Jul 14 2026

Bloody Mary Recipe

Time40m
Serves1

bloody mary mix and vodka substitute tequila to make it a bloody maria

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Ingredients

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Bloody Mary Mix

Garnishes (per serving)

Method

Bloody Mary Mix

  1. 1

    Combine base ingredients

    In a medium mixing pitcher, pour 2 cups tomato juice, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.

  2. 2

    Add heat and seasoning

    Stir in 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish, 6 drops hot sauce (adjust to heat preference), 1 teaspoon celery salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (if using).

  3. 3

    Adjust tang

    Add 1 teaspoon pickle or olive brine if you want an extra vinegary tang. Taste and adjust lemon juice, hot sauce, or salt to balance acidity and heat.

  4. 4

    Chill or rest

    Cover and refrigerate the mix for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld (mix can be used immediately if needed). Stir or shake well before using. This recipe yields about 2.5 cups of mix (enough for 5 servings).

Cocktail (per serving)

  1. 5

    Prepare glass

    Fill a highball or pint glass with about 1 cup ice cubes. Optional: rim the glass with lemon and celery salt before adding ice.

  2. 6

    Build the drink

    Pour 2 oz vodka (or substitute 2 oz tequila to make a Bloody Maria) over the ice. Add 4 oz (about 1/2 cup) of the prepared Bloody Mary mix.

  3. 7

    Mix

    Gently roll or stir the drink 6–8 times with a bar spoon (or cap and invert a shaker quickly once) to combine without over-diluting.

  4. 8

    Final adjustments

    Taste and adjust with additional hot sauce, lemon juice, or celery salt if desired.

Garnishes

  1. 9

    Skewer olives

    Thread 2 green olives onto a cocktail pick or skewer and rest across the glass rim or stand upright in the drink.

  2. 10

    Add celery and lemon

    Place 1 celery stalk in the glass as a stirrer and garnish with a lemon wedge on the rim.

  3. 11

    Serve

    Serve immediately while cold. Provide extra hot sauce and celery salt at the table for guests to customize.

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