Bloody Mary Recipe - Will Cook For Smiles (2024)

Created: Updated: by Lyuba Brooke 14 Comments *This post may contain affiliate links. Read More...

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Bloody Mary is the best way to enjoy Sunday brunch! This spicy tomato based co*cktail is incredibly easy to make with bold ingredients like smoked paprika, horseradish, olive juice and more. Trust me, this classic co*cktail is anything but bland!

If you’re hosting a brunch party, you’ll definitely need more easy Brunch co*cktails for your friends to enjoy!

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Table of Contents

I have a little secret ingredient in this Bloody Mary recipe that has forever changed how I enjoy this co*cktail! I’ve been sipping on this classic brunch beverage for years, but ever since I swapped one key ingredient with something a little different, I’ve never looked back… Typically, this classic co*cktail has a base of tomato juice, but I love to use V8 juice instead!

Before you turn up your nose at my V8 juice, hear me out. Not only does it add bolder flavor from the blend of vegetables, but it also makes the drink a little bit healthier! Plus, V8 is shelf-stable, so it’s easy to always have a bottle ready for mixing up brunch co*cktails. When I’m up cooking breakfast or brunch in the morning, I like my recipes to be a little more convenient, so grabbing a trusty container of V8 juice really does the trick for me.

There’s 3 oz of vodka in this recipe, which I’ve found to be just the right amount. It’s certainly a strong drink meant for sipping on slowly and really enjoying the flavors. With that being said, the vodka is tamed by all of the bold ingredients in the mix! Horseradish, smoked paprika, olive juice, hot sauce and more mix with the V8 juice and vodka to create a seriously good (and spicy) Bloody Mary that you won’t soon forget.

Ingredient Notes

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V8 Juice – Because the glass is rimmed in salt and there’s sodium from the other ingredients, you may want to use the low-sodium variety.

Vodka – Mix up different blends by using gin, tequila, or even light beer instead.

Horseradish – This adds heat to the drink, but can easily be left out if you don’t like it or don’t have any on hand.

Olive Juice – Any kind will work, but the juice from green or pimento-stuffed olives will blend best with the other flavors.

Hot Sauce – Use your favorite blend of hot sauce, such as Tabasco, Cholula, or Tapatio. Even Sriracha sauce would be a fantastic choice!

Rim Salt – Create your own flavored salt using other spices. Good choices would be cumin, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or celery salt.

See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and quantities.

PRO TIP: The colder the better, so refrigerate the V8 before mixing up this drink and make sure to use plenty of ice when preparing. You can even chill your glass in the freezer first if you’d like.

How to Make a Bloody Mary

Make the rim salt blend – Stir the sea salt, paprika, and chili powder together in a small bowl, then spread into a thin layer on a plate or shallow dish (4).

Prep the glass – Run a wedge of lime around the edge of the glass to wet it. Next, flip the glass upside down and tap or twist the rim of the glass in the salt blend until coated.

Make the drink – Add all of the ingredients to a co*cktail shaker with ice and shake (1, 2, 3). Pour directly into the glass or add fresh ice to the glass and strain the drink over the top.

Garnish and serve – Serve as is or add as many garnishes as you’d like!

PRO TIP: While this spicy Bloody Mary recipe is delicious freshly made, some say it’s even better when the flavors have had a chance to blend with each other. To do this, combine everything but the vodka and refrigerate for at least an hour, then shake with the alcohol and serve.

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Recipe FAQs

Can I make a Bloody Mary ahead of time?

Yes! If you’ll be serving this to guests or just want a larger batch ready to go, you can make a pitcher of the drink base and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just give it a stir and shake individual portions with the vodka, or add the vodka straight to the pitcher and stir well before each pour.

Is this Bloody Mary spicy?

What makes this co*cktail on the spicier side are the additions of horseradish and hot sauce. Feel free to add more or less of those two ingredients to adjust the level of spice in your co*cktail.

How do I garnish a Bloody Mary?

The sky’s the limit! Some restaurants are even known for their elaborate garnishes for this co*cktail. Have some fun with any of these options (or whatever else your heart desires):

Olives, pickles, bacon, Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies, cheese cubes, Cajun Grilled Shrimp, jalapeños, crunchy veggies (like carrots or celery), salami, pepperoni, or even a hard boiled egg!

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More Easy co*cktail Recipes

Spicy Margarita

Daiquiri

Dirty Martini

Michelada

Piña Colada

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Bloody Mary

A spicy tomato based vodka co*cktail many people enjoy for brunch. Make it with V8 juice and adjust spice to your own taste.

5 from 5 votes

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Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1

Calories: 259kcal

Author: Lyuba Brooke

Ingredients

  • 6 oz V8 juice preferably low sodium
  • 3 oz vodka
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp horseradish
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika*
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive juice from jar of olives
  • 2 tsp lime juice about 1 wedge
  • 1-2 dashes hot sauce

Rim Salt:

  • 1 tbsp sea salt flaky or fine
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine sea salt, chili powder, and paprika for the salt rim seasoning and mix it well. Spread it in a small shallow plate.

  • Use a lime wedge to rub the rim of a tall glass with some lime juice. (This will help seasoned salt stick to it better.

  • Tap the rim of a glass into the seasoned salt all around the perimeter. Fill the glass with ice 1/2-3/4 way full. (It's a personal choice.)

  • Combine all ingredients in a co*cktail shaker, close it tight, and vigorously shake for 20-25 seconds.

  • Have fun with the garnishes and make them as elaborate as you want.

  • Serve right away and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Use V8: Not only does it addbolder flavorfrom the blend of vegetables, but it also makes the drink a little bithealthier! Plus, V8 is shelf-stable, so it’s easy toalways have a bottle ready for mixing up brunch co*cktails.
  • Refrigerate the V8 before mixing up this drinkand make sure to use plenty of ice when preparing. You can evenchill your glassin the freezer first if you’d like.
  • Make Ahead: While this co*cktail is delicious freshly made, some say it’s even better when the flavors have had a chance to blend with each other. To do this, combine everything but the vodka and refrigerate for at least an hour, then shake with the alcohol and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7491mg | Potassium: 376mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2339IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @willcookforsmiles and tag #willcookforsmiles

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ABOUT LYUBA

I’m Lyuba Brooke, mother of 2, the cook, recipe developer, photographer, and author behind willcookforsmiles.com. I share many classic and original recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials. My passion is sharing delicious meals for everyone to try. Read more...

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Bloody Mary Recipe - Will Cook For Smiles (2024)

FAQs

Bloody Mary Recipe - Will Cook For Smiles? ›

V8 – My go-to tomato juice for making the best Bloody Mary recipe! I like how viscous it is, as well as the acidity, without an overwhelming amount of saltiness. Vodka – I like using a vodka that doesn't have too much flavor on its own, or one that has a bit of spice and bitterness to go with our tomato juice.

Is V8 better than tomato juice for Bloody Mary? ›

V8 – My go-to tomato juice for making the best Bloody Mary recipe! I like how viscous it is, as well as the acidity, without an overwhelming amount of saltiness. Vodka – I like using a vodka that doesn't have too much flavor on its own, or one that has a bit of spice and bitterness to go with our tomato juice.

What is in Mr and Mrs T Bloody Mary mix? ›

Ingredients: WATER, CANE SUGAR, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE, SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, POTASSIUM SORBATE (PRESERVATIVE), ACACIA GUM, POLYSORBATE 60, ESTER GUM, YELLOW 5, YELLOW 6, CARAMEL COLOR.

What is a Bloody Mary mix with vodka already in it? ›

The Zing Zang Bloody Mary Canned co*cktail combines the same Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix with high quality, gluten-free American vodka (six-times distilled), to create a robust and spicy bartender-quality co*cktail.

What's the best vodka for a Bloody Mary? ›

Absolut Peppar

This vodka is a superb choice for those who love pepper and a little extra heat in their favorite brunch co*cktail. Launched in 1986, it was the first clear flavored vodka imported to the United States. This spirit was created specifically for a Bloody Mary recipe.

Can I use vegetable juice instead of tomato juice in a Bloody Mary? ›

There is no one "best" juice to use for a Bloody Mary, as personal taste preferences can vary greatly. Some common juices that are often used in Bloody Marys include 100% Tomato juice, Clamato, Vegetable juice and even green tomatillo juice.

Does V8 tomato juice lower blood pressure? ›

The participants in the study with borderline high blood pressure who drank one to two servings of V8 juice lowered their blood pressure significantly.

Is Bloody Mary mix bad for you? ›

Bloody Marys are actually healthy co*cktails.

In addition to electrolytes, sodium, potassium, and Vitamin C, tomatoes also contain lycopene, which is high in antioxidants. Lycopene helps to combat the toxins in the liver (like the toxins that you consumed while drinking the night before.)

How do you doctor up a Bloody Mary mix? ›

How to make the best Bloody Mary? Skip the mix and doctor up your tomato juice from scratch with horseradish, Worcestershire, and hot sauce. Kenji is the former culinary director for Serious Eats and a current culinary consultant for the site.

Does Mrs T's Bloody Mary mix go bad? ›

Over time, the flavor and texture of the mix may deteriorate, making it less enjoyable to drink. Factors that can affect the quality of Bloody Mary mix include exposure to light, heat, and air. To prolong the shelf life of the mix, it's important to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

What is the difference between a Bloody Mary and a dirty Bloody Mary? ›

A Dirty Bloody Mary is a variation of the classic Bloody Mary co*cktail. It typically includes the addition of olive brine, giving it a 'dirty' twist. This addition adds a savory, salty depth to the traditional mix of tomato juice, vodka, and various seasonings.

What alcohol is best with Bloody Mary mix? ›

Employing vodka ensures that the beverage hews to the classic Bloody Mary formula. But using a different spirit base, say tequila or gin, is welcomed or even encouraged. Variations like the Red Snapper use gin, while the Bloody Maria opts for tequila.

Is Bloody Mary a mans drink? ›

While there's no doubt that a Bloody Mary is certainly tasty when made properly, even the best-made Bloody Mary isn't generally considered one of the manly vodka drinks to order when you saddle up to a bar.

What juice makes vodka taste better? ›

Fruit juices like cranberry, pineapple, and pomegranate bring a burst of fruity sweetness to vodka co*cktails. These juices not only add a delightful flavor but also introduce vibrant colors to your drinks.

What do you drink if you like Bloody Mary? ›

Bloody Mary: Recipe, 3 Variations & 8 Alternatives
  • Michelada.
  • Caesar.
  • Red Snapper.
  • Virgin Mary (non-alcoholic)
  • Bloody Maria.
  • Screwdriver.
  • Salty Dog.
  • Mimosa.

What is another name for a Bloody Mary drink? ›

There are various theories as to the origin of the drink and its name. It has many variants, most notably the red snapper (also called Bloody Margaret), Bloody Maria (made with tequila blanco), and the Virgin Mary.

Which is better V8 or tomato juice? ›

The V8 juice is a better source of vitamins A and C, while the tomato juice is a better source of potassium and iron. A 1-cup serving of V8 juice contains 72 mg of vitamin C, 2,000 IU of vitamin A, 0.73 mg of iron and 469 mg of potassium.

Which is healthier V8 or Clamato? ›

If you're looking for a healthy vegetable juice, V8 vegetable juice makes a better choice than Clamato juice. Unlike Clamato, V8 vegetable juice doesn't contain any added sugar and its list of ingredients includes the reconstituted juice of tomatoes, carrots, celery, beets, parsley and other healthy vegetables.

Can I use V8 instead of tomato juice? ›

V8 Juice

It can be used as a substitute for tomato juice in many recipes, and it adds a unique blend of flavors to your dish.

Is V8 as good as juicing? ›

While V8 contains purees of all sorts of vegetables, drinking V8 should not take the place of eating vegetables. Nutrients are lost in the pasteurizing process, and most of the fiber is removed in the form of pulp. Vegetable juices have become big business these days.

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