Bloody Mary Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones
July 6, 2025

Image source: theBar.com

Prep Time

5 minutes

Servings

1

Glassware

Highball Glass

Ingredients

1½ oz vodka (45 ml)
3 oz tomato juice (90 ml)
½ oz fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
Pinch of salt and pepper
Celery stalk, lemon wedge, and/or olives, for garnish

Tools

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Jigger
Citrus juicer
Bar spoon
Mixing glass or shaker tin
Strainer (optional)
Paring knife (for garnish)

Directions

Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
Roll the mixture by pouring it back and forth between two tins (do not shake) until well chilled and combined.
Strain into a highball or pint glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a celery stalk, lemon wedge and/or olives.

Mixologist's Notes

Rolling the drink instead of shaking keeps the texture smooth and tomato juice intact.
Adjust the heat, spice, and garnish to match your preference.
Make it in batches for brunch parties—just scale the ingredients.

Flavor Profile

Savory, spicy, and tangy with rich tomato depth, bright citrus, and a peppery finish.

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Bloody Mary Recipe Poster

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About the Bloody Mary cocktail

The Bloody Mary is one of the most iconic brunch cocktails ever invented; spicy, savory, and unapologetically bold.

Its origin story is as murky as the drink itself. Some credit Fernand Petiot, a bartender at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris in the 1920s, with creating the first version.

Others say it evolved later in New York when vodka became more widely available.

One thing’s clear: the combination of vodka, tomato juice, spice, and citrus has become a beloved cure-all and ritual.

From diners to high-end brunch menus, it’s practically a meal in a glass.

Why the Bloody Mary Stays in the Spotlight

The Bloody Mary cocktail recipe isn’t just a drink, it’s an experience.

You get savory tomato, zesty citrus, umami Worcestershire, and a good dash of heat from hot sauce and horseradish. It’s built for slow sipping, ideally alongside eggs, toast, or the company of aspirin.

It's endlessly customizable too. You can tweak the heat, the garnish, or the rim seasoning to suit your morning mood.

Variations, Garnishes, and Brunch Pairings

Part of the fun of a Bloody Mary is dressing it up.

Try pickle juice or olive brine for extra depth.
Swap vodka for tequila (Bloody Maria) or gin (Red Snapper).
Add celery salt, Cajun seasoning, or smoked paprika to the rim.

As for garnishes, go wild. Celery, bacon, shrimp, pickles, olives, cheese cubes, and mini sliders have all made appearances. It’s brunch. No one’s judging.

Food pairings are easy: eggs Benedict, hash browns, fried chicken, biscuits, or anything salty and savory. The Mary complements bold flavors beautifully.