My husband and I love a good Bloody Mary, as do many of our friends.  While this cocktail is usually associated with brunch, we will drink it any time of day.  I often make a pitcher for us to enjoy throughout the weekend.  This particular recipe is based on one I saw by Geoffrey Zakarian on the Food Network program In the Kitchen.  I haven’t changed much, other than the addition of Old Bay Seasoning to the drink mixture instead of only coating the rim of the glass.

One of the best things about a Bloody Mary is the garnishes.  When entertaining, I like to provide a variety of options for guests to select, such as pickled vegetables (green beans, okra, carrot sticks, pepperoncini peppers, garlic cloves, and onions), stuffed olives (jalapeño or Gorgonzola stuffed are particularly good), celery stocks, and strips of bacon.  It’s fun to see the various combinations people choose.

While a traditional Bloody Mary is made with vodka (there are so many flavors out there to choose from…even bacon vodka!), you can substitute tequila and make a Bloody Maria, or forego the alcohol altogether (just replace it with more tomato juice) and have a Virgin Mary.  Cheers!

 

For a Small Pitcher:

3 cups tomato juice

1 cup vodka

1 heaping Tbsp prepared horseradish

1/3 cup lime juice

1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce

Hot sauce, such as Sriracha, to taste

1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning, plus more for rimming the glasses

 

Prior to serving the drink, rub a lime wedge around the lip of each glass, then dip the rims into Old Bay Seasoning.

Mix the ingredients together in a pitcher, then chill until you are ready to serve.  Serve over ice with selected garnishes.

Serves 4-6

 

For a Large Pitcher:

6 cups tomato juice

2 cup vodka

2 heaping Tbsp prepared horseradish

2/3 cup lime juice

2/3 cup Worcestershire sauce

Hot sauce, such as Siracha, to taste

2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning, plus more for rimming the glasses

 

Prior to serving the drink, rub a lime wedge around the lip of each glass, then dip the rims into Old Bay Seasoning.

Mix the ingredients together in a pitcher, then chill until you are ready to serve.  Serve over ice with selected garnishes.

Serves 8-12

 

For an Individual Serving:

1 cup tomato juice

1/4 cup vodka

1/2 heaping tsp prepared horseradish

1 1/2 Tbsp lime juice

1 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Hot sauce, such a Siracha, to taste

1/4 tsp Old Bay Seasoning

 

Prior to making the drink, rub a lime wedge around the lip of the glass, then dip the rim into Old Bay Seasoning, allowing the spice to stick to the wet surface.

Fill the glass with ice, then add the ingredients.  Stir to combine and enjoy.

Serves 1 (duh)

 

Zakarian, Geoffrey.  “Bloody Mary,” Food Network’s In the Kitchen.  Retrieved from: https://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/geoffreys-bloody-mary-0219640