Want to Spice Up Your Bloody Mary? Try This Recipe!

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Spicy Bloody Mary Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:10g

Alcohol %:14

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail with a rich history. It's believed to have been invented in the 1920s by a bartender named Fernand Petiot at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. The drink was originally a simple combination of vodka and tomato juice, but Petiot later added more spices when he moved to New York. The Spicy Bloody Mary variant is for those who like their cocktails with a kick. It's a favorite among brunch-goers and is often served as a hangover cure.

How Spicy Bloody Mary Tastes?

The Spicy Bloody Mary is a savory cocktail with a robust, tangy flavor. The tomato juice gives it a hearty base, while the vodka adds a clean, crisp bite. The addition of hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish gives it a spicy kick that lingers on the palate.

Interesting facts about Spicy Bloody Mary

  • The Bloody Mary is often served with a celery stalk as garnish, which can be used to stir the drink.
  • The cocktail is named after Queen Mary I of England, who was known for her violent attempts to re-establish Catholicism in England.
  • The Spicy Bloody Mary is a popular choice for brunch and is often paired with traditional breakfast foods.

Ingredients

  • Vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Tomato juice: 4 oz(120ml)
  • Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Worcestershire sauce: 2 dashes
  • Tabasco sauce: 2 dashes
  • Horseradish: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1 pinch
  • Pepper: 1 pinch
  • Celery stalk: 1
  • Garnish with lemon wedge and olives:

A few good options for Spicy Bloody Mary are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

Vodka is the alcohol base of our Spicy Bloody Mary, providing a neutral backdrop that allows the other flavors to shine. A 2 oz serving is just right to get a kick without overpowering the drink. If you skip the vodka, you'll miss the 'hair of the dog,' though non-alcoholic versions can be just as tasty with the right mix of ingredients.

Alex Green

Tomato Juice

Tomato juice is the backbone of any Bloody Mary, providing not only the iconic red color but also a rich, savory taste that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. 4 oz creates a balanced mix; less would make the drink too strong, more would dilate the punchy flavors.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice adds a fresh, citrusy zing and helps cut through the richness of the tomato juice. 1 oz brightens up the cocktail, but too much can overshadow the more subtle flavors.

Mary Mitkina

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce is the umami bomb that gives depth to our Bloody Mary. Two dashes are just enough to add complexity without turning the drink into a savory soup.

Alex Green

Tabasco Sauce

Tabasco gives that characteristic heat, and the two dashes here are enough to wake up your palate but not set it on fire. If you want it milder, just a dash will do, or none if you're not into spice at all.

Emma Rose

Horseradish

This is where the 'spicy' in our Spicy Bloody Mary comes from. A teaspoon of horseradish offers a distinctive, pungent warmth. Omitting it will result in a milder cocktail, but you'll lose some of the signature kick.

Mary Mitkina

Salt and Pepper

Just a pinch of each to season the drink, enhancing the other flavors. Salt elevates the tomato's natural taste, and pepper adds a background heat. Too much can make your cocktail a salty, spicy nightmare so tread carefully.

Alex Green

Celery Stalk

Used as a garnish and a stirrer, the celery stalk adds a crunchy texture and a fresh vegetal note that complements the richness of the drink.

Emma Rose

Garnish with Lemon Wedge and Olives

These garnishes elevate the visual appeal and offer a tangy bite (lemon) and a salty, briny contrast (olives) that match well with the cocktail's overall profile.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Spicy Bloody Mary Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add all ingredients.
  3. Shake and strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
  4. Garnish with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, and olives.

Pro Tips

  • Use high-quality tomato juice for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce and horseradish to your liking.
  • Serve immediately after shaking to maintain the frothy top.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings with Spicy Bloody Mary

Brunch Foods: A classic pairing is with brunch items such as eggs benedict, omelets, or even a simple bacon and eggs plate. The savory flavors of the cocktail complement the rich and often salty brunch foods.

Seafood: Try it with shrimp cocktail or fresh oysters. The acidity and spice of the Bloody Mary enhance the sweetness of the seafood.

Grilled Foods: The smokiness of grilled sausages or grilled vegetables is a nice contrast to the tangy and spicy cocktail.

Snacks: Pair with snacks like cheese platters, particularly stronger cheeses, or salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn.

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What you could change in Spicy Bloody Mary

  • Vodka can be substituted with gin for a different flavor profile.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka.
  • If you don't have horseradish, you can use a bit of wasabi or hot mustard instead.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Bloody Mary

  • Ingredients: Swap out regular vodka for a smoky mezcal.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but replace the vodka with mezcal. The smokiness of the mezcal will add a whole new dimension to the drink.
  • Flavor: Expect a sultry, smoky affair with the same spicy punch. It's a Bloody Mary that dances with the spirit of a late-night bonfire.

Green Mary

  • Ingredients: Use tomatillo juice instead of tomato juice, and add a slice of fresh jalapeño.
  • Recipe: Same as before, just switch the juices, and muddle a jalapeño slice in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
  • Flavor: This twist brings a tangy, zesty kick with a verdant twist, perfect for those who like their brunch with a side of friskiness.

Caribbean Mary

  • Ingredients: Include a dash of rum and a pinch of Caribbean jerk seasoning.
  • Recipe: Add the rum and jerk seasoning to the shaker along with the other ingredients and shake well.
  • Flavor: It'll transport your taste buds to the sandy beaches with a sweetly spiced touch, adding a vacation vibe to your sip.

In case you forgot basics how to make Spicy Bloody Mary

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Spicy Bloody Mary

What are some common variations of the Bloody Mary?

Besides the Spicy Bloody Mary, there's the Bloody Caesar (which uses Clamato instead of tomato juice), the Bloody Maria (which includes tequila instead of vodka), and the Virgin Mary (a non-alcoholic version). There's also the Red Snapper, a very old variation that uses gin.

How can I make my Bloody Mary spicier?

You can increase the amount of Tabasco Sauce or horseradish as per your taste. Additionally, you could experiment with spicier hot sauces, freshly chopped chillies, or a spicy rim salt.

Do all Bloody Mary cocktails come with the same garnishes?

No, garnishes for a Bloody Mary can often be a creative experiment. Typical garnishes include celery stalk, lemon wedge, and olives, but there are plenty of options like pickles, bacon strips, shrimp, or even sliders (miniaturized versions of a hamburger).

Is Bloody Mary only a brunch drink?

While the Bloody Mary is popularly associated with brunches and is often touted as a 'hangover cure', it's a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed anytime.

What kind of vodka is best used in a Bloody Mary?

While any good-quality vodka works for the Bloody Mary, choosing a quality vodka with a clean, neutral taste will not interfere with the strong flavors of the other ingredients.

Can I make a large batch of Bloody Mary for a party?

Yes, Bloody Mary is a great option for large batches. You can mix all non-alcoholic ingredients beforehand. When ready to serve, add vodka and ice, garnish each glass individually.

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