Bloody Mary mix is a pre-made liquid blend of tomato juice, spices, and other ingredients used to make the popular Bloody Mary cocktail. While it originated as a simple mix of tomato juice and vodka, Bloody Mary mix has evolved into a versatile pantry staple used for much more than just cocktails.
What is in Bloody Mary mix?
The primary ingredients in Bloody Mary mix are tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, celery seed, and horseradish. Some commercial mixes also contain vodka, but a true Bloody Mary mix does not contain alcohol. The spices and flavorings infuse the tomato juice with savory, spicy, and tangy flavors that complement the vodka in a Bloody Mary cocktail.
Making Bloody Mary cocktails
The most common and popular use for Bloody Mary mix is, of course, making Bloody Mary cocktails. To make a Bloody Mary, simply combine Bloody Mary mix with vodka and garnish with a celery stalk. Standard proportions are about 4 parts mix to 1 part vodka, but the vodka amount can be adjusted to taste. The Bloody Mary is commonly served as a brunch cocktail, due to its savory and spicy profile.
Adding extra spices and garnishes
While Bloody Mary mix contains spices, many people add extra spices and hot sauces to their Bloody Marys. Common extra flavorings include horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot peppers, peppercorn, celery salt, and smoked paprika. Creative garnishes like bacon, shrimp, pickles, olives, and cheese also complement the savory nature of the drink.
Virgin Bloody Marys
Bloody Mary mix can also be used to make virgin, or non-alcoholic, Bloody Marys. Simply mix the Bloody Mary mix with tomato juice or vegetable juice instead of vodka. Virgin Bloody Marys have a similar spicy, savory taste but without the alcohol content. They can be enjoyed by people abstaining from alcohol such as children, pregnant women, and designated drivers.
Bloody Maria cocktails
A Bloody Maria is a variation on the Bloody Mary that substitutes tequila for the vodka. To make one, mix Bloody Mary mix with tequila and garnish with lime instead of celery. The Bloody Maria is common in Mexican restaurants and pairs especially well with spicy Mexican food.
Micheladas
Micheladas are a Mexican cerveza preparada made with beer, Bloody Mary mix, and lime juice. The Bloody Mary mix adds a spicy, savory flavor to the beer. Micheladas are often served in a salt-rimmed glass with ice and garnished with lime and chili pepper.
Bloody Beer
For a low alcohol twist, Bloody Mary mix can be added to beer instead of vodka or tequila. Bloody Beer typically uses a light beer so the Bloody Mary flavors come through. The mixers ratio is usually 1 part mix to 3-4 parts beer. Bloody Beer is nice for day drinking when you want flavor without too much booze.
Hot Bloody Marys
During colder months, Bloody Marys can be served warm as a comforting winter cocktail. Simply heat up the Bloody Mary mix before adding vodka and garnishes. Some hot Bloody Mary recipes also incorporate extra spices like cayenne, paprika, and cinnamon.
Bloody Mary shots
As a shortcut, Bloody Mary mix can be used as a quick and easy chaser for vodka shots. The savory tomato flavor helps cut the harsh bite of straight vodka. Tequila shots can also be chased with Bloody Mary mix for a Bloody Maria vibe.
Cooking with Bloody Mary mix
Beyond beverages, the zesty flavors of Bloody Mary mix can add flavor to many savory dishes. Here are some ways to incorporate it into cooking and grilling:
Marinades
The spices and tangy tomato flavor make Bloody Mary mix an excellent marinade base for meats like chicken, fish, shrimp, and steak. Add olive oil, herbs, garlic, etc. for a full marinade.
Shrimp boil
For boiled shrimp, add Bloody Mary mix to the boiling water for extra flavor. Bay leaves and Old Bay seasoning also complement the Bloody Mary shrimp boil.
Ceviche
The tomato base provides a perfect medium for lime-marinated ceviche. Add diced fish, shrimp, onions, cilantro, avocado, and jalapeño for a flavorful ceviche with Bloody Mary vibes.
Seafood boils or clambakes
Like shrimp, clams, mussels, crab, and lobster also shine when steamed in a pot of Bloody Mary-seasoned broth. Sprinkle with Old Bay and drizzle with melted butter for dipping.
Bloody Mary burgers
Add zing to burger patties by mixing a few tablespoons of Bloody Mary mix into the ground beef before grilling. Goes great with spicy cheese and a cold beer.
Chicken wings
Instead of Buffalo sauce, give baked chicken wings a new flavor by basting them in Bloody Mary mix during cooking. Garnish with celery and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Bloody Mary pizza
Swirl some Bloody Mary mix over pizza sauce to give it a kick, then top with mozzarella, pepperoni, basil, and optional garnishes like bacon or shrimp.
Salad dressing
Shake up a quick dressing by combining Bloody Mary mix with olive oil and a splash of vinegar. Toss with leafy greens, tomatoes, avocado, and shrimp or chicken.
Dip for vegetables
Veggies like carrots, celery, cauliflower, and bell peppers become more exciting when dipped in a blend of Bloody Mary mix and sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Bloody Mary soup
For a warming soup, simmer tomatoes, chicken or veggie stock, cream, and Bloody Mary mix together. Finish with sherry for extra depth.
Nutritional value
Since Bloody Mary mix is tomato-based, it offers some nutritious benefits. Tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C. However, sodium content can be high in pre-made mixes due to the salt, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings.
Vitamins and minerals in Bloody Mary mix (per 8 oz serving)
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Vitamin C | 40% DV |
| Vitamin K | 5% DV |
| Potassium | 10% DV |
| Sodium | 15-25% DV |
DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Buying Bloody Mary mix
Bloody Mary mix can be purchased pre-made or made from scratch at home. Pre-made mixes are widely available at most liquor stores and supermarkets. Popular national brands include Zing Zang, Mr & Mrs T, and McClure’s. Smaller gourmet brands offer premium organic mixes with fresh ingredients.
Homemade mix allows you to control the ingredients and spice blend. But commercial mixes offer convenience while still providing a flavorful Bloody Mary experience.
Storing and shelf life
An unopened bottle of Bloody Mary mix will keep in the pantry for 1-2 months past its printed expiration date. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 4-6 weeks.
Signs that Bloody Mary mix has expired include changes in texture, consistency, color, or smell. If mold appears, the mix should be discarded.
For homemade mixes without preservatives, proper refrigeration is key. Homemade mixes should be used within 3-5 days.
Bloody Mary mix vs. plain tomato juice
| Bloody Mary Mix | Tomato Juice |
|---|---|
| Pre-mixed with spices and flavorings | Plain tomato juice only |
| Thicker, pulpy texture | Thinner, smoother consistency |
| Stronger, spicier flavor | Mild tomato taste |
| Used for Bloody Mary cocktails | Used for virgin drinks or as ingredient |
| Typically sold alongside drink mixers | Found with vegetable juices |
Conclusion
Bloody Mary mix originated as a combination of tomato juice and vodka but has evolved well beyond just cocktails. Its tangy, savory flavor profile makes it a versatile pantry ingredient for virgin drinks, cooking, and more. With its tomato base, Bloody Mary mix adds a nutritional boost along with its zesty kick of spices. Pre-made mixes provide convenience, but homemade allows for flavor customization. Next time you’re craving a Bloody Mary, consider the many other ways to enjoy this flavorful drink mixer.