Basic Bloody Mary Recipe Plus Brunch-Worthy Variations

We love how easy it is to customize a bloody Mary. Whether you go fancy with lots of garnishes or like a scaled-down version, this recipe will get you started.

Updated January 30, 2024
Bloody Mary

If there's a brunch cocktail that carries its own glory, it's the savory Blood Mary. This cocktail of champs has a hearty tomato base, a spicy kick of Tabasco, and the umami flavors of Worcestershire sauce that make for the perfect brunch partner-in-crime. 

How to Make a Bloody Mary 

The great thing about this Bloody Mary recipe is that you can experiment and tailor the flavor based on your preference, such as using different types of tomato juice like clamato for a seafood flavor or turning up the heat with other hot sauces. 

Ingredients

  • ¼ freshly squeezed ounce lemon juice
  • 4 ounces tomato juice
  • 1½ ounces vodka
  • 2 to 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 to 4 dashes of Tabasco
  • Pinch black pepper
  • Pinch salt
  • Lemon wedge and lime wedge for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Combine the lemon juice, tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, tabasco, salt, and pepper in a Boston shaker or pint glass.
  2. Roll the drink by pouring it back and forth between both sides of the shaker or between two pint glasses until it is well-mixed, about one minute.
  3. Pour into a highball or pint glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with the lemon and lime wedges.
Quick Tip

Are you looking to serve this at a brunch party? Make a punch bowl serving by multiplying this recipe by 10; add 2.5 ounces of lemon juice, 40 ounces of tomato juice, 15 ounces of vodka, 20 dashes of Worcestershire sauce, 30 dashes of Tabasco, 10 pinches of salt and pepper. 

Related: 12 Tomato Alcoholic Drinks for Savory Flavor

More Bloody Mary Recipe Variations

If you want to add variety to your Bloody Mary, consider these fun add-ins.

  • Add a dash or two of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika to give your drink a smokey flavor. Garnish with a smoked baby back rib on a skewer.
  • Sweeten it up a bit with a tablespoon of brown sugar and garnish with an orange wedge.
  • Make a Bloody Geisha by replacing the vodka with sake. 
  • Add a pinch of onion salt, a pinch of garlic salt, and a pinch of chili powder. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro and a jalapeno popper on a skewer.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne and a tablespoon of pepperoncini brine to the drink and garnish it with a whole pepperoncini.
  • Garnish a classic Bloody Mary in a glass rimmed with garlic salt with a sprig of basil.
  • Use bacon-infused vodka, or turn up the heat with jalapeño vodka.

There's Something About Mary

Bloody Mary is a famous cocktail, and it's not hard to figure out why. With so many flavor and garnish variations, you can create the perfect brunch, lunch, or dinner cocktail that will hit the spot without a sugar overload. Go wild with the bacon and spicy twists! 

Basic Bloody Mary Recipe Plus Brunch-Worthy Variations