Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary Cocktail Recipe

The Bloody Mary is a bold, savoury cocktail known for its distinctive blend of vodka, tomato juice, and spices. Often enjoyed as a brunch favourite or a remedy after a big night out, this cocktail is packed with flavour and can be customised with garnishes ranging from celery stalks to olives, or even pickles. It’s a drink that invites creativity and delivers a rich, tangy experience in every glass.

History / Origin

The origins of the Bloody Mary date back to the 1920s or 1930s, with multiple bartenders claiming credit for its invention. One widely accepted theory attributes the creation to Fernand “Pete” Petiot, a bartender at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, who originally mixed vodka with tomato juice. When he later moved to the St. Regis Hotel in New York, he added Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and spices, evolving it into the drink we know today. The cocktail’s name is thought to reference Queen Mary I of England, whose reign was marked by the persecution of Protestants, though other theories link it to a waitress named Mary or a patron’s girlfriend. Whatever the true origin, the Bloody Mary has become an enduring classic.

Ingredients

To make a traditional Bloody Mary, you will need:

• 45ml Vodka
• 90ml Tomato Juice
• 15ml Lemon Juice
• 2–3 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 dashes of Tabasco (or to taste)
• Pinch of Celery Salt
• Pinch of Ground Black Pepper
• Ice
• Celery stalk, lemon wedge, or pickles (for garnish)

Method

1. Fill a shaker or mixing glass with ice.
2. Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, celery salt, and black pepper.
3. Roll the drink by pouring it back and forth between two glasses (this avoids over-aerating).
4. Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, or your preferred addition.

Premix Option

Short on time or serving a group? Use the Bloody Mary Cocktail Premix for a quick and flavourful solution.

Mocktail Option

The Bloody Mary mocktail, often called a Virgin Mary, delivers the same savoury satisfaction without the alcohol.

Ingredients (Mocktail Version):

• 100ml Tomato Juice
• 15ml Lemon Juice
• 2–3 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 dashes Tabasco (or to taste)
• Pinch of Celery Salt
• Pinch of Ground Black Pepper
• Ice
• Celery stick or lemon wedge for garnish

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker or jug filled with ice.
2. Stir or roll between two glasses to blend the flavours.
3. Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
4. Garnish and serve.

The Bloody Mary is a versatile classic, ideal for personalising with spices and garnishes. Whether you prefer the traditional recipe, an easy premix, or an alcohol-free version, it’s a drink that never goes out of style.