Sometimes, I just want to shake up my usual cocktail routine and go for something with a spicy kick. That’s when I’ll reach for a Bloody Maria instead of the classic Bloody Mary.
A Bloody Maria is basically a Bloody Mary, but with tequila instead of vodka. It’s a bold twist, and honestly, I think it brings a whole new vibe to the drink.
Whenever I make one, I love how the tequila adds this earthy, almost peppery note to the familiar mix of tomato juice and spices. It’s perfect for brunch—or whenever I’m craving something a little different.
If you’re into drinks with some heat and a bit of attitude, you might want to give the Bloody Maria a try.
Bloody Maria Cocktail Recipe
This cocktail swaps out vodka for tequila, and suddenly you’ve got bold, savory flavors. The tomato juice and spices are still there, but the tequila really wakes things up.
Creative garnishes make it even more fun to serve and sip.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: I use this to chill and mix everything fast.
- Jigger: For measuring out tequila, juices, and sauces.
- Highball glass: Always my go-to for a Bloody Maria.
- Bar spoon or stirring stick: Handy if you want to stir instead of shake.
- Strainer: Helps keep those big ice chunks out.
- Small plate: For rimming with celery salt, tajin, or smoked paprika.
- Knife and cutting board: To slice up lemons, limes, and other garnishes.
- Toothpicks or cocktail skewers: Perfect for stacking olives, tomatoes, or cheese cubes.
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila (Sometimes I’ll use reposado or añejo for a richer twist)
- 4-5 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice (Or lime juice if you like it sharper)
- 3-5 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 2-3 dashes hot sauce (Tabasco or whatever you like)
- 1/4 tsp prepared horseradish
- Pinch each: black pepper, celery salt, smoked paprika
- Optional: Red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices if you want more heat
- Ice cubes
- Garnishes: Celery stalk, lime or lemon wedge, olives (stuffed ones are fun), pickle spears, bacon strips, pepperoncini, cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, cucumber spear, or a tajin rim
Instructions
- Rim your glass with lime and dip it in celery salt or tajin.
- Fill the glass with fresh ice.
- Add tequila, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire, hot sauce, horseradish, black pepper, celery salt, and smoked paprika into a shaker.
- Toss in some ice and shake well for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into your prepared glass over the ice.
- Stir lightly if it needs it.
- Add your favorite garnishes—stack them on a skewer or just drop them in.
Notes
A Bloody Maria is all about personal taste. I’ll tweak the hot sauce, maybe skip the horseradish if I’m not feeling it, or try different tequilas for a smoother or bolder flavor.
Blanco tequila keeps it crisp, but aged tequila adds a little warmth. For garnishes, I mix it up all the time—celery, olives, bacon, you name it.
Pickle spears, pepperoncini, and cheese cubes are a fun touch if you’re feeling adventurous.
If I want it less salty, I’ll go easy on the celery salt or give the glass a quick rinse before pouring. Sometimes, I’ll even splash in a bit of pickle or olive brine for extra savoriness.
Cracked black pepper and a pinch of smoked paprika on top are a nice finish. And a tajin rim? Always a winner in my book.
I usually taste and adjust as I go. That’s half the fun.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
- Jigger
- Highball glass
- Bar spoon or stirring stick
- Strainer
- Small plate for rimming
- Knife and cutting board
- Toothpicks or cocktail skewers
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila or reposado/añejo for a richer flavor
- 4 –5 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice or lime juice
- 3 –5 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 2 –3 dashes hot sauce like Tabasco
- 1/4 tsp prepared horseradish
- Pinch black pepper
- Pinch celery salt
- Pinch smoked paprika
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge for rimming
- Celery salt or tajin for rim
- Garnishes optional: celery stalk, lemon or lime wedge, olives, pickle spear, bacon strip, pepperoncini, cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, cucumber spear
Instructions
- Rim a highball glass with lime, then dip in celery salt or tajin.
- Fill the glass with fresh ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine:
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 4–5 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 3–5 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 2–3 dashes hot sauce
- 1/4 tsp horseradish
- A pinch each of black pepper, celery salt, and smoked paprika
- Add ice to the shaker and shake well for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared highball glass over ice.
- Stir gently if needed.
- Garnish with your choice of celery stalk, pickles, olives, bacon, or other fun brunch toppers.
Tasting Notes
Every sip of a Bloody Maria is a bold mix of flavors. The tomato juice gives it a fresh, slightly sweet base, while the tequila adds a smooth, earthy kick.
The spice from the hot sauce and black pepper really stands out. It’s got a gentle heat—not overwhelming, just enough to make things interesting.
There’s a savory, umami quality that makes this drink feel pretty hearty. I find it pairs really well with brunch foods like eggs benedict or a grilled cheese.
A little lime juice in the mix brightens everything up. It cuts through the richer flavors and keeps things lively.
Foods I enjoy pairing with a Bloody Maria:
- Eggs benedict
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Quiche
The Bloody Maria is a full-flavored brunch drink that stands up to classic morning dishes. The flavors stay balanced—savory, spicy, and just a little tart.
Must Have Ingredients
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Substitute
Sometimes, I just don’t have every single ingredient for a Bloody Maria. No big deal—here are a few simple substitutes I actually use and like:
Ingredients
- Tequila: If I’m feeling adventurous or want a smoky twist, mezcal does the trick.
- Tomato juice: Out of it? I’ll grab Clamato for that briny kick.
- Vegetable juice: Not classic, but hey, it works if tomato juice is gone.
- Lime juice: Lemon juice is honestly a fine backup.
- Hot sauce: Any hot sauce hanging around will do.
Equipment
- Shaker (or a jar with a lid—works in a pinch)
- Strainer
- Tall glass
- Stirring stick or just a spoon
Instructions
- I toss all the ingredients into a shaker with ice.
- Sometimes I shake, sometimes I just stir—depends on my mood.
- Then I strain it into a tall glass packed with fresh ice.
- Garnish? Only if I feel like it.
If I want something in the same neighborhood but not quite a Bloody Maria, I go for a Red Snapper. Basically, just swap tequila for gin.
Now, if I’m craving a richer, more savory drink, I’ll make a Bloody Caesar—that’s the one with Clamato instead of tomato juice. Canadians are seriously into this; they call it the “Bloody Caesar.”
Other drinks I reach for when I want something in this family: the Michelada (think beer instead of tequila), the Paloma (that’s tequila and grapefruit soda, super refreshing), and the always cheerful Tequila Sunrise (tequila, orange juice, and grenadine).
