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Classic Bloody Mary Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 52 reviews

A Classic Bloody Mary is a savory and tangy cocktail featuring a blend of tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, and vodka, perfectly seasoned and served over ice with traditional garnishes like celery stalks, lemon wedges, and pimento-stuffed olives. This iconic brunch beverage is known for its bold flavors and versatility.

Ingredients

Scale

Juices and Sauces

  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 3 to 4 medium lemons)
  • 46 to 48 ounces tomato juice, divided
  • 3/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup prepared horseradish
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco), plus more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed

Alcohol

  • 2 cups (16 ounces) vodka (such as Tito’s)

Additional

  • Ice
  • Garnishes: small leafy celery stalks, lemon wedges, pimento-stuffed olives

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: In a large pitcher or mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 3 cups of the tomato juice (reserve some for adjusting consistency), 3/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup prepared horseradish, 2 teaspoons hot sauce, 1 teaspoon celery seeds, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly to blend the flavors evenly.
  2. Add the Vodka: Pour in 2 cups (16 ounces) of vodka to the mixture and stir gently to combine without diluting the drink with excessive agitation.
  3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste your Bloody Mary base and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more hot sauce for spiciness, salt for seasoning, or tomato juice to achieve your preferred thickness and balance of flavor.
  4. Prepare Glasses: Fill individual serving glasses with ice cubes to chill and dilute slightly for a refreshing experience.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Pour the Bloody Mary mixture over the ice-filled glasses. Garnish each glass with a small leafy celery stalk, a lemon wedge on the rim, and a pimento-stuffed olive for an authentic presentation and added flavor.

Notes

  • The tomato juice quantity listed assumes more can be reserved to adjust the drink’s consistency according to taste.
  • For a spicier variation, increase hot sauce or add freshly ground black pepper.
  • Garnishes can be customized with pickles, bacon strips, or cherry tomatoes for added flair.
  • Use high-quality vodka like Tito’s for best flavor, but any good-quality vodka will work.
  • Shake gently if you prefer a more blended texture, but traditionally it is stirred to maintain clarity.

Keywords: Bloody Mary, classic cocktail, vodka cocktail, brunch drink, savory cocktail, tomato juice cocktail, homemade Bloody Mary

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/classic-bloody-mary-recipe/