Think Bloody Marys are hard to make? Think again! This is the Best Bloody Mary recipe that will have your friends begging for more. This easy brunch cocktail can be made in minutes and is easy to make as a batch cocktail or set up a DIY bar and let your friends serve themselves!
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Bloody Marys.
Either you love them, or you hate them. I LOVE them and kinda believe that brunch and Bloody Marys were made for each other. Who’s with me?
But I guarantee that this is the best homemade Bloody Mary mix and it will turn any skeptic into a true believer!
Jump to:
Why this recipe works:
- Brunch isn't really brunch without Bloody Marys. This recipe is a just waiting for you to tailor to your personal tastes with a variety of garnishes and seasonings. You really can't go wrong.
- There are several ingredients needed for this recipe, but it will WOW your friends and family and have everyone asking for the recipe.
- Make brunch easy and set up a drink bar and let your guests make their own creations. We recommend adding Greyhound Cocktails , Cranberry Mimosas or Prosecco Margaritas for your non tomato juice fans.
- It's easy to make this a non-alcoholic drink. Simply omit the vodka and you have a brunch cocktail for anyone!
Ingredients
While the options for garnishes are endless, there are only a handful of ingredients for this homemade Bloody Mary mix.
Ingredient Notes:
- Tomato Juice - You can use your favorite kind of tomato juice, V8 or even start with a Bloody Mary Mixer and doctor it up.
- Lemon Juice - Fresh is best as you only need a little and the brightness it adds to the drink is immeasurable.
- Dill Pickle juice - This is totally optional but is the secret ingredient that will have everyone asking, "How did you make this drink?"
- Vodka - If you like a little more heat in your drink, Absolut Peppar is a perfect choice. Otherwise, use your favorite vodka. Titos, Tower, Stolichnaya, or Norseman Vodkas are a few of our faves.
Instructions
Whipping up a fresh homemade Bloody Mary mix could not be easier!
The celery salt on the rim is totally optional but makes your ordinary bloody mary restaurant-worthy. Simply run the lemon around the edge of the glass and invert into celery salt on plate.
Don't have celery salt on hand? No problem, any sort of salt will work!
Next, add ice to a cocktail shaker and pour in all of your ingredients. Remember: The best drinks start with the best ingredients.
Finally, cover the shaker and shake it well. Not only does shaking combine the ingredients, it chills the drink too. The best Bloody Marys are COLD.
Modifications
Now that you know how to make the BEST Bloody Mary recipe, it's easy to tailor it to your own taste.
- Like it a little spicier? Up the black pepper or tabasco.
- Looking for something a little milder, omit the horseradish or add more lemon juice.
- I love to add a little tang to mine and pour a little bit of dill pickle juice before serving. If you're a dill pickle fan like me, you will love it too!
Garnishes
Most people would argue that the garnishes are the best part of a Bloody Mary! We love to keep it simple and garnish with a simple make-ahead skewer of shrimp, pickles, and olives.
But many times you see garnishes that are equivalent to meals, so let your creative juices flow! Just be sure to include a beer chaser.
Remember, there is no wrong way to garnish this tasty brunch cocktail. Your way is the best way.
FAQS
No special equipment required! You can make restaurant-worthy bloodies with nothing more than a jigger, a cocktail shaker and a bar spoon.
And if you don't have those, use a measuring cup, mason jar, and regular spoon!
Some believe it was created by Fernand "Pete" Petiot at the King Cole Bar in the St. Regis Hotel back in the 20s. Originally called the "Red Snapper," it was based on a concoction he was serving while bartending in Paris.
Others believe that it dates to the ruling time of the ruthless Queen Mary I of England. The tomato juice represents "spilled blood," and the vodka "firewater" symbolizes the queen's brutal executions.
However you believe this classic cocktail was created, brunch was forever changed.
I'm so glad you asked! In the Upper Midwest, you will always get a little beer chaser called a beer back with your Bloody Mary.
This little 3-ounce beer is a perfect companion to your brunch cocktail and is unique to the Midwest.
More Brunch Recipes
Check out all of our Vodka Cocktail Recipes!
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Recipe
Bloody Mary
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 8 oz Tomato Juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp. Tabasco Sauce
- ¾ teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ teaspoon horseradish
- olives and celery for garnish
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Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice
- Add all ingredients to the shaker.
- Cover tightly and shake vigorously to combine ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice and garnish.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Like it a little spicier? Up the black pepper or tabasco.
- Looking for something a little milder, omit the horseradish or add more lemon juice.
- Use Absolut Peppar for an extra little kick, otherwise use your favorite type of vodka
- The garnishes make this drink, so don't forget them! We love to use olives, shrimp and cheese.
- Don't forget the chaser! In the Midwest, you will always get a little beer chaser called a beer back with your Bloody Mary. This little 3-ounce beer is a perfect companion to your brunch cocktail. Try it-you will love it!
VIDEO
Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
Melissa Sperka says
How fun, you ladies KNOW how to throw a party!
Thanks, Melissa!