Brunch in style with a refreshing and bold Bloody Maria cocktail!
Like the classic Bloody Mary, it features tomato juice, lime juice, hot sauce, and more. Plus a bunch of fun and savory garnishes!
But instead of vodka, you’ll add tequila, making it robust, punchy, and adventurous.
What Is a Bloody Maria?
The Bloody Maria is a twist on the classic Bloody Mary.
It’s just as spicy and savory with the same wonderful depth of flavor. But what sets it apart is the tequila. Hence the name!
The tequila turns it into a refreshing Mexican drink. One that is more warming and complex than the OG recipe.
It’s perfect for with favorite brunch dishes or as a hair of the dog the next day!
Ingredients
As mentioned, the ingredients for this cocktail are very similar to a Bloody Mary. So the list is a little long – but every component counts!
Here’s what you need:
- Lime Juice and Celery Salt – For rimming the glass. It adds an extra punch of flavor and a pretty finish.
- Tequila – I enjoy the depth of Reposado tequila. The aging process adds complementary smoky and oaky notes. But Blanco tequila works, too.
- Tomato Juice and Lemon Juice – For a tangy yet fresh drink. Use Clamato and fresh citrus for the best results.
- Horseradish and Hot Sauce – For a spicy and pungent kick! Feel free to adjust the spice levels as you like.
- Celery Salt and Black Pepper – A little seasoning enhances the flavors, making the drink pop.
- Lemon Wedge and Celery Stalk (Optional) – A classic garnish! It’s optional, but the drink would seem so lonely without them.
How to Make a Bloody Maria Tequila Cocktail
Despite all the ingredients, the Bloody Maria cocktail is an easy drink to make. Just follow these steps:
1. Prep the glass. Rim a tall glass with lemon juice, then dip it in a plate of celery salt. Fill it with ice.
2. Pour the cocktail. In a separate glass, add the tequila, tomato juice, lemon juice, horseradish, hot sauce, celery salt, and pepper
3. Mix. Pour the mixture back and forth between two glasses until well mixed.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass with ice.
5. Garnish. Add a lemon wedge and a celery stalk if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Best Garnishes to Try
You can’t have a Bloody Maria without the garnishes! After all, the accouterments are the best part.
So, here are some garnish ideas to create a show-stopping presentation:
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Thick-cut bacon or candied bacon
- Pickle spears
- Pepperoncini
- Stuffed olives
- Celery stalks
- Onion rings
- Fried chicken
- Bacon-wrapped scallops
If you want to go over the top, try mini sliders on metal skewers!
Tips for the Best Bloody Maria
There’s a difference between a good Bloody Maria and the best Bloody Maria. If you want the latter, try these tips:
- Strain the tomato juice. For a smoother texture, strain the tomato juice before adding it to the shaker.
- Tailor to your tastes. Make it spicy, mild, salty, or even a little sweet. It’s up to you!
- Experiment with mix-ins. Try other add-ins like Worcestershire sauce or liquid smoke.
- Mix up the rim. Aside from celery salt, try Tajin, Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, or just regular salt. They all taste great.
- Chill the ingredients. This is best served ice cold, so be sure to start with cold tomato juice and tequila.
- Use tomato juice ice cubes. Regular ice dilutes the drink as it melts. Instead, freeze some cubes of tomato juice!
- Set up a Bloody Maria bar. Hosting brunch? Mix this cocktail in a pitcher and serve with ice-filled glasses. Then, set out a bunch of fun garnished.
Recipe Variations
The Bloody Maria is a very flexible cocktail. You can easily substitute ingredients to make it your own.
Need some inspiration? Try one of these:
Bloody Mary – The OG! If you like vodka, stick with this drink.
Red Snapper – Use gin instead of tequila.
Bloody Caesar – Ditch the tomato juice for clam and tomato juice instead.
Bloody Roman – Feeling adventurous? Try a Bloody Roman. It calls for beer and raw oysters!
Michelada – Prefer beer to hard liquor? Try a Mexican Michelada. It’s one refreshing Mexican cocktail that’s also ideal for brunch.
Virgin Maria – Just ditch the tequila for a mocktail Maria. Don’t forget the garnishes!
What to Serve with a Bloody Maria
The Bloody Maria is a fantastic brunch cocktail. Especially with spicy egg dishes!
All the bold, robust, and spicy flavors taste great with savory foods. Try it with classics like eggs benedict or a frittata.
But you don’t have to stop at breakfast! Many foods pair well with this drink. Here are some ideas:
- Chicken and waffles
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Huevos Rancheros
- Breakfast burritos
- Chicken wings
- Breakfast casserole
- Quiche muffins
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Bloody Maria
1
servings5
minutes213
kcalBrunch in style with a bold Bloody Maria cocktail! It’s like a Bloody Mary but features tequila instead of vodka, making it robust, punchy, and daring.
Ingredients
lemon wedge and celery salt, for the rim
2 ounces tequila
4 ounces tomato juice
1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
4 dashes hot sauce (Tabasco or Tapatio)
Pinch celery salt
Pinch ground black pepper
lemon wedge and celery stalk, for garnish
Instructions
- Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a highball glass. Dip the wet top onto a plate of celery salt then fill the glass with ice. Set aside.
- Use two fresh pint glasses for mixing. Combine the tequila, tomato juice, lemon juice, horseradish, hot sauce, celery salt, and pepper into one glass. Then, pour the drink back and forth between the two glasses.
- Taste the drink and adjust as needed.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and a celery stalk. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- This drink is best served ice cold, so be sure to start with cold tomato juice and tequila.
- Regular ice dilutes the drink as it melts. Instead, freeze some cubes of tomato juice!
