The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail known for its savory and tangy flavors, perfect for brunch or as a hangover cure. This recipe from the Taste of Home Test Kitchen adds a special touch with the inclusion of horseradish, giving the Bloody Mary an extra kick. If you prefer a more traditional drink, you can omit the horseradish, and if you remove the alcohol altogether, you’ll have a Virgin Mary. Serve this refreshing cocktail with a garnish of celery, dill pickle spear, green olives, cucumber slice, or cocktail shrimp for added flavor and visual appeal.
Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation steps to create a delicious Bloody Mary cocktail.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1½ to 2 cups ice cubes, divided
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 cup tomato juice, chilled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons lime juice
- ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon prepared horseradish (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon celery salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
PREPARATION:
- Fill a shaker three-fourths full with ice. Place the remaining ice in a highball glass and set it aside.
- Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish (if using), celery salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce to the shaker. Cover the shaker and shake for 10-15 seconds until condensation forms on the outside.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass. Garnish the cocktail as desired with a celery rib, pickle spear, green and ripe olives, cucumber slice, and/or cocktail shrimp.
YIELD: 1 serving
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Adjust the amount of horseradish, celery salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce according to your personal taste preferences.
- To make a batch of Bloody Marys for four servings, adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and serve over ice in a pitcher.
TIPS:
- Use high-quality vodka and fresh tomato juice for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different garnishes to personalize your Bloody Mary, such as bacon, lemon wedges, or pickled vegetables.
- Feel free to customize the spice level by adding more or less hot pepper sauce.
The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail known for its savory and tangy flavors, making it a popular choice for brunch or as a hangover cure. This recipe from the Taste of Home Test Kitchen adds a special twist with the inclusion of horseradish, giving the Bloody Mary an extra kick. However, you can adjust the recipe to make a more traditional version without horseradish or even a non-alcoholic Virgin Mary.
The combination of vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce creates a refreshing and flavorful cocktail. Shake the ingredients with ice in a shaker, strain into a glass filled with ice cubes, and garnish with your choice of celery, pickle spear, olives, cucumber, or cocktail shrimp.
When preparing a batch for a larger group, simply adjust the quantities accordingly and serve the Bloody Marys over ice in a pitcher.
To enhance the flavor, use high-quality vodka and fresh tomato juice. Feel free to experiment with different garnishes and adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying a lazy brunch or in need of a revitalizing pick-me-up, the Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail that never disappoints.
Savor the flavors of this iconic cocktail and enjoy the unique combination of savory and tangy notes in every sip of your homemade Bloody Mary.
