Darbishire Sports' Ultimate Bloody Mary

The Ultimate Bloody Mary

Whether you're kicking off a lazy Sunday brunch or looking for a bold cure for a wild Saturday night, the Bloody Mary is a time-tested classic. With its savoury spice, crisp vegetable notes, and endless garnish options, it’s a cocktail that invites creativity—yet demands balance. Here’s how to make the best Bloody Mary that’s bold, complex, and always satisfying.

What is a Bloody Mary?

A Bloody Mary is a vodka-based cocktail traditionally made with tomato juice, spices, and flavourings. It’s famous for its rich, tangy flavour and is often served with extravagant garnishes—everything from celery stalks to shrimp skewers.

Ingredients for the perfect Bloody Mary

To make one glass (about 12 oz), you’ll need:

• 2 oz vodka (go for a good-quality, neutral vodka – we highly recommend Foxdenton)

• 4 oz tomato juice (fresh or high-quality bottled)

• 1/2 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1/2 tsp prepared horseradish

• 2-3 dashes hot sauce (Tabasco is traditional, but experiment!)

• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce

• 1 pinch celery salt

• 1 pinch black pepper

• 1 pinch smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (optional for extra depth)

• Ice cubes

Optional Garnishes:

• Celery stalk

• Pickles

• Olives

• Lemon or lime wedge

• Cherry tomatoes

• Bacon strip

• Shrimp

• Cheese cubes

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a shaker or mixing glass, combine the vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and all spices. Stir (don’t shake!) well. You want to blend the ingredients without diluting or aerating the tomato juice.

Step 2: Taste and Adjust

This is a cocktail built to your taste. Like it spicier? Add more hot sauce. Prefer it tangier? Squeeze in more lemon. Want it saltier? Add a dash more Worcestershire or a pinch of sea salt.

Step 3: Prepare the Glass

Rim a tall glass with lemon juice and dip it in a mix of celery salt and coarse salt for a savoury edge. Fill the glass with ice cubes.

Step 4: Pour and Garnish

Pour your Bloody Mary over the ice. Now for the fun part: the garnish. Go classic with a celery stalk and a lime wedge—or get adventurous with a mini charcuterie skewer. Let your personality shine.

Conclusion:

The Bloody Mary is more than a cocktail—it’s a canvas for creativity and a brunch-time ritual. With the right ingredients and a bit of flair, you can make a version that’s uniquely yours. Bold, spicy, tangy, and packed with flavour, it’s the cocktail that earns its reputation one sip at a time.

Cheers to better brunches and bloody good cocktails!