Bloody Marys are a popular alcoholic drink typically made with vodka, tomato juice, and other flavorings like horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, celery salt, and lemon juice. They have a distinct savory and salty flavor profile, leading some drinkers to wonder – are Bloody Marys supposed to be salty?
The History of the Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary was invented in the early 1900s at Harry’s Bar in Paris. The original recipe was equal parts vodka and tomato juice. Over the years, more ingredients were added to create different variations on the drink. In 1934, the New York restaurant 21 Club began serving their version called the “Red Snapper” which featured vodka, tomato juice, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and celery salt. This is likely where the salty flavor profile became more pronounced with the addition of the celery salt.
The name “Bloody Mary” didn’t come about until the mid-1900s when comedian George Jessel claimed to have invented the drink and said it reminded him of a woman he knew named Mary who was quite opinionated (or “bloody”). Later, famous actor Peter Lawford said he invented it and named it after Queen Mary I of England who was nicknamed “Bloody Mary” due to the hundreds of people she had executed.
While the true origins are murky, what is clear is that celery salt and other salty ingredients have been used in Bloody Mary recipes from early on to create a savory, briny flavor.
Main Ingredients That Contribute Saltiness
There are a few key ingredients commonly used in Bloody Marys that impart a salty taste:
Celery Salt
Celery salt is typically made from celery seeds and salt. It provides a strong salty and umami or savory flavor. Celery salt is considered a signature seasoning for the Bloody Mary.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce contains salt as well as anchovies which contribute a savory, umami taste. The anchovies bring out more of the savory tomato flavor.
Hot Sauces
Many hot sauces like Tabasco contain salt in addition to chili peppers. The salt accentuates the heat while enhancing overall flavor.
Horseradish
Freshly grated horseradish or prepared horseradish sauce often contains salt and vinegar which give it a salty, tangy kick.
Soy Sauce
Some Bloody Mary recipes call for a splash of soy sauce which is packed with salt and umami flavor from amino acids.
Pickle Juice
A few dashes of tangy pickle juice or pickle brine can also amp up the saltiness.
Bacon
Crispy bacon garnish on a Bloody Mary will add hits of smoked salty flavor.
Benefits of a Salty Bloody Mary
The salty flavors are an integral part of what makes a Bloody Mary taste so savory and craveable. Here are some benefits that the saltiness brings to the drink:
Enhances Tomato Flavor
The salt helps cut through the acidity of the tomato juice and makes its rich umami flavor pop. It brings out more depth and complexity.
Balances Alcohol Bite
The pinch of salt balances against the burn of the vodka. This allows the spirits flavor to shine through rather than being overly harsh.
Creates Thirst-Quenching Effect
The salt makes you thirsty, which inspires you to sip more. This counterintuitively makes the drink seem even more hydrating and refreshing.
Adds Textural Component
In addition to flavor, the salt adds a pleasant crunchy, crystalline texture. This makes the Bloody Mary more dynamic and interesting.
Brings Out Other Flavors
Salt interacts with receptor cells on the tongue to suppress bitterness and enhance sweet, sour, and umami tastes. This allows flavors like horseradish, hot sauce, and Worcestershire to be more vibrant.
How Much Salt Should be Added?
When making Bloody Marys at home, it’s best to gradually season to taste. You can always add more, but it’s tricky to correct oversalting. Here are some tips:
- Start with around 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon celery salt for a standard single serving drink. Then adjust up or down to preference.
- Add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce, then taste before adding more.
- Use freshly grated horseradish and add it a little at a time until the right kick is achieved.
- For rimming the glass, mix equal parts celery salt and black pepper. Use sparingly and consider salting only half the rim if you want to control sodium levels.
- Consider lower sodium vegetable juices or adding a splash of water if a drink tastes overly salty.
- Garnishes like olive, celery, or lime wedges can help freshen overly salty drinks.
Pre-Mixed Bloody Mary Seasonings
There are many pre-made Bloody Mary seasoning mixes on the market that contain salts and spices pre-blended. These can shortcut preparation, but read labels carefully for sodium content per serving if limiting salt intake. Some tips for using them:
- Look for mixes without monosodium glutamate (MSG) if desired.
- Low sodium varieties are available from some brands.
- Start with 3/4 to 1 teaspoon mix per drink and adjust to preference.
- Add extra ingredients like horseradish, Worcestershire, or hot sauce separately for more control.
Examples of Popular Pre-Made Mixes
| Brand | Sodium Per Serving | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| McClure’s Bloody Mary Mix | 970mg | Spicy profile with Worcestershire, chipotle, and pepper flavor |
| Mr & Mrs T Bloody Mary Mix | 479mg | Milder mix blending tomato juice with vinegar and spices |
| Tabasco Bloody Mary Mix | 740mg | Made with original Tabasco sauce for signature hot pepper taste |
| Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix | 820mg | Well-balanced tangy, sweet and savory blend |
Low Sodium Bloody Mary Tips
For those looking to cut back on salt, these tips can help create a great Bloody Mary with less sodium:
- Use low sodium tomato juice and combine with regular tomato juice to reduce sodium levels.
- Skip the glass rim salt and celery salt, or use very sparingly.
- Use horseradish instead of Worcestershire sauce for tangy flavor.
- Skip soy sauce and anchovy-based ingredients like Worcestershire.
- Rely more on fresh ingredients like lemon, lime, herbs, ground pepper, and chili powder for flavor.
- Sub in balsamic vinegar for depth without saltiness.
Low Sodium Vegetable Juice Options
| Brand | Sodium Per Cup |
|---|---|
| V8 Low Sodium Vegetable Juice | 140mg |
| Campbell’s Lower Sodium Tomato Juice | 220mg |
| 365 Organic Low Sodium Tomato Juice | 110mg |
Non-Alcoholic Bloody Marys
For non-drinkers or times when alcohol is not desired, all the savory flavors of a Bloody Mary can be enjoyed in mocktail form. Some ways to put together a flavorful virgin Bloody Mary include:
- Using tomato juice, vegetable juice or tomato-based gazpacho as the base
- Adding horseradish, hot sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire, etc. for flavor
- Using a salt-free seasoning blend instead of celery salt
- Garnishing with olives, pickles, celery, lime, etc. for freshness
- Using soda water instead of vodka for fizz
- Putting everything in a cocktail shaker with ice for an extra smooth consistency
Potential Mocktail Base Ingredients
| Tomato Juice | Vegetable Juices | Gazpacho |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato juice | Carrot juice | Classic tomato gazpacho |
| Low sodium tomato juice | Beet juice | Roasted red pepper and tomato gazpacho |
| Spicy hot tomato juice | Celery juice | Curried gazpacho with mango |
Conclusion
Bloody Marys are meant to have a savory, briny flavor profile that balances the vodka and tomato juice. Salt is added through ingredients like celery salt, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and other seasonings. The right amount enhances flavors rather than overpowering them. For the perfect balance, season Bloody Marys gradually to taste preference. With the right blend of spices and fresh garnishes, Bloody Marys can satisfy any cravings – whether you want yours salty or not!