Bloody Mary

While the Bloody Mary is best known for its appearance at a boozy brunch, it is a delicious cocktail at any time of the day. There are plenty of ways to gussy up a Bloody Mary — adding over-the-top edible garnishes, adding savory miso, or even flavoring it with sweet Aperol and a bit of Thai chili — the classic version is always the most refreshing. “The Bloody Mary is essentially a tomato soup seasoned with alcohol,” says Craig Schoettler, beverage director at MGM Resorts International. Just as in cooking, Schoettler says the balance of salt is critical.

This recipe is the platonic ideal of Bloody Mary with classic tomato flavor with a bit of tart lemon, salty Worcestershire, and spicy hot sauce. The result is perfectly balanced pure magic. Plunge a crisp celery stalk into the pint or highball glass you serve it in and enjoy.  — Lucy Simon

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you make a Bloody Mary without vodka?

A good Bloody Mary should be delicious with or without vodka. Think of it as a savory non-alcoholic cocktail; If you aren’t a vodka lover, you can swap in gin or tequila for vodka. If using tequila, which is often used in a riff on the Bloody Mary called a Bloody Maria, try a squeeze of lime instead of lemon. If you’re looking for a lower-ABV option, we love topping Bloody Mary mix with a light lager for a more tomato-forward play on a Michelada. 

Is a Bloody Mary vegetarian? 

If you’re not topping your Bloody Mary with copious amounts of garnishes like shrimp cocktail, an oyster, or even a slice of crispy bacon, this drink can be made vegetarian or even vegan. Omit the Worcestershire sauce, which often is made with anchovies, and swap in a splash of good quality soy sauce for a similar salty, fermented flavor. 

Notes From the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

A Bloody Mary is a great cocktail for a crowd. This recipe can easily be scaled up — Pro Tip: scaling it up to serve 6 will use up a whole bottle of tomato juice. Batch the Bloody Mary mix ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. For the freshest flavor, drink it within four days of making the mix. Add the vodka and top with ice right before serving.