Charred Bloody Mary Recipe

1. Char and Purée

Preheat a grill, grill pan, or heavy skillet over high heat until smoking hot. Toss the halved Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper quarters, onion quarters, and garlic with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place directly on the hot surface and char until blackened in spots and softened, about 3–6 minutes per side for larger pieces and 2–4 minutes for cherry tomatoes. Rotate to get even char without fully cooking to mush.

2. Transfer the charred vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add 4 oz tomato juice. Blend until mostly smooth but still slightly textured (about 20–30 seconds). If you prefer a very smooth mix, blend longer. Taste for seasoning and set aside to cool slightly.

3. In a cocktail shaker or large mixing glass, combine 2 oz vodka and 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice.

4. Add 4–5 tablespoons (approximately 2–3 oz equivalent) of the charred tomato purée/mixture (use about half of the purée made above; reserve any extra for another drink). Add 0.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 3 dashes of hot sauce, 0.25 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp prepared horseradish (if using), 0.25 tsp celery salt, 0.25 tsp sea salt, and 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper.

5. Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds to chill and dilute slightly. Unlike a shaken cocktail you intend to strain, a Bloody Mary is commonly built over ice; if you prefer, you can roll (stir gently) instead of fully shaking to preserve texture.

6. Prepare the glass: rub a lime wedge around the rim of a highball or pint glass. Mix smoked salt and a pinch of smoked paprika on a small plate, then dip the rim into the mixture to coat. Add 3 large ice cubes to the glass.

7. Strain the cocktail from the shaker into the prepared glass over the ice. If you prefer a chunkier texture, use a slotted spoon to transfer solids from the purée; for a smooth drink, fine strain.

8. Garnish with a celery stalk and the remaining lime wedge. Optional additional garnishes: charred pepper slice, cherry tomato on a skewer, cooked bacon, or a lemon slice.

9. Serve immediately. Stir gently before drinking to incorporate any settled solids.