Homemade Bloody Marys
Make Bloody Mary cocktails at home with this delicious recipe! This Bloody Mary mix is made from scratch with basic ingredients. It's perfect for your next brunch.
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on August 29, 2024
Finally! I have a signature Bloody Mary recipe for you. (And for me.) Most store-bought Bloody Mary mixes are full of preservatives and other nonsense.
Iโve wanted a great homemade option for years, but my previous attempts either tasted flat or sent me running for a glass of water.
I know Bloody Marys are a polarizing cocktail, but Iโm excited to share this recipe with my fellow Bloody Mary lovers. (For the Bloody Mary haters, can I interest you in a mimosa?)
These Bloody Marys are made with basic ingredients but tastes fresh, spicy and complex all at once. Invite your friends over, whip up these cocktails in a blender (you can make four at once), and enjoy!
How to Make the Best Bloody Mary
Start with high-quality ingredients
The tomato juice is the base of your cocktail, so choose a good one! I buy organic since tomatoes tend to be high in pesticide residue. R.W. Knudsenโs organic tomato juice is my favorite.
Choose a high quality vodka, too. Titoโs is made in Austin, Texas, and itโs my vodka of choice.
Add fresh cucumber, garlic and black pepper
Fresh peeled and seeded cucumber completely disappears into the tomato juice mixture, but adds a lot of fresh flavor.
Fresh garlic and freshly ground black pepper are key flavors as well. Youโll add those after youโve blended the mixture smooth. Then you can blend the mixture for just a few seconds to retain their texture. Or, you can blend it completely smooth. Up to you!
Make a few at once
You really donโt want to be making these cocktails individuallyโitโs much easier to make a batch of four drinks in your blender at once!
You could divide the recipe in half to make just two cocktails. If your blender has a large capacity, you might be able to double the recipe (you might just stir in the vodka at the end, to avoid overflow).
Top with fun garnishes
I like to use fresh garnishes, like leafy celery sticks or little heirloom carrots, mini bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, and fresh lemon or lime. Add something brined, too, like dill pickles, pickled okra or cocktail olives.
Pro tip: Serve with a glass of water
Youโre combining alcohol and salty tomato juice here. To stay hydrated, serve this cocktail with a glass of water! (Always a good idea.)
Homemade Bloody Mary Cocktails
Make Bloody Mary cocktails at home with this delicious recipe! This Bloody Mary mix is made from scratch with basic ingredients. Itโs perfect for your next brunch. Recipe yields 4 cocktails.
Ingredients
- 32 ounces (4 cups) tomato juice
- 8 ounces (1 cup) vodka
- 1 medium-to-large cucumber, peeled and seeded
- โ cup distilled vinegar
- 1 teaspoon celery seed (not celery salt!)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce*
- ยฝ teaspoon hot sauce (I used Tapatรญo), more to taste
- 1 teaspoon (about 50 twists) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 medium cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- ยผ teaspoon salt, optional
- Lemon or lime wedges
- Kosher salt, for the rims of your glasses, optional (add chili powder if youโd like)
- Lots of ice, for serving
- Garnishes (choose any):ย Celery stalks,ย skinny carrots with leafy tops, mini bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, dill pickle spears, pickled okra, and/or green cocktail olives
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the tomato juice, vodka, cucumber, vinegar, celery seed, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Securely fasten the lid and blend on high speed until completely smooth.
- Taste, and add more hot sauce for more heat (itโs going to taste quite intense now, since the mix hasnโt cooled over ice yet). Add the black pepper and garlic. Securely fasten the lid and blend for just a few seconds (or longer, for a completely smooth texture). Taste, and stir in ยผ teaspoon salt for more overall flavor if youโd like (tomato juice brands vary by salt content, so this is really up to you). Set aside.
- If youโd like to rim your glasses with salt, run a lemon or lime wedge around the outside rim. Pour kosher salt onto a small plate (mix in chili powder if youโd like), and roll the wet edge of the glass across the salt at a 45-degree angle. Repeat with the remaining glasses.
- Fill the glasses with ice, and pour the Bloody Mary mix on top. Stir with a spoon, and garnish with a lemon or lime wedge and garnishes of your choice. Serve immediately.
Notes
Recommended vodka: I prefer Titoโs. Whichever you use, be sure itโs of good quality.
*Make it vegetarian/vegan/fish-free: Most Worcestershire sauces contain anchovies, so be sure to use vegan Worcestershire sauce. I like Whole Foods 365 or Annieโs brands.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionistโs advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
I love the addition of the cucumber!
Kari
Thank you, Kari!
Just missing horseradish! Anyhow, I will be making some this weekend. Thanks
What did you think, Jimmi?
Hi Kate, Thatโs a lovely looking and sounding Bloody Mary recipe! Recently, I switched from Chopin to Titoโs vodka โ couldnโt agree with you more.
Don
Thanks, Don!
I canโt stand when people comment but havenโt tried this recipe!!! What is the point? This is delicious thanks
I really think you should go back on your meds and/or leave the vodka alone.
Thatโs rude
I apologize if my comment sounded rude Natalie. It was my intent to be honest and humorous. Seems you cannot distinguish between the two. Yes, and โsnowflakesโ need more of it! Whatever.
What is wrong with you? Apparently a lot. Leave her alone and leave your rudeness to yourself. Shame one you..
Ahh-AH-aah-A-ahh-A-ahh-A-ahhh! Translated, this is Tarzanโs victory yell when he finished doing a number on a 15-foot crocodileโฆwhile trashing around underwater for approximately 15 minutes without coming up for air! I had 5 people over for brunch this morning. Your Bloody Mary recipe was the beverage of choice! Ahh-AH-aah-A-ahh-A-ahh-A-ahhh x 6!! Yummers! My guests will probably be staying for supper! YUMMERS! Thank you Kate!!
Thanks, Frances!
Sounds good, we also add some dill pickle juice.
Great way to make it your own, Jim!
Up here in the north, we use Clamato juice rather than Tomato juice. My grandmother used to do the same in Old San Francisco. It is a gamechanger for me.
Thanks for the comment, Lisa!
This would be better just stirred as it turned a weird colour (pale pink) and was waaayyyy too frothy. Waste of good vodka
Iโm sorry you didnโt love this recipe. Thank you for your feedback!
I had the same thing happen. Really frothy. Good flavor, so if I can figure out how to stop the froth, would be great.
That depends on the blender most squat ones whip too much air into what ever your blending. You can compinsate by blending the half the liquid and adding the remainder after.
I love my Bloody Maryโs with a good tequila instead of vodka! Called a Bloody Maria. Yum.
Thanks for sharing, Kim!
These sound amazing!! Canโt wait to try the recipe โ bring on the Titoโs and okra.
Let me know what you think, Stephanie!
Iโll definitely be making these for my next brunch!!
Yes! Make one for me, please.
Yummy! Itโs like I can feel its taste on my tounge xD
Btw, what is the difference between boxed tomato juice and fresh tomato juice?
It depends on the brand. Fresh is great, but can take more work to get the amount you need. Boxed is also a great option, preferably organic and one that is only tomato juice.
I literally followed your blog for the pic of the bloody marys โ IM OBSESSED and have failed many attempts myself. I also choose Titoโs, or Finlandia, and most recently i actually enjoy them with gin. I will be trying your recipe! I also like to use Tajin seasoning on the rim, and pickled asparagus as a garnish along with whatever pickled sundries i have at my disposal. I usually shake my vodka and olive brine and pout into a glass and top with the mix, so I can get as drunk or un-hungover as I please :D Ill share when I do!
Thanks for sharing! Sounds delicious combination.
Thank you!
What kind of vinegar did you use? Just a distilled white vinegar?
Thanks!
Yes, just distilled white vinegar!
I can not drink vodka but am a huge tomato juice fan. Going to try your recipe with tequilaโฆ hoping for good results!
Let me know the result, Megan!
This sounds really good. Do you think I can make it ahead of time and add the vodka when I use it
I havenโt it. But I would think it should be ok! Just make sure you mix it again as it will likely settle.
I love all of your recipes Kate! Can you please tell me what kind of tomato juice you use for your Bloody Marys? Thank you!
Hi Anouk! R.W. Knudsenโs organic tomato juice is my favorite.
I was turned on to Titoโs Vodka about 4 years ago. I agree about itโs quality. I used to drink Belvedere or Grey Goose with my Bloody Marys and Martinis. I am definitely going to try your B.M.recipe before New Yearโs eve. Canโt wait!
Let me know what you think, Hope!
I thought I remembered reading that you also add beef stock to a bloody mary. Is this true or blahhh?
Iโm not familiar with that. Also, since Iโm a vegetarian I wouldnโt want to add that anyway. I hope you like this one!
I love using v8 juice! Makes a delicious Bloody Mary!
I think V8 juice is good for ANY tomato juice recipe.
Loved this recipe. The cucumber gave it a fresh taste which I liked but the cucumbers were also a tad bitter. I will probably use less cucumber next time and more hot sauce but they were still amazing!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Amy!
Try English Cucumber. I have NEVER had a bitter one.
Great recipe, delish
Thank you, Nigel!
Titoโs isnโt actually made in Texas anymore, but everyone thinks it is.
what is the shelf life of homemade bloody mix?
It should keep well refrigerated for a few days! Itโs best served right away.
The 1st night I made this I want to sure about it. But after it sits for a night, wow! I am on day 3 of the batch n it just keeps developing more n more flavor! I did add pepperchinis (sorry about the misspelling) and cocktail onions. I will be making this again and again!!
Iโm glad it turned around for you, Vanessa!
I have a question can you make just the base without the vodka ahead of time and if so how long does it last? I plan on going camping and am not going to have a blender obviously but want to try this as I donโt like any of the pre bottled Mary mixes. Thanks for any info
I used a quarter cup of vinegar. A half cup would have been too much. I also waay upped the spice level. But we like spice send I was working on homemade tomato juice with no spices. I also added dill seeds and fresh dill which was another fresh pop. Good stuff! Just read about the horseradish. That would be a good addition too!
Thank you for sharing, Emily!
Where can i buy the arrow garnish sticks? Those are really neat.
rls59@sbcglobal.net
I am a reasonably young 72. Best Bloody Mary ever. Used a bit of good quality blue cheese as a garnish.
I love it! Thank you, Helen.
We were looking for a unique recipe. While this is a unique spin on the flavor of a tradition Bloody Mary, it was not great for us. Leaving the cucumber out makes it much closer to what we enjoy. Itโs spicy with a light citrusy vibe. If thatโs what youโre looking for, this might be the one for you. With cucumber, we give it โ1 starโ. Without we can go with โ3 starsโ. Canโt knock us for trying. โ Thanks!
Iโm sorry you donโt love this recipe, but I appreciate your feedback!
So awesome, thanks for sharing. Folks donโt forget horseradish or if youโre in a pinch, the best bloody mary mix I buy regularly.
Great mix, but try it with a dry ginโฆ.it will change your life :)
Thanks for the tip!
Great recipe! I left out the cucumbers as I didnโt have any and I also felt like they might make it watery. I also wonder how long it really stays good. It seems Iike it would be good for longer than a few days with the vodka, vinegar and lemon juice (that I add). At Day 4/5 it was still tasty. But I donโt want to get sick if you think it needs to be tossed sooner. What do you think?
Hi Jessica, Per food safety, I suggest based on those guidelines and when I noticed signs of spoilage.
Made this last night for friends, my bloodys are always a big hit, as I am from Northern WI so i always load up the skewers with appitizers. First time for me with the cucumber. And WOW, aaaamazing fresh taste it gave. Love love love. Cucumbers will be a forever ingredient now. Thank You !!!!
Dear Kate:))
I called You up as I am interested in Cocktails, but I can not find them so easily in Your portal, so I would ask You to make this as easy as possible.
With deep respect Josef from Albania, Europe.
Hi Jose! Try this search for my cocktails, I hope it is helpful!
Hello, do you think I can make tomato juice with fresh tomatoes for this recipe? Love all your other recipes, thank you!
Hi Sharon! You could sure try it. Youโd definitely want to use ripe, flavorful tomatoes. You might also scale back on the vinegar and add it to taste, but in case the tomato flavor is not as intense as store-bought tomato juice. Let me know if you give it a shot!
Hi! Iโm excited to try your recipe and wanted to know what type of cucumber you use. Just the standard or English? Thanks!
Hi! I usually prefer English, less seeds for most recipes. This doesnโt matter as much. I believe I used organic regular here.
Can I just omit the vodka to make these virgin? Or do I need to replace it with something? Pregnancy craving ยฏ\_(ใ)_/ยฏ
Hi Ashley! Yes, just omit. :) Congratulations!
Loved this for the addition of the cucumber, was very refreshing on a Sunday morning. I did tweak it a bit with horseradish. Was perfect with a plate of veggies, cheese, spiced hard cooked egg and a couple slices of pepper bacon.
Hey Kathryn! So my girlfriend said she made her own blood mary mix and how โit was legitโโฆ so I had one and was like WHOA I need this recipe! And sheโs like, itโs Cookie & Kate! Well I was not surprised :) bc it was the best blood mix ever! She added the vodka to each drink instead of blending it. Iโve now saved the recipe for when I need to make some! :P
Iโve got a huge garden with tons of tomatoes and cucumbers. I can some of my tomatoes and others I cook down and make my own fresh tomato sauce. I also have a large assortment of Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles I can. I am thinking I could make my own tomato juice and add some of my pickle brine juice to the bloody mary. What do you think ?
Hi Tony, I love the idea! Let me know what you try.
Hey Kate,
WOW is it good! I followed your recipe and simply used what I described and tweaked amounts based on my flavor pallate. I might even try some Clamato juice as a lot of folks say it is even better! Thanks for the reply!
Thank you for the recipe I followed it as written it was very good the only thing I would do different next time is combined the season first in a little bit of the tomato juice and then whisk it in because the blender turned my homemade tomato juice orange and I didnโt like the color but the taste was good
Cracking recipe, my eight year old son cant get enough he even asks fora cheeky one before he catches the school bus.
First- dad here who cooks your recipes for the family multiple times a week. Always so consistently good and thoughtful. My family and I love your website.
Appreciated this recipe tooโฆboozy and healthy. Tapitio is definitely the right hot sauce. Add tomato paste to make it thicker!
Thank you for your review, Matthew! Iโm happy you enjoyed them.
Great recipe! Second time I tried it, i chose to run the tomato juice and cucumber in the blender first, then ran it through a cheesecloth, then added the rest. Much thinner mix, which is how I like it.
Thank you for sharing, Clay! Iโm happy you have made this more than once.
But whereโs the horseradish? Itโs not a Bloody Mary without a healthy dose! No garlic, please!
Iโm sorry you donโt like this recipe. I appreciate your feedback. I truly enjoy this take on the classic Bloody Mary.
I give your hummus a ***** rating! It was exactly as you described and friends and family say itโs the best they have ever had! Iโve made it several times, always big batches to share.
Thanks for a winner recipe!
Deanna
Yuck! I did everything as directed and it just wasnโt good. Tasted like battery acid. Upset that I wasted expensive ingredients.
Iโm sorry you didnโt love this. I appreciate you taking the time to give your feedback.
Best bloody mary ever. I was lucky enough to use home grown tomato juice. Honestly good with or without the vodka.
Great to hear, Stephanie!
We made these for the US menโs World Cup game vs the Netherlands. The bloody Maryโs were good but not good enough to help the men to a win.
I had never added cucumber to a Bloody Mary before and it gave them a freshness. I went light on the cucumber since I did not know what to expect. He had some mini seedless cukes and I put one of those in. My wife wanted them to be a bit spicier and Iโll probably add more hot sauce next time. Iโll probably follow pretty much as is but maybe also put some horseradish in. For garnishes we used cheese cubes, pickled okra, and castelvetrano olives.
A note on vodka โ I always buy Sobieski. Itโs Polish rye vodka and while Titoโs is good, Sobieski is about half the price and as good if not better than Titoโs. Itโs one of the best kept secrets of vodka.
Iโm glad this was a hit! Thank you for sharing, Ken.
A neighbor had just juiced dozens of his garden tomatoes & gave me a quart. Decided to try your recipe using this fresh tomato juice.Cut the recipe in half as my blender is small. The fresh ingredients, especially the fresh cucumber from the garden & seasoning made this drink so delicious! Weโve never had such a fresh & delicious Bloody Mary! Oh yes, used Titoโs vodka.
I am a major lover of bloody Maryโs. You can get some good ones and you can get some bad ones. I am definitely going to try this and I love all your garnishes. I am a garnisher as well but learned a few things from you! I cannot wait to make these for our next party or heck breakfast/brunch. I had one this morning at my favorite breakfast joint