Brunch without a Bloody Mary? Blasphemy!
If you’re like me, brunch isn’t just a meal – it’s a vibe. And nothing sets the tone better than a perfectly crafted Bloody Mary cocktail recipe. Spicy, tangy, savory, or even smoky, this iconic drink is a canvas for creativity. Whether you like yours loaded with garnishes or kept classic with a twist, I’ve got 15 game-changing Bloody Mary recipes that’ll make your brunch the talk of the town.
Let’s dive into these mouthwatering concoctions – each one guaranteed to redefine your brunch goals!
1. The Classic Bloody Mary
The original brunch superstar that never goes out of style.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp horseradish
- 2 dashes Tabasco
- Pinch of celery salt & black pepper
- Celery stalk & lemon wedge (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Rim a highball glass with celery salt.
- Fill with ice, add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire, horseradish, Tabasco, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well.
- Garnish with celery and lemon.
Taste & Look:
Deep red, slightly thick, with a bold balance of tangy, spicy, and umami flavors.
2. Spicy Sriracha Bloody Mary
Turn up the heat with this fiery twist.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- 1 tsp Sriracha
- ½ tsp horseradish
- Pinch of smoked paprika
- Lime wheel & pickled jalapeño (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake lightly and strain into a glass.
- Garnish with lime and jalapeño.
Taste & Look:
Fiery red with a slow-building, smoky heat that lingers.
3. Smoky Mezcal Bloody Mary
A bold, smoky upgrade for adventurous palates.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz mezcal
- 3 oz tomato juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ tsp chipotle hot sauce
- Pinch of smoked salt
- Lime wedge & crispy bacon (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Rim glass with smoked salt.
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Pour into glass and garnish with bacon.
Taste & Look:
Rich, smoky, with an earthy depth that pairs perfectly with the bacon garnish.
4. Pickle-Brined Bloody Mary
For those who love a tangy, briny kick.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- ½ tsp horseradish
- Pickle spear & dill sprig (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Mix vodka, tomato juice, pickle juice, and horseradish.
- Pour over ice.
- Garnish with pickle and dill.
Taste & Look:
Bright, tangy, and refreshing with a bold pickle-forward flavor.
5. Bloody Maria (Tequila Bloody Mary)
A Mexican-inspired twist with reposado tequila.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz reposado tequila
- 3 oz tomato juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ tsp hot sauce
- Tajín rim
- Lime & cucumber slice (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Rim glass with Tajín.
- Shake ingredients and pour over ice.
- Garnish with lime and cucumber.
Taste & Look:
Zesty, peppery, with a citrusy brightness from the lime.
6. Bacon & Blue Cheese Bloody Mary
A savory, indulgent take for cheese lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Cooked bacon strip (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Mix all liquid ingredients.
- Pour over ice.
- Top with blue cheese and bacon.
Taste & Look:
Rich, creamy, and salty with a luxurious umami finish.
7. Green Bloody Mary (Jalapeño & Cilantro)
A fresh, herbal spin for a lighter vibe.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 3 oz green tomato juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ jalapeño (muddled)
- Handful of cilantro
- Cucumber slice (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Muddle jalapeño and cilantro.
- Add other ingredients, shake, and strain.
- Garnish with cucumber.
Taste & Look:
Vibrant green, crisp, and herbaceous with a spicy kick.
8. Bloody Caesar (Canada’s Favorite)
Clam juice adds a unique savory depth.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 3 oz Clamato juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ tsp Worcestershire
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- Celery salt rim
- Celery stalk & lime wedge (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Rim glass with celery salt.
- Combine ingredients over ice.
- Stir and garnish.
Taste & Look:
Briny, savory, with a richer mouthfeel than traditional Bloody Marys.
9. Bloody Mary Bar Cart (DIY Style)
Let guests customize their perfect drink.
Ingredients (Base):
- Vodka
- Tomato juice
- Lemon/lime juice
- Worcestershire
- Hot sauces (variety)
Garnish Options:
- Bacon
- Shrimp
- Cheese cubes
- Olives
- Pickles
- Mini sliders
How to Set It Up:
- Prepare base mixture.
- Arrange garnishes in bowls.
- Let guests build their own.
Taste & Look:
Endless possibilities for personalized flavor combinations.
10. Bloody Mary Michelada Hybrid
When you can’t decide between two brunch favorites.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 2 oz tomato juice
- 4 oz light beer
- ½ oz lime juice
- Tajín rim
- Lime wedge (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Rim glass with Tajín.
- Build ingredients over ice.
- Stir gently.
Taste & Look:
Lighter than traditional, with a refreshing beer effervescence.
11. Bloody Mary with Gin
A botanical twist on the classic.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 3 oz tomato juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ tsp celery salt
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- Cucumber ribbon (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Combine all ingredients over ice.
- Stir well.
- Garnish with cucumber.
Taste & Look:
Herbal notes from the gin complement the savory tomato base beautifully.
12. Bloody Mary with Whiskey
For those who prefer brown liquor.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 3 oz tomato juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ tsp maple syrup
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- Bacon strip (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Build over ice.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with bacon.
Taste & Look:
Smoky-sweet with a rich, complex flavor profile.
13. Bloody Mary with Aquavit
A Scandinavian-inspired variation.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz aquavit
- 3 oz tomato juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ tsp caraway seeds
- Dill sprig (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Combine ingredients over ice.
- Stir well.
- Garnish with dill.
Taste & Look:
Distinctly herbal with caraway notes shining through.
14. Bloody Mary with Sherry
A sophisticated Spanish twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz vodka
- ½ oz dry sherry
- 3 oz tomato juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- Pinch smoked paprika
- Manchego cheese cube (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Build over ice.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with cheese.
Taste & Look:
Nutty, complex, with a wonderful depth of flavor.
15. Dessert Bloody Mary
Yes, it’s a thing – and it’s delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vanilla vodka
- 3 oz blood orange juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ tsp honey
- Chili salt rim
- Orange slice (garnish)
How to Make It:
- Rim glass with chili salt.
- Shake ingredients with ice.
- Strain and garnish.
Taste & Look:
Sweet, spicy, and completely unexpected – the perfect brunch finale.
Conclusion
There you have it – 15 Bloody Mary cocktail recipes that’ll take your brunch from basic to legendary. Whether you’re a spice lover, a smoky mezcal fan, or a pickle enthusiast, there’s a Bloody Mary here with your name on it.
