Here are all the best Bloody Mary variations to try! These types are the most popular riffs on this classic brunch cocktail.
There’s nothing quite like the savory and spicy kick of a good Bloody Mary. This famous classic cocktail was born in the 1920’s, and has been going strong ever since. And because it’s so beloved: there are lots of riffs on the drink that have become famous in their own right. Here are all the top Bloody Mary variations to try: from the tequila-based Bloody Maria to the gin-based Red Snapper. Each one has its own character and charm…in fact, you’ll probably want to try them all.
And now…the top Bloody Mary variations to try!
The classic! The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail born in the 1920's that went on to become a world-wide sensation. Turns out, making the absolute perfect version of this classic cocktail requires a few secrets. Here’s how to make the best Bloody Mary: savory, spicy, tangy, and salty all at once. It’s ideal for brunch, but we’ll admit: we crave these anytime.
Swap out the vodka for tequila, and you’ve got a popular Bloody Mary variation: the Bloody Maria! That simple switch-up gives big flavor returns. Vodka can often get lost in a cocktail, but tequila comes out with a strong finish. The Maria is Mary’s better half, much like how the tequila-based Mexican Mule is our preferred version of the Moscow Mule.
The name doesn’t betray this drink as a Bloody Mary variation. But it’s holding a secret: it’s essentially a classic Bloody Mary with gin! Switching out the vodka leads to a whole new drink: savory, spicy, tangy, spicy, with a hint of botanical on the finish from the gin. It’s a fun variation on the standard: and even more so to surprise your guests with this unique spin.
Love spicy drinks? Try this Bloody Mary variation: the spicy Bloody Mary! This drink has just the right amount of heat in each sip. It’s savory, tangy and salty, not overwhelmingly spicy but with a decided kick on the finish! The pizzazz comes from two ingredients: fresh jalapeño slices and Tabasco sauce. Take a sip and the jalapeño fills the front end and the hot sauce kicks in a zing at the finish.
Craving a Bloody Mary but can’t do alcohol? Don’t worry: make this virgin Bloody Mary variation and you’ll hardly know the difference! It’s so full of flavor: savory, tangy, spicy, and salty all at once! You’ll hardly believe it’s a mocktail. In fact, we almost like this one even better than the classic: especially because you can drink as many as you want!
Consider this one a sort of mash up between a Bloody Mary and a beer margarita: the michelada! It's a spicy beer cocktail made with Mexican beer, tomato juice, lime juice and hot sauce. The best part is the glass rim: a mix of Old Bay, chili powder and celery salt brings a salty, savory flair to the front end of this refreshing drink.
All hail, the Bloody Caesar! This variation on the Bloody Mary was invented in Canada. The secret? Clamato juice adds an intensely savory undertone to what’s an already umami-packed drink. This drink was inspired by a plate of Italian spaghetti with clams, and while that might sound a bit off, but let us assure you: this spicy, savory, tangy drink is pure flavor.
More Bloody Mary variations
Here are a few other popular types of Bloody Mary variations:
- Green Mary Uses green tomatoes (tomatillos) instead of red tomatoes
- Bloodless Mary Made with tomato water.
A little Bloody Mary history…
The Bloody Mary cocktail was invented in the 1920’s. There are many stories about its origin, but it most likely came to be at the New York Bar in Paris (where other famous cocktails were born, like the French 75 and Between the Sheets). Some people say it’s named after Queen Mary I of England, or Mary Pickford, a movie star back in the day. Others claim one of the first patrons to drink it at the New York Bar said that it looked like his girlfriend Mary he met at a cabaret called “Bucket of Blood”.
Whatever the case, this combination of tomato juice and vodka has become one of the most famous brunch cocktails in the world. It’s spawned all sorts of spins with different liquors.
Best garnishes!
Garnishes are where the Bloody Mary gets even more fun! Here are a few ideas for how to step up your Bloody Mary variations…and even make them into a mini-meal:
- Celery (required!)
- Lemon wedges
- Pimento stuffed olives
- Cocktail onions
- Dill pickle spears
- Pepperoncini
- Pickled vegetables: jalapeno peppers, okra, cauliflower, or asparagus
- Cheese cubes
- Cooked shrimp
- Bacon
I think it would be appropriate
for some creative bartender
to come up with a Bloody Mary
type drink to recognize the brave
Ukrainian soldiers and their
supporters.
I would call it a Himar, the long range artillery the United States
has supplied to the Ukraine that has proven to be so effective.