Bloody Mary Recipe

What Liquor is in a Bloody Mary?  

In its most traditional form, a Bloody Mary recipe contains vodka, but there are many delicious versions of this classic.  

• The Red Snapper: Uses gin instead of vodka  
• The Virgin Mary: An alcohol-free mocktail version  

• The Caesar: Made like you would a classic Mary, but with the addition of clam juice  
• The Michelada: A Mexican cocktail that contains beer, lime juice, spices, tomato juice, and chili  
• The Bloody Maria: Use tequila instead of vodka for big, bold flavours  

 How to Make a Big Batch of Bloody Mary   

The best brunch cocktails should be done in batches to please the crowd, so go ahead and whip up a jug before your friends arrive for brunch. You will need 1L tomato juice, 470ml vodka, 2 tablespoons horseradish, 45ml Worcestershire sauce, 45 ml pickle juice, 15ml Tabasco, 2 teaspoons of each salt and pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add all the ingredients to a large jug, stir until mixed and add ice just before serving.   

What to Serve with a Bloody Mary Cocktail  

Have you been entrusted with the brunch menu? Don’t worry, here are some delicious starters and mains you can serve alongside a fresh Bloody Mary: 

• Swedish meatballs: These little delights are similar to Italian meatballs but come with a cranberry sauce that cuts the spiciness of the Bloody Mary. Make a big batch in advance and just heat up on the day of the party. 
• Poached prawns: cool off the heat of the cocktail with this cold starter. You can serve them in a glass with cocktail sauce or your guest can simply dip the prawn in their Bloody Marys. 

• Mozzarella sticks: breaded and fried mozzarella? Yes, please! You can never go wrong with cheese, always a perfect companion to tomato. What’s more, the gooey nature of mozzarella contrasts the horseradish kick of Bloody Mary. 
• Breakfast mac and cheese: trust us when we say your guests will rave over this combination. Imagine all the rich cheesiness of mac and cheese plus sausage and onion. Bloody Mary on the side and the Sunday Scaries are just a memory. 
• Prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin: you can feel the decadent meatiness of this dish from its name. Tenderloin is wrapped in cured ham before being baked or grilled in a skillet until it creates a tender and tangy meat, that enhances Bloody Mary’s spicy qualities to the palate. 
• Cucumber and avocado: if you feel the need for something light and fresh, cucumber slices topped with avocado are great on their own or used as a fancy garnish for your drink.  

 Bloody Mary VS. Bloody Maria   

If Bloody Mary is the vodka-based brunch cocktail par excellence, tequila lovers will be delighted to know that a tequila-based version exists, the Bloody Maria. We need to thank Tex-Mex culture for this clever spin. To make a Bloody Maria, you’ll need the same ingredients as its British cousin, apart from swapping vodka with tequila (or mezcal) and Texas Pete in lieu of tabasco. For extra spice, you can add a Tajin (chilli-lime seasoning) to the rim of your glass.