Rating: 3.77
(82)

Bloody Mary Cocktail

October 5, 2023

Popularity of the Bloody Mary Cocktail

The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail known for its bold, savory flavor and iconic brunch-time status. Made with vodka, tomato juice, and a variety of spices and seasonings, this drink is both refreshing and complex, a unique blend of heat, tang, and umami.

To make a traditional Bloody Mary, combine vodka with tomato juice, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (like Tabasco), horseradish, and a dash of celery salt and black pepper. Shake well or stir over ice until chilled. It’s typically served in a tall glass, like a highball or pint glass, rimmed with salt or celery salt for extra flavor.

What sets the Bloody Mary apart is its incredible customizability. You can make it as spicy or as mild as you like, and it can be garnished simply with a celery stick or extravagantly with pickles, olives, shrimp, bacon, or even mini sliders. Some bars even serve Bloody Marys as full meals in a glass!

The origins of the Bloody Mary are a bit murky, but most accounts trace it back to the 1920s or ’30s, possibly to Harry’s New York Bar in Paris or the St. Regis Hotel in New York. Regardless of where it began, it’s become a brunch staple and a favorite hangover cure, thanks to its hydrating base and savory ingredients.

This cocktail is perfect for weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or as a conversation-starting drink at parties. It’s a versatile, grown-up cocktail that invites creativity, and maybe a bit of drama in presentation.

Whether you’re a fan of spice or simply enjoy an unconventional cocktail, the Bloody Mary is a bold and timeless choice.

A Classic and Refreshing Choice

The Bloody Mary cocktail is known for its refreshing and invigorating taste. It is often enjoyed as a brunch or daytime cocktail, but can also be a delightful choice for a nighttime gathering. Its unique blend of flavors makes it a satisfying and versatile drink suitable for any occasion.

Health Benefits

While the Bloody Mary cocktail is not typically considered a health drink, it does contain a variety of ingredients that provide certain health benefits. The primary ingredient, tomato juice, is rich in antioxidants and beneficial nutrients such as vitamins A and C. Additionally, the cocktail often incorporates celery, which is low in calories and a good source of fiber.

It is worth noting that the Bloody Mary cocktail is often customized with various garnishes, spices, and even hot sauces, which can alter the nutritional content and overall health benefits. Moderation and mindful ingredient choices are key when enjoying this classic cocktail.

Bloody Mary Cocktail
Bloody Mary Cocktail
3.77 from 82 votes
A classic and refreshing cocktail for any occasion
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 4 oz tomato juice
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • hot sauce
  • Salt and pepper
  • celery stalk for garnish
  • lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a shaker, combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce, a few dashes of hot sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Shake well to combine.
  • Pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
  • Garnish with a celery stalk and a lemon wedge.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1g
Calories: 120kcal
Meal Type: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cocktail, cocktails
Cooking Method: Nobake
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. 2 stars
    I dunno, I thought it needed more spice. Tried it twice, still too bland.

  2. 1 star
    Seems like too many ingredients for a cocktail, can’t I just pour vodka in tomato juice? Guess I’ll never know.

    1. User avatar ossie.terry says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean! But trust me, the flavors mix better if you follow the recipe. The Worcestershire and hot sauce add a kick! 🌶️

  3. 3 stars
    Idk what you’re talkin about, but I always mix my drinks differently. This one is okay, but not great.

  4. User avatar tynisha.nicolas79 says:

    3 stars
    What even is Worcestershire sauce? I used soy sauce instead. Still was alright.

  5. 2 stars
    I don’t get why people love this drink. It’s just tomato juice, right? Tried it once and not a fan.

  6. User avatar Ms. Matt Conn says:

    4 stars
    I made this the other day but forgot the celery. Still delicious but it looked naked lol.

  7. User avatar cindie.bahringer85 says:

    4 stars
    Simply delicious! A classic!

  8. User avatar india.little90 says:

    2 stars
    Came out too acidic for me. Next time I’ll cut the lemon juice in half. Also, I had no celery so I used cucumber—still decent lol.

  9. User avatar Frost Atronach says:

    3 stars
    I tried this recipe but it came out too salty. Maybe put less salt next time?

    1. User avatar sofia.hammes15 says:

      3 stars
      Too salty? I don’t even put salt in mine! But maybe you’re right, just try to taste it before serving next time.

    2. User avatar barton.schaden says:

      4 stars
      I think that depends on personal taste! You could totally skip the salt and use a pinch instead. Everyone likes it different, right?

  10. User avatar frederic.stracke61 says:

    4 stars
    I dont like celery… but the drink is still good. Just took it out. 🥴

  11. User avatar mark.adams62 says:

    5 stars
    5 stars!! With a little more lemon juice it’s unbeatable! Perfect for a hangover cure.

  12. User avatar mui.stamm70 says:

    3 stars
    Good recipe, but do you really need the Worcestershire sauce? 🤔

  13. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    3 stars
    Meh, I think it’s too tomatoey. I prefer mine more spicy without the Worcestershire. Just my opinion.

  14. User avatar forrest.sanford says:

    4 stars
    Pretty solid, but I think “a few dashes” is too vague. I used one kind of hot sauce and it was either mild or way too spicy depending on the bottle. Would love a measurement.

  15. User avatar Lumberjack says:

    5 stars
    This is the best Bloody Mary I’ve ever made! So fresh and flavorful. Will definitely share this recipe!

  16. 5 stars
    Nothin’ like a Bloody Mary to kick off the weekend! 🍹

  17. User avatar angella.schaefer1 says:

    4 stars
    Really enjoyed this! Perfect for brunch. Will make again!

    1. User avatar mose.ward67 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you liked it! Brunches are the best, especially with a good Bloody Mary!

    2. 3 stars
      I tried it, but too much vodka for me. Kinda strong. Maybe less vodka next time?

  18. User avatar Paula Nancy Millstone Jennings says:

    2 stars
    Why shake it with ice if you’re just gonna pour it over ice anyway? I think stirring would be better and less watery.

    1. 4 stars
      I get what you mean, but shaking helps chill and fully mix the lemon/tomato/vodka so it tastes more “even” instead of like watery tomato with pockets of citrus. Pouring over fresh ice still dilutes a bit either way, though.

  19. 5 stars
    Just WOW! I added some pickle juice and it was so good! A must-try!

  20. User avatar dalton.gibson2021 says:

    2 stars
    Tried it for the first time. Is it supposed to taste this strong? I didn’t like it much.

    1. User avatar josue.rippin says:

      4 stars
      I think it depends on personal taste! Bloody Marys can be pretty bold. Maybe try using less hot sauce next time?

    2. 3 stars
      Strong? I dunno, that’s how it is! You might just not like tomato juice. Or vodka too much?

  21. 1 star
    Why do you people like this? It’s basically tomato soup.

  22. User avatar Ebony Fahey PhD says:

    2 stars
    Tried it but I think I got the proportions wrong?😂 Not the best.

  23. User avatar elijah.gulgowski78 says:

    5 stars
    Love this—simple, classic, and the lemon really brightens it up. I like adding a pinch of smoked paprika on top too.

  24. 5 stars
    This was amazing! I added some Pickles and it was even better. 🥒

  25. User avatar madalene.bailey says:

    5 stars
    This is the best drink!!!!! Would recommend for brunch!!

    1. User avatar Wispmother says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! It’s a perfect way to start a Sunday!

    2. User avatar dodie.goldner18 says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, I think a mimosa is better for brunch. But, to each their own!

  26. User avatar trevor.buckridge says:

    3 stars
    Too much lemon for my taste. Next time I’ll use less lemon juice.

  27. User avatar hilario.hickle27 says:

    3 stars
    Real talk: Isn’t a Bloody Mary just a way for people to drink in the morning without feeling guilty? 🤔

    1. 3 stars
      Nah, I think it’s more about the taste and the fun of mixing it up. Not every drink is about hiding guilt! 🤷‍♂️

    2. User avatar miquel.towne says:

      5 stars
      Totally! It’s like a savory breakfast in a glass. 😂

  28. User avatar yasmin.hoeger64 says:

    5 stars
    This Bloody Mary recipe is the best! Super easy to make and delicious. I added a bit more hot sauce for an extra kick!

  29. 5 stars
    I replaced vodka with gin and it turned out yummyyy!!

  30. 5 stars
    Yummm! Tried adding a pinch of cumin, mega improvement! 🔥

  31. User avatar raymond.windler31 says:

    5 stars
    This drink is an absolute game changer! Love the spice. 🌶️

    1. User avatar young.tromp63 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! The spice really adds a kick! 🔥 Can’t imagine brunch without it!

    2. User avatar carylon.wiegand says:

      2 stars
      Hmm, I’ve tried Bloody Marys before, but they always taste too weird for me. 🤔

  32. User avatar Dwarven Shpere says:

    4 stars
    Lol “few dashes” is not precise 😂 but I tried it and it was decent.

    1. User avatar marcell.steuber32 says:

      2 stars
      Honestly I think you’re supposed to use ketchup instead of tomato juice? My uncle made one like that and it was way better. Tomato juice tastes too plain to me.

    2. User avatar Dr. Gero says:

      5 stars
      Right?? “a few dashes” is so vague 😂 I usually do like 1/2 tsp each and it’s much more consistent. Glad it worked for you though!

  33. User avatar ewa.osinski5 says:

    4 stars
    Easy to follow instructions, but my husband didn’t like it… I guess he ain’t a fan of tomato drinks.

  34. User avatar cherilyn.moore says:

    2 stars
    Are you sure this is a cocktail? It looks more like soup! 😂

  35. User avatar Michael83 says:

    3 stars
    I think there’s too much vodka. I couldn’t taste the tomato at all!

  36. User avatar steve_maga says:

    5 stars
    This is the best Bloody Mary I’ve ever made! So tasty!

    1. User avatar malik.heidenreich says:

      5 stars
      Glad to hear you loved it! I always add a dash of pickle juice for extra flavor. Have you tried that?

  37. User avatar Draugr Scourge says:

    4 stars
    I don’t drink alcohol but this looks tasty! Can I make it without vodka?

  38. User avatar david.kovacek11 says:

    3 stars
    How long does this keep? I made a big batch for a party and I don’t want it to go bad. Help!

  39. User avatar ArabianNights says:

    5 stars
    Awesome drink! I added pickles too. Made it even better!

  40. User avatar Mr. Sharleen Fahey says:

    5 stars
    Tried this and it came out way better than I expected—nice balance of tang and heat. I added extra Worcestershire like my uncle does and it really deepened the flavor.

    1. User avatar sol.wolff says:

      5 stars
      That sounds awesome—extra Worcestershire is such a good move. I’ve found tomato juice can be a little flat, so adding that umami really helps. What hot sauce did you use?

  41. User avatar ian.marks11 says:

    4 stars
    Not bad at all. The lemon juice cuts through the tomato heaviness nicely. I’d make it again for brunch, for sure.

    1. User avatar aaron.greenfelder98 says:

      5 stars
      Agreed! That lemon really brightens it up—makes the tomato taste less heavy.

  42. 4 stars
    Why’s it called a ‘Bloody Mary’? Is there a story behind that or somethin?

    1. User avatar Gag Halfrunt says:

      5 stars
      I don’t know about that story, but I just love the drink! Perfect for brunch!

    2. User avatar carie.greenholt80 says:

      4 stars
      I’ve heard it’s named after Queen Mary I of England! She was known for her bloody reign. Creepy, huh?

  43. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    5 stars
    Best Bloody Mary I’ve ever had! I’m make it every Sunday now.

    1. User avatar lupe.stoltenberg says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you love it! It’s perfect for hangovers too! 😄

  44. User avatar jaime.kuhlman says:

    3 stars
    I’m skeptical about vodka + tomato juice + lemon in a shaker. Like, does shaking even help? But yeah it still tasted good, just not restaurant-level.

  45. User avatar elois.graham1987 says:

    4 stars
    Pretty good but next time I’ll cut back on the Worcestershire. Mine tasted a little too salty/umami-heavy.

  46. 2 stars
    It was okay, but why so much lemon juice? I couldn’t taste the vodka at all!

  47. 1 star
    This was not what I expected. I thought it would be sweeter. Not for me.

    1. User avatar belle.conn41 says:

      3 stars
      Really? It’s not meant to be sweet. Maybe try adding some sugar next time? 🤷‍♂️

    2. User avatar hazel.douglas says:

      4 stars
      I get that! It’s not for everyone. I actually love it savory, but sweet would be better for sure.

  48. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    2 stars
    I’m not convinced about the lemon juice amount—mine came out kinda sour. Also I didn’t have Worcestershire so I used soy sauce and it was weird.

  49. User avatar Grandpa Gohan says:

    4 stars
    Perfect for brunch! Classic and simple. Love the celery garnish. 👍

  50. 5 stars
    Tastes like an actual bar Bloody Mary. I used a bit more hot sauce and it kicked harder than I expected (in a good way).

  51. User avatar Schule Donavitch says:

    4 stars
    Made this with friends. We all had a good laugh, but it was delicious! Can’t wait to do it again.

  52. User avatar Hillman Hunter says:

    4 stars
    OMG this is so good! Perfect for brunch with friends. I used pickle juice instead of Worcestershire and it was awesome!

    1. User avatar Thalia Armstrong says:

      5 stars
      Wow, pickle juice! That’s a clever twist! I never thought to do that. I’ll have to try it next time.

  53. User avatar jerold.nicolas20 says:

    5 stars
    This is basically my go-to Bloody Mary without the fuss. The vodka-to-juice ratio feels right. Garnish with celery is a must.

    1. User avatar alethea.larson86 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—celery on top makes it taste “right.” I do a little extra hot sauce than that though 😅

  54. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

    3 stars
    I followed it exactly and it was… fine. Not bad, just not super flavorful to me. Maybe my tomato juice was bland?

  55. User avatar shawn.jacobson59 says:

    5 stars
    I love a good Bloody Mary! Definitely refreshing. Did anyone else try adding bacon? So tasty!

  56. User avatar Sand-Dial says:

    3 stars
    I followed it exactly and it tasted… kinda flat. Maybe my tomato juice was too bland? Next time I’ll salt more and maybe add celery salt.

3.77 from 82 votes
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