A spicy Bloody Mary is a zesty twist on the classic Bloody Mary cocktail. It contains the typical ingredients of a Bloody Mary – vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, and garnishes – with an extra kick of heat and spice. The spicy version packs a punch that Bloody Mary lovers crave.
Main Ingredients
The base components of a spicy Bloody Mary are:
Vodka
Vodka is the key alcohol ingredient. Standard 80 proof vodka works best as it allows the other spices and flavors to shine through. Around 1 1/2 ounces of vodka is typical for a single Bloody Mary.
Tomato Juice
Tomato juice provides the signature red hue as well as tangy, savory flavors. Tomato juice is usually combined with the vodka in roughly a 3:1 ratio. Spicy Bloody Marys work well with thick, premium tomato juices.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce brings the heat! Dash in as much hot sauce as desired, depending on preferred spice level. Good hot sauces for Bloody Marys include Tabasco, Cholula, and Sriracha.
Worcestershire Sauce
A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce brings umami depth, vinegar tang, and that distinctive Bloody Mary flavor. Lea & Perrins is the classic brand.
Horseradish
Freshly grated or prepared horseradish adds sinus-clearing, spicy bite. Use it sparingly, as horseradish is powerful.
Seasonings
In addition to hot sauce, seasonings like cayenne, paprika, celery salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery seed amp up the spicy flavors.
Customizing Your Spicy Bloody Mary
One of the great things about Bloody Marys is how customizable they are to suit individual tastes. You can play with different ingredients and garnishes.
Vodka Flavor
Consider using a spicy or pepper-infused vodka to reinforce the spicy notes. Good options include Absolut Peppar, Ketel One Citroen, Belvedere Bloody Mary, and Polugar Jalapeno.
Spice Mixes
For serious spice lovers, blend in Cajun seasoning, hot chili mixes, or a customized blend of peppers and spices. Old Bay Seasoning is a popular addition.
Vegetable Juices
Some people add extra vegetable juice for flavor and thickness. Try blending in carrot, beet, celery, spinach or other juices.
Prepared Mixes
Premade Bloody Mary mixes allow you to whip them up quickly. Add your own vodka and garnishes. However, from-scratch tends to taste better.
Citrus Juices
A splash of lemon, lime, or orange juice brightens up the Bloody Mary with some fresh acidity. This enhances the spice and seasoning flavors.
Garnishes
Garnishes set Bloody Marys apart from other cocktails visibly. They not only decorate the drink, but provide pops of flavor with each sip.
Classic Garnishes
- Celery stalk
- Green olives
- Pickled veggies (carrot, okra, asparagus, green beans)
- Lemon and lime wedges
- Cheese cubes (cheddar, pepper jack)
- Fresh herb sprigs (parsley, cilantro, dill)
Creative Garnishes
- Pepperoni stick
- Bacon strip
- Shrimp
- Pickle or jalapeno slice
- Pepperoncini
- Grilled chicken skewer
- Roasted bell pepper
- Thinly sliced radish
- Mushroom cap
Let your imagination run wild with garnishes! The more variety, the better. Skewer and balance them for a stunning presentation.
Serving Tips
Glassware
Serve spicy Bloody Marys in tall highball glasses, Mason jars, or funky themed glassware. Sturdy, stackable pint glasses work for serving large batches at parties.
Ice
Fill the glasses with plenty of ice to keep the Bloody Marys chilled. Good dilution also balances the spicy bite.
Straws
Provide plenty of fun, colorful straws for easy sipping. Bendable straws make it easier to maneuver around the garnishes.
Rims
For an extra kick, coat the rim of the glasses with spices using lemon or lime juice. Good spice rim options include Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, chili powder or pepper flakes.
Accompaniments
Offer pickles, olives, and other snacks on the side for munching. Pretzels, chips and nuts also pair nicely.
Recipe Ideas
Here are some recipe ideas for whipping up the perfect spicy Bloody Mary:
Classic Spicy Bloody Mary
- 1 1⁄2 oz vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- 1⁄2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 1 dash horseradish
- 3 shakes hot sauce
- 1⁄4 tsp celery salt
- 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
- 1⁄8 tsp garlic powder
- Garnishes of choice
Southwest Spicy Bloody Mary
- 1 1⁄2 oz chipotle vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1⁄2 tsp cumin
- 1⁄2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- Dash Worcestershire
- Garnishes: lime wedge, bacon, pepper jack cube, cilantro sprig
Loaded Spicy Bloody Mary
- 1 1⁄2 oz pepper infused vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- 1⁄2 oz olive juice
- 1⁄2 tsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tsp Worcestershire
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Dash celery salt
- Dash vegan bacon bits
- Garnishes: olives, pickle, pepperoni, cheddar, shrimp
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use crushed ice or cubes in a Bloody Mary?
Cubes are preferred as they will dilute the drink more slowly. Crushed ice tends to water down drinks quickly.
What is the best vodka for a spicy Bloody Mary?
A good quality vodka with spice infusions like pepper, chili or horseradish will complement the heat nicely. Otherwise standard vodkas like Tito’s, Ketel One, and Absolut work well.
Is it best to add hot sauce directly, or mix it with the other ingredients?
Adding a few dashes or shakes directly to the vodka/tomato juice blend allows you to adjust the spice level on demand.
Should Bloody Marys be served warm or over ice?
Chilled over ice, as the ice gradually dilutes the drink. Room temperature or warm Bloody Marys won’t be nearly as refreshing.
Can I prepare Bloody Marys in a large batch or pitcher?
Yes, you can batch Bloody Marys in a pitcher or drink dispenser for ease of serving at parties. Just adjust recipe quantities as needed.
Conclusion
A spicy Bloody Mary is the perfect cocktail for those who like some fire with their drinks. Vodka, tomato juice, and spicy seasonings pack a punch while creative garnishes make it a fun, shareable experience. Customize the heat level and ingredients to suit your tastes. Sip a spicy Bloody Mary at your next brunch or weekend celebration!