Bloody Mary sauce is a spicy tomato-based condiment often used for topping dishes like eggs, seafood, chicken, and more. It gets its name from the Bloody Mary cocktail, which it resembles in flavor profile. The primary ingredients in Bloody Mary sauce are tomatoes, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, celery salt, black pepper, and other spices.
Tomatoes
The base of Bloody Mary sauce is tomatoes. Tomato juice, tomato sauce, tomato paste, or chopped tomatoes are used to provide the thick, tomato-ey flavor. Tomatoes offer a savory, umami taste and provide the rich red color associated with the sauce. The tomatoes are often cooked down into a thick puree or paste to concentrate the flavors before being combined with the other ingredients.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is added to Bloody Mary sauce to give it some spicy heat and kick. Tabasco sauce is commonly used, but other hot sauces like Sriracha can also be added. The amount of hot sauce can be adjusted based on desired spiciness level. Just a dash or two adds subtle heat, while a few tablespoons makes for a mouth-burning sauce. The vinegar and chile flavors of the hot sauce balance out the richness of the tomato.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce brings a complex umami, savory taste to Bloody Mary sauce. It’s made from fermented anchovies, tamarind, garlic, onions, molasses, and other ingredients. The Worcestershire adds a boost of extra flavor dimension beyond just hot and tomato-ey. It has slight tanginess and sweetness from the tamarind and molasses that complement the other ingredients.
Horseradish
Fresh grated horseradish or prepared horseradish sauce gives Bloody Mary sauce a spicy, sinus-clearing kick. The pungent, nasal-burning quality of horseradish is an essential flavor in the sauce. Just a bit goes a long way due to its potent nature. Horseradish brings more spice and packs an extra punch beyond the hot sauce alone.
Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up Bloody Mary sauce with some acidity. The tart, citrusy flavor cuts through the richness of the tomatoes and fats and helps support the bold seasonings. Lemon juice also thins out the consistency a bit to make it an easily pourable sauce rather than a thick paste.
Celery Salt
In addition to standard salt, celery salt is used to season Bloody Mary sauce. Celery salt is a blend of salt and ground celery seeds. It adds a salty, savory taste along with a light celery flavor. The herbal notes complement ingredients like tomatoes, horseradish, and hot sauce. Celery stalks are also often used as a garnish for Bloody Mary drinks and dishes featuring the sauce.
Black Pepper
Freshly cracked black peppercorns lend a peppery bite to Bloody Mary sauce. Along with the chili heat, black pepper provides another form of spicy kick. The pungency of the black pepper balances against the creamy tomato base. It adds an extra flavor layer beyond just salt for seasoning.
Other Spices
In addition to the main ingredients, Bloody Mary sauce often contains an assortment of other spices that add to its bold, complex flavor. Common spices used include cayenne, paprika, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs like oregano and basil, a dash of sugar, and more. The possibilities are endless for customizing with different spice blends.
Making Bloody Mary Sauce
To make basic Bloody Mary sauce at home:
- Saute minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, 1-2 minutes
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and spices
- Simmer uncovered 20-30 minutes until thickened to desired consistency
- Turn off heat and stir in prepared horseradish and hot sauce
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, hot sauce, and lemon juice
- Allow to cool before transferring to an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 1 month
The sauce can be tweaked to preference by using more or less of any ingredient. Try out different spice blends or types of hot sauce until you find your perfect balance. This versatile sauce can then be served over eggs, seafood, chicken wings, burgers, fries, tacos, and more dishes that need a flavorful spicy, savory kick.
Popular Brands
While homemade Bloody Mary sauce is simple to prepare, there are also many store-bought options available. Some of the top brands include:
- Tabasco Bloody Mary Mix – Made by the famous hot sauce company, this mix contains Tabasco sauce as its spicy ingredient.
- McClure’s Bloody Mary Mix – Uses a fuller-bodied hot sauce along with celery seed, black pepper, and other seasonings.
- Zing Zang – Features a thicker, pulpier texture with horseradish and Worcestershire as main flavors.
- Mr & Mrs T – A shelf-stable mix with a balance of spicy and savory.
- OLD BAY Bloody Mary Mix – Uses the iconic OLD BAY seasoning blend in a Bloody Mary mix.
When choosing a pre-made mix, check the ingredients list to find one with the flavor profile you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
Bloody Mary sauce has many savory applications for topping foods. Here are some serving ideas:
- Drizzle over fried eggs, omelets, or scrambled eggs
- Use as a dip for fried seafood like shrimp, calamari, or fish
- Brush on chicken wings, legs, or thighs before baking
- Top sliders, burgers, or hot dogs
- Toss with fried potatoes or french fries
- Drizzle on nachos, tacos, or burritos
- Use as a sandwich spread
- Mix into meatballs or meatloaf
- Toss with roasted vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli
- Stir into bloody mary cocktails for spicy flavor
The sauce makes an excellent finisher for anything that needs a savory, spicy boost. Adjust the amount used based on your desired spice level. Start with a dash or drizzle and add more as needed. The possibilities are endless for creative ways to use this versatile condiment!
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for Bloody Mary sauce can vary widely depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used in a recipe. However, here are some general nutrition facts for a serving (2 tablespoons or 30ml) of homemade Bloody Mary sauce:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 20 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbs | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sodium | 230mg |
As you can see, a typical Bloody Mary sauce is low in fat, carbs, and protein. The majority of calories come from the sodium content. Store-bought mixes that use tomato or vegetable juice rather than whole tomatoes will have slightly higher carb counts. Overall though, the sauce can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
History
The origins of Bloody Mary sauce can be traced back to the mid 1900s invention of the Bloody Mary cocktail. While the exact origin is debated, the cocktail is believed to have first been created sometime in the 1930s or 1940s. Recipes for the alcoholic drink combining tomato juice, vodka, and spices appeared in bartending guidebooks starting in the late 1940s.
As the Bloody Mary grew popular at brunches and weekend gatherings, recipes for a Bloody Mary mixer emerged. Rather than needing to hand-make the spicy tomato blend each time, pre-mixed concentrates allowed for easy cocktail assembly at home. These early Bloody Mary mixes eventually expanded to become condiments for all sorts of recipes beyond just drinks.
Today, Bloody Mary sauce remains a staple condiment at any brunch buffet alongside classic accompaniments like bacon and eggs. It’s also become popular as a fiery topping for everything from seafood to tacos. This versatile sauce adds a special savory kick that keeps devotees coming back for more.
Regional Variations
While the standard Bloody Mary sauce contains tomato, Worcestershire, horseradish, and hot sauce, regional variations exist:
Midwest
Celery salt and dill are commonly added in the Midwest.
West Coast
Some West Coast versions use clam juice for added savoriness.
South
Southern recipes might include Cajun seasoning, tabasco, pickled okra, or barbecue sauce.
Mexico
Mexican versions called Chavela or Chabo add ingredients like lime juice, chili powder, and Maggi seasoning.
Canada
Canadian Caesar mixes often contain clam nectar, celery, and black pepper.
The basic Bloody Mary can be customized with local flavors depending on preferences in different regions.
Common Questions
Is Bloody Mary sauce already mixed or do you have to make it?
Bloody Mary sauce can be purchased pre-mixed or made homemade. There are many packaged mixes available for convenience, but homemade has the advantage of controlling the ingredients and spice level.
Do you add alcohol to Bloody Mary sauce?
Bloody Mary sauce does not contain alcohol on its own. Vodka or other spirits need to be added separately when making a Bloody Mary cocktail. The sauce can be enjoyed alcohol-free as a condiment.
How long does Bloody Mary sauce last in the fridge?
Homemade Bloody Mary sauce will last 1-2 months refrigerated in an airtight container. Store-bought mixes last 4-6 months or until best by date. The high acidity helps preserve the sauce.
Can you freeze Bloody Mary sauce?
Yes, Bloody Mary sauce freezes well for longer term storage. Freeze in an airtight container for 3-4 months. Thaw in fridge before using.
Is Bloody Mary sauce spicy?
Bloody Mary sauce can range from mildly spicy to very hot depending on amount of hot sauce or horseradish used. Adjust spices to your personal tolerance and add more heat if desired.
Conclusion
With its bright red color and savory bite, Bloody Mary sauce delivers a spicy-tangy flavor punch. Tomatoes provide the base along with the quintessential ingredients of Worcestershire, horseradish, hot sauce, and spices. This versatile condiment can jazz up everything from eggs to chicken wings when you want to give dishes a lively kick. With so many uses, Bloody Mary sauce is a must-have for any spice lover’s refrigerator door. Keep a jar handy to add excitement and flavor to everyday meals.