The Bloody Mary is a classic vodka cocktail that has been popular for decades. At its core, it consists of vodka and tomato juice. However, there are many variations on the Bloody Mary recipe, with countless garnishes and ingredient tweaks. When making this savory cocktail at home, one of the most important choices is the type of vodka to use. The vodka is the base spirit and will impact the overall flavor profile. So what kind of vodka should you use for a Bloody Mary?
Vodka Overview
First, let’s start with a quick vodka overview. Vodka is distilled from fermented grains or potatoes. The clear liquor has a neutral flavor profile, without strong aromas or tastes. Vodka’s defining characteristic is its smooth, clean taste.
There are many factors that impact a vodka’s quality and flavor:
- Source material – Vodka can be made from grains like wheat, rye, corn or barley. Potatoes are also commonly used.
- Distillation process – Vodka is distilled to remove impurities and enhance purity. Some brands distill vodka multiple times.
- Filtration – Many vodka producers filter the liquor multiple times through charcoal and other materials.
- Additives – Some brands add glycerol for smoothness or citric acid for zing.
- Water quality – Since vodka is diluted with water after distilling, the water source impacts flavor.
Taken together, these production methods influence the mouthfeel, smoothness, flavor nuances and overall quality of the vodka. Generally, more expensive vodkas are distilled numerous times and filtered extensively to remove impurities and produce an ultra-clean flavor.
Vodka Types
There are several major categories of vodka:
- Neutral Vodka – This is the most common type. It is distilled repeatedly to remove most of the flavor congeners, resulting in a clean, neutral flavor profile best suited for mixing in cocktails.
- Flavored Vodka – These have added flavors like citrus, vanilla, cinnamon or peppers infused into neutral vodka.
- Rye Vodka – Made from fermented rye grains. It has a spicy, hearty flavor with hints of rye coming through.
- Wheat Vodka – Distilled from wheat grains. It has a sweet, smooth taste.
- Potato Vodka – Made from fermented potatoes. Known for a creamy texture and earthy flavor.
- Flavored Vodka – Infused with fruit, herbs or other flavors like citrus, honey or chili pepper.
The most common choice for cocktails is a premium neutral vodka. This allows the other ingredients to shine through without overwhelming vodka flavors. Rye, wheat and potato vodkas add more distinct flavors that may clash with cocktail ingredients. Flavored varieties like lemon or pepper vodka also risk competing with cocktail flavors.
Factors in Choosing Vodka for a Bloody Mary
When selecting vodka specifically for Bloody Marys, here are some factors to consider:
- Flavor Profile – Since tomato juice has a bold, savory taste, you generally want a smooth, clean vodka that won’t compete with the Bloody Mary flavors. Neutral vodka is the best choice.
- Alcohol Percentage – Many prefer a lower alcohol percentage (80 proof/40% ABV) for Bloody Marys since the cocktail will be consumed over a leisurely brunch. This makes it less harsh than higher proof vodkas.
- Chill Filtration – Vodkas described as “chill filtered” go through an extra cold filtration process to remove fatty lipids that make the vodka hazy or cloudy when chilled. This gives the vodka a crystal clear appearance suited for Bloody Marys.
- Price Point – Vodka priced $15-$30 per bottle is typically sufficient for Bloody Marys. Top shelf vodka is not necessary since the tomato juice flavors will overpower any subtle vodka notes.
- Reputation – Stick with established vodka brands known for quality and taste.
Recommended Vodka Brands for Bloody Marys
Here are some excellent vodkas to use when making Bloody Mary cocktails at home:
Smirnoff
Smirnoff is an affordable and widely available vodka that’s highly mixable. It’s quadruple distilled and charcoal filtered for smoothness and purity. With an 80 proof alcohol content, it’s a solid mid-range option for Bloody Marys. Opt for the standard No. 21 vodka, not any of the flavored versions.
Absolut
Distilled in Sweden, Absolut vodka is a go-to brand for cocktails. It’s smooth, mellow and slightly sweet with a touch of grain flavor coming through. The Absolut Elyx is a premium choice made from single estate winter wheat. But the standard Absolut vodka also works very well in Bloody Marys.
Tito’s
Tito’s Handmade Vodka is another excellent value option made in America. It’s distilled six times from corn and filtered with charcoal for smoothness. With subtle hints of pepper and citrus, Tito’s livens up a Bloody Mary nicely while still letting the tomato shine. It also has a lower 80 proof alcohol content.
Grey Goose
If you want a premium vodka, Grey Goose is an iconic French brand that’s ultra-smooth and creamy. It’s distilled from winter wheat in a traditional potato spirit style. The high quality helps elevate a Bloody Mary, though you pay more for that luxury. Use the original unflavored Grey Goose vodka.
Ketel One
Ketel One is a crisp, light vodka from Holland with hints of citrus and honey. It’s distilled in copper pot stills then filtered through charcoal for an ultra-smooth finish. The Original Ketel One has an 80 proof alcohol content ideal for Bloody Marys.
How Much Vodka to Use
A standard Bloody Mary recipe calls for:
- 1 1/2 ounces (1 shot) vodka
- 4 to 6 ounces tomato juice
- Dash of lemon juice
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon horseradish
- 2 to 3 dashes hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnishes like olives, celery, lemon wedges
This balances the vodka with the savory tomato juice for a flavorful cocktail that’s not overly boozy. The vodka still provides an alcoholic kick, but all the spice and flavor comes through. You can adjust the vodka amount up or down slightly to taste. But keep it in the 1 to 2 ounce range for optimal flavor.
Shake or Stir?
Should you shake or stir a Bloody Mary? Since it has juice rather than just liquors, the standard technique is to shake the ingredients with ice to blend and chill. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with olives, celery, bacon or other embellishments. The shaking action also creates a frothy head on the cocktail.
However, some people prefer to stir their Bloody Mary gently to avoid excess foaming. So personal preference rules when it comes to the shake or stir decision. The main key is to thoroughly mix and chill all the ingredients.
Creating the Perfect Bloody Mary
Making a delicious Bloody Mary requires high quality ingredients. While the vodka is important, the tomato juice can make or break the cocktail. Look for tomato juice and vegetable juice blends without preservatives or additives. Handcrafted, small batch juices deliver the freshest, richest flavor.
Speaking of flavor, adjust the spice levels to taste. Add hot sauce, horseradish, black pepper and other seasonings until the warmth and zing is just right. And freshly grated horseradish has much more potent kick than jarred.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with garnishes too. Olives, pickles and bacon are classics. But some unique Bloody Mary toppers include grilled shrimp, pepperoni sticks, green beans, pepper jack cheese and mini burgers!
Creamy Vs. Thin Bloody Marys
There are two main Bloody Mary styles – creamy and thin:
- Creamy – These richer, thicker versions often blend the tomato juice with puréed tomatoes or tomato paste. Clam juice or vegetable juices also add body. The result is a Bloody Mary with a smooth, creamy texture.
- Thin – A thinner, lighter Bloody Mary gets its texture directly from the tomato juice. While full of flavor, it has a thinner consistency for a more refreshing, drinkable cocktail.
The choice comes down to personal preference on mouthfeel. Creamy Bloody Mary’s have a luxurious, velvety feel. But they can become heavy after a few. The thinner style retains the bracing acidity of fresh tomato juice for a cocktail that goes down easy.
In terms of vodka, stick with a smooth, clean-tasting neutral vodka for both types. The nuances will get lost in hearty tomato juice anyway. Save the flavored vodkas to sip on their own.
Example Bloody Mary Ingredients
| Type | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Base Spirit | Vodka |
| Juice | Tomato juice |
| Flavors | Horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice |
| Seasonings | Salt, pepper, celery salt |
| Garnishes | Celery sticks, olives, bacon, shrimp, cheese |
Nutrition Information Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 115 |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Fun Bloody Mary Facts
- The Bloody Mary was originally called a “Bucket of Blood” in the 1920s Paris.
- The name was changed in the 1930s when it came to America and “Bloody Mary” emerged in 1934.
- The oldest known published Bloody Mary recipe was in a 1939 bartending guide called “New York Bar Guide.”
- Some tales suggest the Bloody Mary got its name from Queen Mary I of England who was nicknamed “Bloody Mary” for burning Protestants at the stake.
- Others claim it was named after a waitress named Mary who worked at Chicago’s Bucket of Blood Club.
- The vodka and tomato juice cocktail was originally a morning “eye opener” drink.
- The Bloody Mary became popular nationwide in the US after an endorsement from comedian George Jessel in 1939.
- The drink later became associated with brunch, with the first meals served in the late 1930s.
- The Bloody Mary is one of the most popular brunch cocktails, alongside Mimosas and Bellinis.
- Some upscale restaurants offer custom Bloody Mary bars with artisanal ingredients.
Conclusion
When making a Bloody Mary, go with a versatile neutral vodka that provides an alcoholic base without overwhelming the tomato juice. Chill and strain the cocktail for optimal flavor. Premium vodkas provide quality, but a mid-range bottle will suffice since the vodka notes get drowned out. Smirnoff, Absolut, Tito’s, Ketel One and other trusted brands are perfect for bloody Marys. Adjust the horseradish, hot sauce and garnishes to taste. And don’t forget the celery stalk stirring straw and hangover-fighting snack!