Making Your Best Bloody Mary
The myriad ingredients one can use to make a Bloody Mary truly define it as "the worlds most complex cocktail."
The myriad ingredients one can use to make a Bloody Mary truly define it as "the worlds most complex cocktail."
Cambria design shown: Bellingham™
And this classic breakfast pick-me-up is now being elevated to new levels. Mixologists worldwide are concocting recipes with garden fresh ingredients, including hand-picked stewed tomatoes, pickled veggies, as well as a whole host of condiments. Add in over-the-top tastes like bacon or sausage sticks and you have a drink that is so much more than just the half vodka, half tomato juice cocktail it used to be. Making your best Bloody Mary, however, might mean using favorite ingredients grown in your own backyard. Put them all together and—voilà!—personal Bloody Mary perfection.
Makes approximately 16 (4oz) servings, medium consistency, and medium spiciness. Mix ingredients together and let sit for at least 2 hours for flavors to meld.
*Amanda Williams, On-Premise Channel Manager for Beam Inc., NCD
Pickles, from the spicy kick of a jalapeño to the sweet surprise of watermelon rind, are the perfect accompaniment to the garden-fresh flavor of a Bloody Mary—and it’s so easy to make your own. Go to CambriaUSA.com/style for recipes, how-to videos, and home pickling inspiration.
Thick: Prefer a thick, rich drink? Add one or two tablespoons of organic tomato paste (we love Muir Glen, or, you can preserve your own) to the mix.
Spicy: Use a few extra dashes of hot sauce. Tabasco is the traditional choice, but Frank’s Red Hot, Sriracha, or even a pinch of hot taco seasoning will turn up the heat.
Gourmet Garnishes: The possibilities are nearly endless—just choose a combination with a contrasting mix of flavors (sweet, salty, and tangy) and textures (crunchy, crisp, and creamy). Here are just a few of our favorites:
Twists on the Classic: Vodka, flavored or straight, is the traditional choice for a Bloody Mary, but experimenting with spirits can have delicious results. Try tequila to make a Bloody Maria, or your favorite whisky for a Whisky Mary.