Bloody Mary
The undisputed king of brunch cocktails, the Bloody Mary is a complex, savory, and restorative drink that's a meal in a glass. This classic recipe gives you the perfect foundation to customize the spice and flavor to your exact preference.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 4 oz High-Quality Tomato Juice
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2-4 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
- 2-3 dashes Tabasco (or other hot sauce)
- 1 tsp Prepared Horseradish
- 1 pinch Celery Salt
- 1 pinch Black Pepper
- Garnish: Celery Stalk & Lemon Wedge
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, prepared horseradish, celery salt, and black pepper.
- Shake Gently (or Roll): Seal the shaker and shake gently for about 10-15 seconds. The goal is to mix and chill the ingredients without making the tomato juice frothy. A professional technique is to "roll" the drink by pouring it back and forth between two shakers.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a highball glass with fresh ice. If you like a salted rim, rub a lemon wedge around the rim first and dip it in celery salt.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a fresh celery stalk and a lemon or lime wedge.
Pro Tips for Perfection
The Juice is Key: The quality of your tomato juice is paramount. Look for a rich, high-quality juice. For a classic variation with more depth, try using Clamato juice, which turns your drink into a Bloody Caesar, Canada's national cocktail.
Customize Your Spice: This recipe is a starting point. The beauty of a Bloody Mary is making it your own. Love it spicier? Add more hot sauce or horseradish. Want more umami? Add another dash of Worcestershire. Some even add a splash of pickle brine for extra tang.
The Art of the Garnish: While a celery stalk is classic, the modern Bloody Mary is famous for its "extreme garnishes." Feel free to get creative! Olives, pickles, pickled green beans, shrimp, and even a strip of bacon can turn your drink into a true spectacle.