Bloody Mary
A bold, savory cocktail with a spicy kick and a tangy tomato base. Fresh lemon juice and a dash of Worcestershire give it depth, while celery salt and black pepper bring that signature brunch-time edge. Ready in minutes and endlessly customizable with your favorite garnishes.
For 4 servings
- prep
Chill the glasses and gather ingredients.
Place four tall glasses in the freezer to chill while you prepare the mix. Measure out all ingredients and have garnishes ready.
- mix · ~1 min
Combine the Bloody Mary mix.
1.Pour the chilled tomato juice and vodka into a large pitcher.2.Add the fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.3.Season with the celery salt and freshly ground black pepper.4.Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is well blended.TIPStir, don't shake — shaking tomato juice makes it frothy and can dull the flavors. - assemble · ~1 min
Build the drink and garnish.
1.Fill each chilled glass generously with ice cubes.2.Pour the Bloody Mary mix over the ice, dividing it evenly among the four glasses.3.Garnish each glass with a celery stalk and a lemon wedge hooked on the rim. - serve
Serve immediately.
Hand each Bloody Mary to your guests with a small stirrer or straw so they can mix it to their liking as they sip.
TIPFor extra flair, run the lemon wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it in celery salt before pouring.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Chill the tomato juice and glasses beforehand for a crisp, refreshing drink.
- 2Always stir the mix gently — shaking aerates the juice and creates unwanted foam.
- 3Taste and adjust hot sauce gradually; a little goes a long way.
- 4For a cleaner rim dip, wipe the glass rim with lemon juice before coating with celery salt.
- 5Let the pitcher sit 5 minutes after stirring so the spices meld with the juice.
- 6Make the mix a day ahead and refrigerate for deeper, more rounded flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy-Smoky
Swap the hot sauce for 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne — adds a barbecue-like depth without extra heat.
Low SodiumLow-Sodium
Use unsalted tomato juice and replace celery salt with celery seed + a pinch of regular salt; ideal for anyone watching sodium intake.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Muddle 2 fresh basil leaves and a sprig of thyme in the pitcher before adding liquids — gives a garden-fresh, almost savory twist.
Extra SavoryExtra Savory
Add 1 teaspoon of prepared horseradish and a dash of soy sauce for an even more robust, umami-packed Bloody Mary.
Virgin MaryVirgin Mary
Omit the vodka and increase tomato juice to 4 cups — same bold flavor, zero alcohol, perfect for brunch guests who skip the booze.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomato juice is packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and may reduce inflammation.
Good Source of Vitamin C
Fresh lemon juice provides a boost of vitamin C, aiding immune function and helping the body absorb iron from other foods.
Low in Calories
With only about 120 calories per serving (using standard vodka), this cocktail can be a lighter brunch choice compared to creamy or sugary drinks.
Contains Electrolytes
Celery and tomato juice naturally supply potassium and sodium, making this a hydrating option for a morning-after recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, combine all ingredients except ice and garnishes, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Stir well again just before serving.
