A loaded Bloody Mary mix is a pre-made Bloody Mary cocktail mix that contains extra ingredients beyond just tomato juice and spices. While a basic Bloody Mary mix includes tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, black pepper, and other seasonings, a loaded Bloody Mary mix takes things up a notch by also incorporating vodka, celery juice or celery salt, extra hot sauces, bacon, cheese, and other ingredients.
Why use a loaded Bloody Mary mix?
There are several benefits to using a pre-made loaded Bloody Mary mix rather than making your own from scratch:
- Convenience – A loaded mix allows you to quickly make Bloody Marys without having to gather and prepare all the ingredients yourself.
- Consistency – Using the same commercial mix ensures your Bloody Marys will taste the same each time.
- Customization – Many loaded mixes allow you to control the strength of the drink by how much vodka you add.
- Flavor – Pre-made mixes incorporate unique flavors like bacon and cheese that would be difficult to add from scratch.
Common ingredients in loaded Bloody Mary mixes
While ingredients can vary between brands, some common extras found in loaded Bloody Mary mixes include:
Alcohol
- Vodka – Most mixes will list vodka as an ingredient, allowing you to create a ready-to-drink Bloody Mary just by pouring over ice.
- Tequila – Some mixes incorporate tequila for a Mexican-inspired twist.
- Gin – Gin can sometimes be used instead of vodka for a lighter botanical flavor.
Vegetables
- Celery juice/salt – Provides a fresh, vegetal flavor and salty crunch.
- Pickle juice – Adds tang and enhances other savory flavors.
- Olive juice – Provides a briny, umami richness.
- Roasted red peppers – Contribute a subtle smokiness.
Dairy
- Cheese – Especially blue cheese, parmesan, cheddar for a creamy, savory boost.
- Buttermilk – Lends a tangy creaminess to balance the spice.
- Sour cream – Adds cool richness and texture.
Meats
- Bacon – Smoky, salty, umami flavors that enhance the savory tomato.
- Beef/steak seasoning – Mimics the flavor of a steak garnish.
- Pepperoni – Spicy and robust meaty undertones.
Seafood
- Clam juice – Brings an essence of the sea through its briny flavor.
- Shrimp seasoning – Contributes a shellfish savoriness.
- Crab boil seasoning – Provides bold, spicy crab and shellfish notes.
Nutritional content
Since loaded Bloody Mary mixes contain so many extra ingredients, their nutrition facts can vary greatly by brand. However, here are some general nutrition estimates for a 6 oz serving of a loaded Bloody Mary mix:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60-100 |
| Fat | 0-5g |
| Carbs | 5-10g |
| Protein | 2-5g |
| Sodium | 500-800mg |
Keep in mind that these numbers will be higher once vodka is added to make a complete Bloody Mary cocktail. The calorie, carb, and sodium counts in particular may double or more once alcohol is incorporated.
Popular brands of loaded Bloody Mary mixes
Some of the top pre-made loaded Bloody Mary mixes on the market include:
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Bloody Mary Mix
- Made with Tito’s corn-based vodka
- Thick, savory mixture of tomato juice, spices, horseradish
- Just add more vodka to taste
McClure’s Bloody Mary Mix
- Crafted with McClure’s pickle brine
- Tangy, spicy, and vegetal
- Includes celery seed, black pepper, habanero
Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix
- Award-winning and highly rated classic mix
- Robust flavor from a blend of tomatoes, spices, and vegetables
- Thicker texture than many mixes
Mr & Mrs T Bloody Mary Mix
- Made with vodka, rum, and tequila
- Spiced with habanero, horseradish, peppercorn, and more
- Unique addition of olive, lime, and Worcestershire
BAKON Vodka Bloody Mary Mix
- Infused with bacon flavor
- Contains vodka, tomato juice, spices, and bourbon
- Smoky, salty, and savory
How to make a loaded Bloody Mary
Using a pre-made loaded Bloody Mary mix takes a lot of the work out of making this flavorful cocktail. Here are some easy steps to assemble the drink:
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour in 4-6 oz of loaded Bloody Mary mix, depending on how strong you want the drink.
- Top off with 1-2 oz vodka, or to taste.
- Garnish with celery, olives, bacon, lime, peppers – anything that complements the mix flavors.
- Stir gently and serve.
The great thing about loaded mixes is you can customize your Bloody Mary by playing around with the vodka amount and garnishes. The mix provides a ready-to-drink foundation bursting with flavors.
Bloody Mary cocktail recipes using loaded mixes
Loaded Bloody Mary mixes allow you to riff on the classic Bloody Mary template. Try these creative recipes:
Loaded Bacon Bloody
- 6 oz bacon-infused Bloody Mary mix
- 1 oz bourbon
- Garnish with bacon strips, pickle, cheddar cube
Mariachi Mary
- 4 oz mix with tequila
- 1 oz blanco tequila
- Tajín rim, lime wedge, pepper garnish
Bloody Maria
- 6 oz mix with tequila
- 1.5 oz silver tequila
- Salted rim, lime, olive, pepper garnish
Loaded Bloody Bull
- 4 oz loaded mix
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz Red Bull
- Celery rib, pickle, olive garnish
Bloody Caesar
- 6 oz mix with clam juice
- 1.5 oz vodka
- Rim with celery salt
- Garnish with celery, lemon, pepperoni
Tips for making the best loaded Bloody Marys
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most out of a loaded Bloody Mary mix:
- Use a high-quality vodka for the best flavor.
- Start with less vodka and add more to taste.
- Add ingredients like horseradish, hot sauces, or vegetable juices to amp up the flavor.
- Refrigerate the mix for at least 2 hours before using for optimal coldness and thickness.
- Use a salt or spice rim to balance and enhance flavors.
- Skewer impressive garnishes like bacon, cheese, or shrimp on a pick.
- Stir gently to combine, and don’t shake which can cause it to foam.
- Serve in a tall glass or mug with plenty of ice.
Conclusion
Loaded Bloody Mary mixes take the guesswork out of creating the perfect savory, spicy brunch cocktail. With their built-in flavors from ingredients like vodka, bacon, cheese, and vegetables, all you need to do is add your own drink preferences when it comes to alcohol strength and garnishes. So pick up a quality loaded mix and start getting creative with your Bloodys!