Elevate your brunch spread with this tutorial for serving up a perfectly balanced savory classic cocktail!
What’s the first thing you think of when someone says brunch? If you said Bloody Marys, you’re not alone. This savory cocktail has been a mainstay of late-morning gatherings and social weekends since at least the 1960s. It may have gained that stature from its reputation as a “hair of the dog” hangover cure—a pedigree that threads through early 20th-century bars in Paris and New York City. Regardless of whether the drink is restorative after a night of indulgence, its tangy, savory, spicy flavor profile dovetails nicely with the combination of classic breakfast fare and heartier mid-day dishes featured on restaurant brunch menus.
This tutorial for how to make a Bloody Mary will take your classic mixology skills to the next level. You’ll get the lowdown on the proportions of vodka and tomato juice that deliver a well-balanced beverage, as well as the accents that bring in depth and complexity, like Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Plus, we’ll get into some ideas for next-level garnishes you can use to create eye-catching spectacles that wow party guests. So, whether you’re looking for a morning-after balm or a showstopping display, this guide for how to make a Bloody Mary is your go-to resource!
How to level up your garnish game
A celery stalk and lemon slice are the OG garnishes for a Bloody Mary. But modern iterations boast some of the most imaginative embellishments in mixology history. Often, the drink is transformed into a meal in a glass with sandwiches and snacks perched precariously atop its rim. Embrace that creativity at home by adding skewered olives, grilled shrimp, or a strip of bacon to your beverage. If you really want to impress, adorn your Bloody Mary with homemade Pickled Green Beans and Pickled Cherry Tomatoes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Bloody Marys without garnishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then stir to recombine and garnish just before serving.
To make batches ahead of time for a party, prepare just the tomato-based mix and store it in the fridge or freezer as outlined above. Then add vodka and garnishes to individual portions as you serve them.
Serving suggestions
Serve your Bloody Marys with small bites that mimic restaurant-style over-the-top garnishes, like Cheeseburger Sliders and Teriyaki Chicken Wings. Or pair them with classic brunch staples, like Ham And Spinach Quiche and Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast.
Ingredients
- Lemon wedge for rimming the glass
- Coarse salt or celery salt for rimming the glass
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 3 ounces tomato juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3-4 drops Tabasco or to taste
- Juice of half a lemon about 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 rib celery optional, for garnish
- 1 slice lemon optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a tall glass. Dip the rim in a shallow plate of coarse salt or celery salt to coat.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes to chill.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake or stir briefly to blend and chill.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over ice.
- Garnish with a celery stalk and a lemon slice. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment