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Easy Bloody Mary: classic Bloody Mary with tomato juice — Drinks recipe | AfoodrinkDrinks

Easy Bloody Mary

This easy Bloody Mary is savory, bright, and gently spicy, with tomato juice, lemon, Worcestershire, horseradish, hot sauce, and vodka. Mix it right in a pitcher or shaker, then finish each glass with a crisp celery stir

Total time
10 min
Yield
2 cocktails
Difficulty
Easy

Prep 10mCook 0mAmericanDrinks

A Bloody Mary is a classic brunch cocktail for adults, known for its tomato base and savory seasonings. This version keeps the method simple and uses easy-to-find ingredients.

The key is balance. Tomato juice brings body, lemon adds freshness, Worcestershire gives depth, horseradish adds bite, and hot sauce brings heat. You can make it mild or spicy without changing the basic recipe.

Serve it over plenty of ice with celery and lemon. If you like a snack-style garnish, add olives, pickles, or a cooked shrimp, but the drink is complete without them.

01What you'll need

Ingredients

11 items · 2 cocktails

  • 12 ounces tomato juice, chilled
  • 3 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Ice, for shaking and serving
  • 2 celery stalks, for garnish
  • 2 lemon wedges, for garnish

02How to make it

Step-by-step

  1. 1. Chill the glasses

    Fill 2 tall glasses with ice water while you mix the drink. This helps the Bloody Mary stay cold longer. Pour out the ice water just before serving.

  2. 2. Combine the tomato base

    Add the chilled tomato juice, vodka, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker or small pitcher. Use a pitcher if you do not have a shaker.

  3. 3. Add the seasonings

    Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, prepared horseradish, hot sauce, celery salt, and black pepper. Prepared horseradish is grated horseradish in vinegar, usually sold in a jar near pickles or condiments.

  4. 4. Mix until cold

    Add a handful of ice to the shaker and roll or shake gently for 10 to 15 seconds. If using a pitcher, stir well with ice until the outside of the pitcher feels cold.

  5. 5. Taste and adjust

    Taste a small spoonful. Add more lemon juice for brightness, more hot sauce for heat, or a tiny pinch of celery salt if it tastes flat. Go slowly because the sodium can build quickly.

  6. 6. Fill the glasses

    Discard the ice water from the chilled glasses. Fill each glass with fresh ice, then divide the Bloody Mary mixture between them.

  7. 7. Garnish and serve

    Add a celery stalk and a lemon wedge to each glass. Serve right away while the drink is very cold.

03From our kitchen

Cook's tips

  • Make-ahead: Mix the tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire, horseradish, hot sauce, celery salt, and pepper up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add vodka and ice just before serving.
  • Storage: Leftover mixed Bloody Mary base keeps for 1 day in the refrigerator. If it already has vodka in it, cover and chill it, then stir well before serving. Do not store it with ice, or it will taste watery.
  • Spice level: Start with 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce for 2 drinks. For a mild drink, use only a few dashes. For a spicier drink, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
  • Vodka swap: Use gin for a Red Snapper-style drink, tequila for a Bloody Maria, or leave the alcohol out for a Virgin Mary.
  • Worcestershire note: Classic Worcestershire sauce often contains anchovies. For a vegetarian or vegan version, use a vegan Worcestershire sauce.
  • Tomato juice choice: Regular tomato juice gives a classic flavor, but it can be salty. If using low-sodium tomato juice, taste and add celery salt a little at a time.

Cook's note

For the cleanest flavor, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled lemon juice. Also, avoid over-shaking; a short, gentle shake chills the drink without making the tomato juice foamy.

04Frequently asked

Questions & answers

Can I make a Bloody Mary without alcohol?

Yes. Leave out the vodka and keep the rest of the recipe the same. You can add an extra splash of lemon juice or a little pickle brine if you want more punch.

Can I make this in a batch for brunch?

Yes. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Mix the base ahead, chill it well, and add vodka shortly before serving. Set out hot sauce, lemon wedges, and garnishes so guests can adjust their drinks.

Why does my Bloody Mary taste too salty?

Tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and celery salt all add sodium. To fix it, add more tomato juice and a squeeze of lemon. Next time, use low-sodium tomato juice and season at the end.

Do I need a cocktail shaker?

No. A shaker chills the drink quickly, but a small pitcher and a long spoon work well. Stir with plenty of ice until the mixture is cold.

What garnishes go well with a Bloody Mary?

Celery and lemon are classic. Olives, pickles, pickled green beans, cherry tomatoes, cooked shrimp, or a strip of crisp bacon are also common. Keep garnishes cold and food-safe until serving.

05Per serving

Nutrition facts

Nutrition Facts

2 cocktails

Amount per serving

Calories144

% Daily Value*

Total Fat0 g
0%
Saturated Fat0 g
0%
Cholesterol0 mg
0%
Sodium788 mg
34%
Total Carbohydrate11 g
4%
Dietary Fiber2 g
7%
Total Sugars8 g
Protein2 g
4%
Vitamin D0 mcg
0%
Calcium42 mg
3%
Iron1.1 mg
6%
Potassium594 mg
13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

05Keep cooking

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