This is the best Bloody Mary recipe to take your brunch or tailgate to the next level. Simple to make and with the perfect amount of spice, you can easily make one drink or a whole pitcher.
Bloody Marys are a classic brunch and tailgating staple. While you can buy premade mixes at the store, you can easily make your own Bloody Mary at home for an even more delicious vodka cocktail. Another perk of making your own mix: you control the flavor!
Bloody Mary Ingredients
These Bloody Marys come together with just a handful of common ingredients, making them quick and easy to make, as well as easily flexible with the spicy ingredients.
- Tomato juice: You can make your own by putting ripe tomatoes in a blender or use store-bought juice.
- Lemon juice: Fleshly squeezed is always preferred for freshness, but pre-squeezed lemon juice will also work in this recipe.
- Vodka: Use a vodka you like the flavor of. Tito’s is our go-to.
- Worcestershire sauce: A savory and sweet condiment with a vinegar base.
- Salt and pepper
- Tabasco sauce: This adds the kick! Don’t worry, you can add less or more than this recipe suggests depending on your spice preferences. See more on this below.
How to Make a Bloody Mary
This tomato and vodka cocktail can be made in one glass or pitcher since all of the ingredients combine at the same time. For the full measurements and instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Mix all ingredients. Stir together tomato juice, lemon juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper
- Pour over ice.
- Garnish and enjoy! See more on garnish options below.
Pro Tip!
Start by adding the recommended amount of tabasco sauce. If you like your bloody mary spicier, add a little bit more and taste. It can get spicy fast so add very small amounts until it is spicy enough.
Serving
We recommend waiting to add the vodka until you are ready to serve. This keeps the cocktail fresh and allows guests to enjoy a nonalcoholic bloody mary if they prefer. Leftover mix can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. The sky is the limit when it comes to Bloody Mary garnish. You can go as extravagant as adding a cheeseburger slider or as simple as no garnish at all, and your cocktail will still be delicious. See below for some of our favorite garnishes for a Bloody Mary bar!
- Pickles
- Celery
- Olives
- A splash of pickle juice or olive brine
- Cheese cubes
- Celery salt
- Horseradish
Bloody Mary Variations
- Skip the vodka to have virgin Bloody Marys. Each person can add a splash of vodka to their glass if they want it to have alcohol.
- A Bloody Mary with tequila instead of vodka makes the drink a Bloody Maria.
- Clamato juice instead of tomato juice creates a Bloody Caesar cocktail.
- Switch out Tabasco sauce for another hot sauce to change up the spice in your Bloody Mary.
Other Brunch Drink Ideas
If you make this Bloody Mary recipe, leave a comment and let us know what you think. We love hearing from you!
Bloody Mary
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- pinch of pepper
- dash of Tabasco sauce
Instructions
- Fill a pint glass 3/4 of the way full with ice.
- Combine all ingredients and stir well.
- Garnish with all sorts of delicious things.
- Drink and enjoy!
Jenn says
Add Cucumber & tomato vodka with bacon. Bam! Deliciousness!!