalk and lemon wedge, adjusting garnish as desired.