The Bloody Mary is a savory brunch cocktail built around bright tomato juice, citrus, pepper, spice, and a crisp celery garnish.
Stir the drink gently over ice instead of shaking it, tasting as you go so the Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, and hot sauce stay balanced rather than overpowering the tomato.
Chill the tomato juice and vodka before mixing. A cold base means less melting ice and a more concentrated, refreshing drink.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with brunch foods such as eggs, smoked salmon, avocado toast, or a crisp salad. Add olives, pickles, or a lemon wedge to the rim.
Recipe Notes
Mix the base without ice up to one day ahead and refrigerate. Stir well, pour over fresh ice, and garnish just before serving.
Classic Bloody Mary
A savory tomato cocktail balanced with lemon, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, and celery salt.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Two tall glasses
- Jigger
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 2 cups tomato juice chilled
- 4 oz vodka chilled
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp prepared horseradish adjust to taste
- 1 tsp hot sauce adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp celery salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups ice
Garnishes
- 2 stalks celery
- 2 wedges lemon
- 4 green olives
Instructions
Mix:
- Add the tomato juice, vodka, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, celery salt, and pepper to a mixing glass.
- Stir gently until well combined. Taste and adjust the lemon, heat, or seasoning.
Serve:
- Fill two tall glasses with ice and divide the Bloody Mary between them.
- Garnish each glass with celery, a lemon wedge, and olives. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic Virgin Mary, replace the vodka with an equal amount of extra tomato juice or chilled vegetable juice.
- A pinch of smoked paprika adds gentle depth without making the drink sweeter.
Nutrition
Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gSodium: 720mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7g