Harissa Bloody Mary Recipe

Combine and blend

In a large pitcher or bowl, add 6 cups tomato juice, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/2 cup harissa paste, 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional), and 1 tablespoon maple syrup.

Blend for texture

Whisk vigorously or use an immersion blender for 20–30 seconds until the harissa is fully incorporated and the mix is homogenous. Taste and adjust heat (add more harissa or hot sauce) or brightness (add more lemon/lime) as needed.

Chill and marry flavors

Add 2 cups of ice to the pitcher to rapidly chill, or refrigerate uncovered for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Remove any excess meltwater (if using ice) by straining briefly so the mix isn't diluted.

Storage

Transfer the mix to a sealed container and refrigerate. Keeps 4–5 days chilled. Stir or shake before using.

Cook bacon: Pan-fry or bake thick-cut bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels. If serving as a skewer garnish, keep one strip whole and cut another strip in half for layering on skewers.

Assemble bourbon jalapeños: If you have jarred bourbon jalapeños, drain well. Slice into 2 pieces each (if large) and set aside.

Prepare Sink pickle spear: Cut large dill spear into half lengthwise if very large so it sits comfortably on a glass rim.

Skewer components: On a cocktail pick or small skewer, thread in order: green olive (pitted), pepperoncini, 2 bourbon jalapeño slices, and fold or thread bacon. Reserve for garnish.

Rim the glass: On a small plate combine 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground celery seed, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a tall glass, then dip rim into the seasoning to coat evenly.

Fill the rimmed glass with 1 cup of ice to chill the glass.

Measure 2 oz Tito's vodka into a mixing glass or shaker filled with a little ice. If making a batch, mix vodka into the chilled harissa mix at a 1:4 ratio (example: per cocktail 2 oz vodka to 6 oz mix).

Add 5–6 oz (about 3/4 cup) of the chilled harissa Bloody Mary mix into the shaker with vodka. Gently roll or stir for 8–10 seconds to combine and slightly chill without over-diluting.

Strain or pour the combined cocktail into the prepared glass over fresh ice (top up if necessary so drink reaches ~1/2 inch from rim).

Garnish: Place the cocktail skewer across the top of the glass and tuck the celery stalk into the glass. Add the Sink pickle spear to the rim or skewer as preferred.

Optional finishing: Grind a little extra black pepper over the top and add a small drop of harissa on the foam or surface for presentation.