Bloody Maria

A Bloody Maria is a savory brunch cocktail made with tequila instead of the vodka used in a Bloody Mary. This easy Bloody Maria recipe combines tomato juice, lemon, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and seasonings. Adjust the heat to your taste, then finish the drink with a garnish you enjoy.

For more brunch drink ideas, consider a Mimosa, Screwdriver, Tequila Sunrise, Paloma, Harvey Wallbanger, Watermelon Margarita, Bloody Caesar or Breakfast Shot.

Bloody Maria Ingredients

The recipe makes one cocktail and takes about 5 minutes to prepare. Use a cocktail shaker and a tall glass, such as a Collins or pint glass.

• Tequila: Use blanco or reposado tequila.
• Tomato juice: Plain tomato juice provides the base, so a premade Bloody Mary mix is not needed.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tart note. Lime juice can be used instead.
• Prepared horseradish: Choose prepared horseradish, not horseradish sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, seasoned flavor.
• Hot sauce: Add a few dashes, then increase the amount if you prefer more heat.
• Celery salt and ground black pepper: These season the tomato mixture.
• Garnishes: Try celery, tomatoes, pickle spears, green olives, a lime wedge, jalapeño slices, cocktail onions, rosemary or cilantro. Bacon is another option.

Keep garnishes simple if you want the cocktail to be easy to sip. For a more substantial-looking presentation, use a few complementary toppings rather than crowding the glass.

How to Make a Bloody Maria

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 ounces tequila, 4 ounces tomato juice, ½ ounce lemon juice, ½ tablespoon prepared horseradish, 5 dashes Worcestershire sauce, 3 dashes hot sauce, 1 pinch celery salt and 1 pinch ground black pepper.
2. Shake for 10–15 seconds, until the mixture is well chilled.
3. Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Add your chosen garnish and serve promptly.

Shaking chills and combines the ingredients. If you want a milder drink, begin with less hot sauce and add more after tasting the mixture.

Tips for a Flavorful Bloody Maria

• Try a salted rim: Moisten the rim of the glass and coat it with salt before adding the drink. A salted rim adds seasoning to each sip.
• Add citrus to taste: A squeeze of lime can bring extra brightness. Lemon is already included in the recipe, so add lime gradually to avoid making the drink too tart.
• Adjust the savory notes: A dash of garlic powder can deepen the savory flavor. Start with a small amount so it does not overpower the tomato and tequila.
• Experiment with orange juice: A small splash can introduce a sweet-and-savory contrast. Add it cautiously, since it changes the drink’s balance.
• Prepare garnishes before mixing: Set out your toppings first so the cocktail can be served while it is cold.

Bloody Maria FAQs

What is the difference between a Bloody Mary and a Bloody Maria?

A Bloody Mary is made with vodka, while a Bloody Maria uses tequila. Both are savory tomato-based cocktails and can include seasonings and garnishes.

What goes into a Bloody Maria?

This version combines tequila, tomato juice, lemon juice, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt and ground black pepper. Garnishes are added to the finished drink.

Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?

Yes. Lime juice can replace the lemon juice in this recipe. Add it to the shaker with the other ingredients and taste the mixture before serving.

Bloody Maria Recipe

This Bloody Maria makes 1 cocktail and has a preparation time of about 5 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces tequila
• 4 ounces tomato juice
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• ½ tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 5 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 3 dashes hot sauce
• 1 pinch celery salt
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• Ice and garnishes, as desired

Equipment

• 1 cocktail shaker
• 1 tall glass

Instructions

1. Combine the tequila, tomato juice, lemon juice, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt and black pepper in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake for 10–15 seconds, until well chilled.
3. Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with celery, olives, bacon or another topping of your choice.

Serving: 1 cocktail. This recipe is intended for adults of legal drinking age. Enjoy responsibly.

For a balanced, savory brunch drink, make this Bloody Maria with tequila, tomato juice and seasonings, then adjust the citrus and heat to your preference.