How to Make Bloody Mary Cocktails

Garnish your Bloody Marys with lime and celery.

Bloody Marys are a classic brunch cocktail. There are plenty of Bloody Mary mixes available but it's easy to make Bloody Mary cocktails from scratch. Invite your friends over for brunch and set up a Bloody Mary buffet. Start with the classic Bloody Mary recipe and then experiment with the suggested substitutions and additions. With some creativity, your Bloody Marys will be legendary.

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/2 oz vodka, lemon vodka or pepper vodka
• 1/2 cup tomato juice
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 shakes savory condiment sauce
• 2 shakes hot sauce
• Sea salt
• Ground pepper
• Celery seeds or celery salt
• 2 tsp wasabi paste or horseradish
• Celery stick
• Lime wedges
• Lemon wedges
• Jalapeno peppers
• Cocktail shaker
• Cocktail strainer
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Make the classic Bloody Mary cocktail. Combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, savory condiment sauce, hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste and a pinch of celery seed in a clean, chilled cocktail shaker. Add 1 cup ice cubes and shake to mix well. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice cubes. Squeeze fresh lime juice all over the top of the drink. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and a celery stick. Serves 1.

2. Make the citrus lover's Bloody Mary cocktail. Combine lemon vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, savory condiment sauce, hot sauce and salt and pepper to taste in a clean, chilled cocktail shaker. Add 1 cup ice cubes and shake to mix well. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice cubes. Squeeze fresh lime juice all over the top of the drink. Rub the lime around the rim of the glass. Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge and a fresh lime wedge. Serves 1.

3. Make the hot and spicy Bloody Mary cocktail. Whisk lemon juice and wasabi or horseradish together until wasabi is thoroughly dissolved. Combine with vodka, tomato juice, savory condiment sauce, hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste and a pinch of celery seed in a clean, chilled cocktail shaker. Add 1 cup ice cubes and shake to mix well. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice cubes. Squeeze fresh lime juice all over the top of the drink. Garnish with a celery stick and a slice of jalapeno pepper. Serves 1.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave out the vodka for delicious Virgin Mary Cocktails.

• If using horseradish in the hot and spicy Bloody Mary cocktail, use real horseradish, not horseradish sauce.

• Try garnishing your Bloody Marys with stuffed green olives, marinated string beans, thin strips of green bell pepper, pickled okra pods, kosher pickles, pickled asparagus, cocktail onions, cherry tomatoes, baby carrot curls, radishes, mint sprigs and basil leaves.

• Add extra ingredients like granulated onion, garlic salt, a splash of dry red wine, a shot of tequila, a splash of dry sherry, a splash of dill pickle juice or dried dill to your Bloody Marys.

• Remember the legal drinking age is 21 years of age.

• Always drink responsibility.

• Select a designated driver.

References

• All Recipes: Bloody Mary Mix
• "Esquire": Bloody Mary
• Epicurious; Bloody Mary; November 2001