This Bloody Mary recipe makes a spicy, flavorful vodka cocktail. Make it a bloody Mary bar and add as many toppings as you’d like to get your drink just right!
It’s no secret I live for brunch. I’ve got tons of sweet and savory brunch recipes, like my chilaquiles. quiche Lorraine, and my dad’s famous breakfast potatoes (the best!), to name a couple. But I don’t think brunch counts unless there are bloody Marys involved. Savory and zesty with a kick, they’re my brunch beverage of choice. When it comes to bloody Marys, spare me the lone, flimsy stick of celery. I want my bloody super savory and fully loaded, please. The more the mary-ier (couldn’t help myself).
In This Post
You might say this cocktail looks like a salad in a glass. I definitely wouldn’t disagree. A loaded Bloody Mary is a bruncher’s dream. Snacking on all of the extra trimmings while waiting for your actual meal to arrive is kind of a necessity. Since it’s totally acceptable to sip one or two before noon, Bloody Marys are a favorite part of weekend brunches — just think of the powerhouse of vitamins you’re getting in each vitamin-fortified sip!
What’s in This Bloody Mary
As with most cocktails, each person has their own special ratio of Bloody Mary ingredients they like to use. But no matter what flavor and texture you prefer your homemade Bloody Mary to have, the number one rule is you must make it with a good Bloody Mary mix. While there are some decent bloody Mary mixes on the market, making your own bloody Mary mix guarantees a fresh and flavorful mix.
What is Bloody Mary Mix Made of
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tomato juice—I use regular tomato juice as the base for my mix but if you prefer a bit more bite, V-8 or Clamato have built-in flavor. Clamato is a bit thinner if you prefer the texture. I like to serve one mild option and one spicy. And then I spice it up even more once it hits my glass.
- Prepared hot horseradish (regular strength is fine if you prefer)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Celery salt
- Garlic salt
- Tabasco Sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt
What is the Best Alcohol for a Bloody Mary
Bloody marys are made with vodka. Classic unflavored brands like Titos, Effen, Ketel One, Stoli, or Smirnoff #57 are the norm, but if you want to add some punch to the party, try my pickle-infused vodka, or cucumber or jalapeño infused vodkas. Or, feel free to omit the alcohol entirely.
Tip: To make it a Bloody Maria, swap out the vodka for tequila, or leave out the alcohol to make a Virgin Mary.
How to Make a Bloody Mary From Scratch
Prep the homemade Bloody Mary mix. Stir together the tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, garlic salt, black pepper, and Tabasco in a large pitcher.
Rim the glasses with a mixture of celery salt and kosher salt. Dip the rim of the glass in a plate of shallow water, then roll the rim with a mix of celery salt and kosher salt.
Fill the glass with ice and add 2 ounces of vodka, then top it off with the Bloody Mary mix you prepared.
Garnish with your favorite nibbles (I’ve shared an extensive list of Bloody Mary garnishes down below), and enjoy!
Creating a DIY Bloody Mary Bar
Some like ‘em mild, some want them over-the-top spiced, and everyone has their druthers. Therein lies the reason to create a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar for a mix-and-match cocktail soirée that will leave them sipping for more.
Show off your garnishing ingenuity by putting your pickled veggies and extra bites center stage for your guests to pick and choose and create a loaded drink. Or a simple one if that’s the way they roll.
And now for the good stuff: the garnishes. Go crazy or classic, it’s up to you to pick and choose the accouterments to create your ultimate Bloody Mary.
see more: How to Set Up a DIY Mimosa Bar
My Favorite Bloody Mary Garnishes
When creating your Bloody Mary bar, the options are endless when it comes to picking the garnishes. A few of my favorite veggie garnishes are:
- Lemon wedge
- Lime wedge
- Celery stalk
- Cucumber slices
- Kosher pickle spears
- Cherry tomatoes
- Pickled beans and asparagus
- Pickled okra
- Pimento or cheese-stuffed green olives
- Pickled beets, cauliflower, or carrots
- Pepperocinis, peppadews, or other peppers
- Pickled jalapeños
- Large caper berries
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Marinated pearl onions
- Baby corn
Protein Garnishes
Those with a heartier appetite will appreciate having a few protein-rich garnishes as well. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Bacon
- Oysters
- Cooked shrimp
- Beef jerky or pepperoni sticks
- Steak bits
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Cheese squares
Additional Seasonings
For the seasonings, you can either make your own or choose a store-bought blend. A few of my favorite Bloody Mary seasonings are:
- Old Bay seasoning
- Garlic salt
- Garlic powder
- Celery salt
- Smoked paprika
- Lemon pepper
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Seasoned salts
Add-In Flavorings and Sauces
And for a dash of extra flavor, here are a few of my favorite sauces I like to add to my homemade Bloody Mary mix to switch things up a bit:
- Tabasco sauce
- Chohlula
- Frank’s Red Hot sauce
- Tapatio sauce
- Louisiana hot sauce
- Sriracha
- Worcestershire sauce
- Steak sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Pickle juice
- Olive brine
Why Do They Put Celery in a Bloody Mary?
Bloody Marys are traditionally garnished with a stick or two of celery. The story goes, in 1970 a bartender from Chicago’s famous Pump Room couldn’t find a straw for the drink and added a celery stick instead. Now the celery stick is basically a required garnish for this The astringent and crunchy properties of the celery help cut through the thickness of the tomato juice. Not to mention it complements the other savory elements of the drink.
What is the Difference Between a Bloody Mary and a Dirty Bloody Mary?
Dirty bloody marys have horseradish, as well as green olive brine.
Can I Prep the Bloody Mary Mix in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the mix up to a week ahead of time. Wait to stir in the vodka until you’re ready to serve the Bloody Marys, and keep the mix refrigerated in the meantime.
Tips for Making the Best Bloody Mary
Have skewers on hand that are long enough to fit the size of your trimmings for maximum load-ability. You don’t want your guests to feel shortchanged on the garnishes.
Have plenty of ice on hand. Bloody Marys are best when refreshingly cold. Top the glasses to the rim with ice, and refrigerate the Mary mix before serving.
Create different flavored salts to rim your glass by combining kosher salt with different chile powders or herbs. Pour salts on small plates that just fit the rim of your glass. To coat, pour a small amount of water on a small plate. Roll the rim of the glass in the water and then in the salt.
What to Serve With Your Bloody Mary
- The BEST Traditional Eggs Benedict
- Salmon Cream Cheese Bagels
- Easy Quiche Lorraine
- THE BEST Breakfast Potatoes
- Ham and Cheese Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- Bagel and Lox
- Ham and Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwich
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a 
rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.
The BEST Bloody Mary Recipe
Ingredients
Bloody Mary Mix
- 1 48-ounce can of tomato juice , or about 6 cups
- 3 tablespoons prepared creamy hot horseradish
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 ¼ teaspoons celery salt
- 3 teaspoons garlic salt
- Tabasco sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pickle-infused vodka , or regular vodka if you prefer
Assembling the Drinks
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Mix the tomato juice, horseradish, worcestershire sauce, celery salt, garlic salt and black pepper in a large pitcher. Season with 10-15 shakes of Tabasco sauce, or to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- To assemble drinks, mix the celery salt and kosher salt on a small plate. Dip the rim of your glass in a shallow amount of water, then dip into the salt mix and twist. Fill an 8-ounce glass to the top with ice. Add 2 ounces of pickle-infused vodka or regular vodka then top with bloody mary tomato mixture.
- Garnish with limes, lemons, celery ribs, blue cheese stuffed olives, bacon strips, pepperocinis, cooked shrimp, hot sauce, pickles, pickled asparagus or green beans, pickled beets, chunks of cheese, and anything your heart desires.
Notes
Nutrition
More Cocktail Recipes to Get the Party Started
- How to Make the Perfect Mimosa
- Sparkling Elderflower Fizz Cocktail
- Classic Tequila Sunrise
- Champagne Mojitos
- Coconut Margarita
- Roasted Cherry Sangria
- Mango Margarita
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Milan
Thank you Heidi for great idea. Prepared as apetizer. Everybody loved it.
Hayley
We’re so glad these were a hit, Milan!
Amanda
Looks so delicious! Can anyone share what brand of horseradish they used? I’m not well versed in that ingredient :)
Amanda, I like to use jarred prepared horseradish for this but you could always use freshly grated if you like. There’s plenty of brands out there depending on where you live.
David Christman
Great recipe. Gives all the basics. Greatly appreciated. You must decide on your own Garnish. I guess Celery would be a good starting point.
Happy to hear you enjoyed!
John
Once more option for rim seasoning would be Tajin. mmmm
Rachel Talerico
I am going to try this weekend…
Bill
Looking forward to more recipes.
RoHo
I use this as the “tomato juice” in tomato aspic recipes. I like it as a base for shrimp or chicken or tuna salads in hot weather.
bridget
The reviews for this recipe are so full of spam I couldn’t find other variations others have tried. This drink was good despite that it had quite a lot of horseradish. Next time I will halve horseradish and add some lemon juice. Great jumping off point though thanks!
melo
I’m salivating right now. bloody mary bar here i come
Dandre
Look’s extremely appetizing. Trying this one out when I get the chance.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
I hope you enjoy!
kahn Gilbert
I’m salivating right now. bloody mary bar here i come
Lesslie
I just randomly found your blog looking for this recipe and it’s awesome.
Neda
A loaded Bloody Mary is my dream.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
YES! Me too!
Onjulique E. Orsten-Malpass
Love this recipe. I’m drinking one right now!!!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thank you so much!
maharojgar
Love this idea!! Could you tell me how much the Bloody Mary mix makes? Thanks for a great idea, thanks
John
Zing Zang
No good Florida Bloody Mary bar would be without chilled Zing Zang.
Never heard of it in NJ but man o man it’s the real deal.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thanks for the info!
Chrishelle Laniece
I’m new to Bloody Marys and wanted to start making them at home. I’m so grateful I found your recipe! I made a half batch and seasoned to taste with lemon pepper seasoning and it is fantastic! I’m sipping now over ice, thank you!!!
Rikrit
Thanks for sharing
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thank you!
Al
You forgot Old Bay LOL
Ashley Sorenson
YESS!
Rachel
I noticed in the recipe that celery salt is listed twice with different amounts. Can you clarify? Wanting to make these this weekend!!
Ashley Sorenson
The first amount is correct! Sorry for that Rachel!
Julia Kruz
Really this would be special and great recipe, Heidi! Will recommend your recipes for my vegetarian friends! Thx for sharing!!
Cbmpjc
Summer sausage squares kills it. Keep that in mind!
Nancy
Awesome pics and ideas
Sunday Brunch just made for relaxing, Bloody Mary’s and company of friends
Carol
Perfect and before the garnish I add a squirt of fresh lemon juice,,yummy!
That’s a great addition Carol.
Brian @ A Thought For Food
We’re planning on doing Bloody Marys at a big brunch we’re hosting in February. We have our mix recipe all set, but I am totally going to use this as inspiration for garnishes.
Chrissy @ the Search for YUM
This is one of my all-time favorite posts…EVER! I love it SO much that I had to include it in my Top 8 Mocktail recipe + pregnancy announcement post! All of your garnishes look so amazing! I’ll just have to wait until next January to try that delicious looking Pickle-Infused Vodka with mine :)
Thanks so much!
Molly @ Yes to Yolks
I’m a little late to the party on this post, but OMG this is amazing! I adore a good, spicy bloody Mary (the more horseradish, the better) but have struggled to make a good one at home. I love the idea of having a whole BAR of options set up like this. Also, the idea of pickle-infused vodka is making me giddy! Thanks for all the time and effort clearly put into this post! :)
Jennie @themessybakerblog
I adore pickle vodka! Every year we go to Ocean City, and I always make it a point to go to pickles pub for pickle shots (pickle-infused vodka). If I’m not careful, I can take down an entire bottle. This is one epic Bloody Mary bar.
Sue T.
I am so going to do this for an upcoming party. Thanks for such a great idea!
Melissa Belanger - A Teaspoon of Happiness
Bloody Marys just HAVE to be a meal, and a build-your-own bar is the perfect way to make them! I love these :)
Eileen
That is perhaps the most loaded bloody mary I’ve ever seen! I love the idea of a bloody mary bar with every single garnish imaginable. And that pickle vodka! OH MAN. There’s nothing better than a spicy, tangy, briny concoction like that.
Christine from Cook the Story
I could live happily off of those ingredients! It’s a buffet :)
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
Ooooh, check out those close-ups! ;)
These look great! Love the DIY bar!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
Bloody Mary’s are one of my all-time favorite drinks. It’s a complete meal all-in-one! Don’t worry, I’ll also find room for the rest of brunch ;-)
Elizebeth
What a cool idea—appetizers and drink in one glass! I’d like to enjoy one of those with a few friends on our patio but I’ll have to wait till it stops raining this week.
Ant
That’s how they do it in Chicago. My first time I had one on Rush St., I thought, wow, a meal on the side!
Audra
Love this idea!! Could you tell me how much the Bloody Mary mix makes? Thanks for a great idea…can’t wait to have a party!!
The Bloody Mary mix makes about 6 cups, or about 8-10 drinks depending on how much ice you use and how large your glasses are.
Averie @ Averie Cooks
What a FUN post and sooooo many ideas! Pinned! I love bloody mary’s, so much!