Spicy Mary Recipe
Infused Pepper Vodka and Our Homemade Bloody Mary Mix
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Spicy Pepper-Infused Vodka
Homemade Bloody Mary Mix (makes ~4 cocktails)
Garnishes & Assembly (per cocktail)
Method
Spicy Pepper-Infused Vodka
- 1
Prepare peppers
Wash jalapeños and bird's eye chiles. Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise; leave seeds in for more heat or remove for milder infusion. Lightly crush the dried bird's eye chiles to release oils.
- 2
- 3
Infusion time
Let the mixture sit at room temperature out of direct sunlight for 24–48 hours, tasting every 12 hours. For a medium heat and clear pepper flavor, 24 hours is often enough; up to 48 hours will be hotter and more pepper-forward. Do not exceed 72 hours to avoid overly vegetal or bitter flavors.
- 4
Strain and finish
When the desired heat is reached, strain vodka through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean bottle. Discard solids. Add freshly cracked black pepper to the bottle and give it a gentle shake to integrate the aromatics. Chill before using.
Homemade Bloody Mary Mix
- 5
Combine base ingredients
In a pitcher, combine tomato juice, lemon juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, prepared horseradish, and hot sauce. Whisk until homogenous.
- 6
Season
Add smoked paprika, celery salt, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, Old Bay (if using), and sugar. Whisk thoroughly and taste. Adjust hot sauce, salt, or sugar to achieve a balance of savory, spicy, and bright acidity.
- 7
Chill and rest
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) to let flavors marry. Stir again before serving. This mix will keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days; stir or shake before use, and discard if it smells off.
Garnish & Assembly (per cocktail)
- 8
Prepare the glass rim
Run a lime wedge around the rim of a highball or pint glass. On a small plate, mix a pinch of coarse salt with cracked black pepper. Dip the glass rim into the mixture to coat as desired.
- 9
Assemble the cocktail
Fill the prepared glass with 6–8 ice cubes. Pour 1.5 oz pepper-infused vodka over the ice, then add 4 oz chilled Bloody Mary mix. Stir gently to combine (about 8–10 strokes) so the cocktail chills and dilutes slightly.
- 10
