Get ready for the BEST Spicy Bloody Mary recipe! For most of my life, I refused to even taste one. I thought, who wants to drink tomatoes?? I had NO IDEA what I was missing. These days my husband and I are all about drinking the perfect Bloody Mary.
Years ago I would hang out with friends who would plan a whole weekend morning around the ritual of Bloody Mary's and I never even considered taking a sip.
One day I thought to myself "Colleen, you love tomatoes, vodka is your favorite booze and you are crazy for a good horseradish, so maybe you would like them." Finally one day I had a little sip and I didn't die, lol! Turns out a Bloody Mary isn't thick and nasty, it is like a symphony in my mouth! The many flavors, and spices mingling on my palate, the zing of the horseradish and it was so cool and refreshing.
I had been missing out!!
I was hooked from my second sip and fell in love with a Classic Bloody Mary recipe!
A bartender I know locally makes her special Spicy Bloody Mary on Saturdays. ONLY Saturdays and each one she makes is a labor of love. Shelly is the one who stops for the cocktail shrimp to grace each Bloody before she gets to work and then she crafts each one individually. I have had 3 during a visit once or twice, they are just that good!
Once one person orders one of Shelly's Spicy Bloody Mary drinks, heads turn, and then instantly a few more orders get put in. She has wrecked us, lol! Our standards are high!
My husband and I hate when we ask for a spicy Bloody Mary somewhere and its like we end up drinking Tabasco. No thank you.
Horseradish is the one key to making a great Bloody, and Kelchner's is the BEST!!. Pickle juice and or pepperoncini juice is a great addition too, especially if it's from spicy pickles, mmmm! Is it Saturday yet??
I have nothing more to say about this recipe for The BEST Bloody Mary other than...Make it 🙂
You will make yourself or someone else VERY happy!
If you love the flavor of a Bloody Mary Cocktail, you will totally enjoy this appetizer recipe for Bloody Mary Shrimp! People go crazy for it!
Bloody Mary Ingredients
- tomato juice
- fresh lemon juice
- fresh lime juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tabasco
- horseradish
- pickle juice
- olive juice
- pepperoncini juice optional
- black pepper & Old Bay seasoning
- vodka
Instructions
- Wet the rim of two (16-20 oz) glasses with a piece of fresh lemon. Then dip the glass rims into a tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning (shake it onto a flat dish).
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Fill glasses halfway with ice.
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a separate pitcher or container, stir it up well, and then pour mixture into your cocktail shaker, one batch at a time.
- Give it a good shaking to get it nice and cold, then pour the contents into your prepared glass.
- Slide in a pickle spear or stalk of celery, a few Old Bay seasoned shrimp, a couple of big fat olives, and you are good to go. You can also add a lemon and or a lime slice, and if you’re feeling crazy add a whole pepperoncini.
Bloody Mary Garnish Ideas
- You can garnish a classic or Spicy Bloody Mary with whatever you dream up!
- Always rim the glass with Old Bay (or Cajun) seasoning. Whichever you have on-hand.
- Pickle spear celery stalk, green olives (plain or stuffed with blue cheese), shrimp, pepperoncini, lemon slice or a lime slice
- I also like to serve some homemade spicy cocktail sauce on the side for dipping the shrimp I then will toss some in my Bloody too, it is SO good!
- Blackened shrimp or grilled shrimp skewers, crab legs or claws
- Dilly Beans
- Burger sliders on skewers
- Chicken wings on skewers
- Bacon or even better Candied Bacon
- Asparagus spears
- Cubes of delicious cheese
- Basically anything you dream up, that fits on a skewer or in or on the glass, cheers!!
Cheers!! XO - Colleen
Must Make Cocktail Recipes
Recipe originally published July 2014, updated May, 2024. Nutritional information calculated using a WordPress plug-in.
BEST Spicy Bloody Mary
Ingredients
- 16 oz tomato juice
- 2 TBS fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 TBS lime juice
- ½ TBS Worcestershire sauce
- a few shakes of Tabasco
- ½- 1 TBS prepared horseradish not horseradish sauce
- 2 teaspoons of pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon olive juice
- 1 teaspoon pepperoncini juice optional
- A few shakes black pepper
- 1 TBS Old Bay seasoning
- 4-6 ounces of good quality vodka or more
- Garnish ideas: Pickle spear celery stalk green olives (plain or stuffed with blue cheese), shrimp, pepperoncini, lemon slice or a lime slice
- Additional Garnish: I also like to serve some homemade spicy cocktail sauce on the side for dipping the shrimp I then will toss some in my Bloody too it is SO good!
Instructions
- Wet the rim of two (16-20 oz) glasses with a piece of fresh lemon. Then dip the glass rims into a tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning (shake it onto a flat dish).
- Fill glasses halfway with ice.
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a separate pitcher or container, stir it up well, and then pour mixture into prepared glasses.
- Slide in a pickle spear or stalk of celery, a few Old Bay seasoned cooked shrimp, a couple of big fat olives, a hunk of cheese a crab leg or whatever you have on hand and you are good to go. You can also add a lemon and or a lime slice, and if you’re feeling crazy add a whole pepperoncini.
- You can garnish a Bloody Mary with whatever you dream up! The greatest thing I ever saw was a Bloody Mary called the Bloody Beast for charity. $50 and topped with a whole roast chicken and more! Of course THAT bloody served 2-4!
Marie Matter says
And my answer to that question... YES!! Heading over to check out the recipe now!!
Lorne says
Not tomato juice!!! Motts Clamato juice is out of this world! You can get regular, spicy, the works, pickle, and or lime!! The best ceaser mix known to man!!
Otherwise this is an AWESOME recipe!!
Nancyann Smith says
YES and use Milani Dill sauce in place of dill juice. Awesome flavor
Colleen says
Sounds yummy!
Gloria says
Canadian, eh.
Punki says
I agree
Emily Evans says
I agree completely - Clamato is special - you can't add anything to plain tomato juice to make it as delicious and tasty...I'm so happy I found someone who agrees!!
Cheryl says
I agree with Clamato!!! Is Okd bay hoy/spicy? I cannot have anything with ‘heat’. I would use a bit of celery salt instead.
Colleen says
I don't think Old Bay is spicy, its just flavor and salt. It is like a tame Cajun seasoning in my opion.
Cindi says
Try using V8 Juice to make the Mary’s. Oh my goodness! Sooo good
Colleen says
Yummo!
Fayebell says
Yes, V8 juice makes it all the better.
Marsha says
Yes it is
Dan O’Connor says
This is by far the best Bloody Mary I have ever had! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!
Colleen says
Yaaaaay! Cheers!
Christina @ It's a Keeper says
This looks oh, so tasty! I'm heading over to get the recipe!
Musings of a Housewife says
Yes, I want one! 🙂
BecHeflin says
Shared this one on my Facebook page this morning. It's BRUNCH TIME! 🙂
Sandy says
What is the pepperoncion juice I have never hear of this ? I tried leave five stars but it would only let me check three ?
Colleen says
Hi Sandy, they are peppers sold in the grocery store. In the aisle with pickles, olives and condiments. They are a Philadelphia staple on cheese steaks and hoagies. Here is a link to them so you can see - https://www.google.com/search?q=pepperoncini&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiwwdnI1NTWAhUH8YMKHaMiB44Q_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=638#imgrc=qw3ER1EhwCH_SM:
Colleen says
That sounds delicious!
M Scott McMannis says
Sandy: That's a yellow pepperoncini in front of the glass in the picture. It's a little pepper. Use the juice in the bottle of pepperoncinis. Use pepperoncinis with your salads as well as your Bloody Marys.
Colleen says
Yes, thank you! Love those! Here in Philly we put them on our hoagies as well, yum!
BARB HUNTRODS says
ever heard of a caesar, it is a CANADIAN DRINK FROM CALGARY ALBERTA using clamato juice added to vodka lime on the glass edge that has been salted. stick of celery, or green bean. dash of tobasco
Colleen says
I have heard of it! It sounds scrumptious and I need to give it a try! Thanks Barb!
M.J. Jacobsen says
Could you please clarify how to make the shrimp? Do you just dust with Old Bay? All the rest is very clear, but I want to do it right! Thanks !
Colleen says
Hi M.J., I just use cocktail shrimp that was either already cooked or I cook it myself via boiling water. Then I dust it with a little Old Bay after it has been chilled icy cold. Cheers!
David Avila says
I love a good dose of horseradish, and instead of regular Tabasco, I would use some Habanero Tabasco. Looks delicious.
Colleen says
Yummo!
Carla says
In Canada we call them Ceasar's and we use Clamato Juice instead of Tomato Juice, so much tastier!
Diana says
What's the better brand of Vodka to buy, when you get to the store there are to many to choose from. And how much do you add to your recipe??
Colleen says
Hi Diana,
I have really come to like Tito's Vodka. It is smooth and if I have a couple of cocktails, no headache the next day (it also happens to be gluten-free...maybe that has something to do with it). Cheers!
Robin says
also add some pickled asparagus spears thats awesome
Darlene says
I add absolute pepper vodka delish
tom gray says
Try 1/2 Clamato Juice and 1/2 tomato juice --- Clamato juice is ihe secret sause
Lori Ross says
I decided to make this recipe for my Christmas Day cocktail. It is DELICIOUS! The Old Bay really makes all the other flavors really pop and tastes so good.
Colleen says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for letting me know. Cheers!
Kim says
Try using horseradish vodka!! Amazing!
Colleen says
Whaaaat? I didn't even know there was such a vodka! Will do...Yummmm!
Bryan says
Who makes it?
Margery wright says
I don't like horseradish is there anything else I can substitute for it
Veronica says
You can leave the horseradish out...with all he other spices, it will be delicious.
R.P. says
I make a delicious jalapeno sauce for fish tacos, etc. I used that in this recipe and it was very very nice. You could also add jalapeno juice instead of pickle juice to add some heat. Have a Merry Christmas!
Colleen says
Me too! Tito's is my vodka of choice!
Carolyn Fitzgerald says
Do you add the old bay seasoning to the tomato juice mix or are you just using it for the rim of the glass and shrimp?
Deb Gulley says
Did you ever get an answer to this question? That was my first thought when I read the recipe also.
Greg says
It's used on both the rim of the glass AND mixed in the tomato juice.
So for clarification purpose:
1TBL. Old Bay Seasoning (for the rim of the glass/es)
1TBL. Old Bay Seasoning (for the drink mixture)
MaryB says
What flavor/kind/brand of pickle juice do you recommend? I’ve not added that to a Bloody Mary before. I agree completely about the horseradish - so much more flavorful than just Tabasco.
Colleen says
Hi Mary, I/we like "hot & spicy" pickle juice. I find them at farmers markets and a brand called Zayda's is what I look for at food stores. Any spicy pickle juice will do. Cheers!
Lori says
You should Google St. Elmo's Steak in Indianapolis, IN. They make a cocktail sauce that will bring tears to your eyes and your sinuses will burn. It's so popular they now bottle it and sell it retail.
Annap says
Yes they do..they are famous for it. Lived in Indy all my life and it is the BEST
Carol says
I've made almost exactly the same bloody mary for 15 years. I use Lime Twisted Gin instead of vodka. Just because I can't stop at just one, and vodka always gives me a headache. I also add all the garnishes as well as pickled asparagus.
Colleen says
Mmmm, sounds wonderful! I'll have to try it with gin one day...I do like a G&T so I'll bet I'd love it!
JLo says
Omg there’s horseradish vodka?! Where has this been my whole life? I love an extra spicy extra dirt Bloody Mary. Bring on the horseradish, heat and brine. Soo good! I totally agree with the homemade cocktail sauce. I even jazz it up with a little worstershire, lemon juice and garlic powder. I never buy it now because it is never the same! Great recipe! Thanks!
Brenda Murray says
I can't find the recipe! Can you please send it to me? my e-mail is jjbsltd@hotmail.com or send me the link or something ……. why can't I find it??
Karl says
Pass it along please karlw1018@gmail.com
Colleen says
I am with you! The spicer the better! As long as the spicy isn't from just Tabasco...I love Tabasco, but really don't like when a place serves me a Bloody only spiced up with Tabasco...shudder!
Carolyn says
Ever try sriracha vodka ...its great!!
Colleen says
YES!!! It really IS good!
Gary says
A tablespoon of Horseradish! Jesus Mary and Joseph! Hahah! Luke’s in San Antonio got me hooked on horseradish in my Bloody Mary, they use large ball jars for theirs and might use an 1/8th of a teaspoon of HR and that has a nice kick but I’m thinking a tablespoon might burn your balls off! DOH!
Kimberly says
Bloody Mary's are one of my favorite drinks! Everyone has different tastes so that's how many versions there are out there. I make mine with V-8 Juice, ground celery seed, horseradish (jarred), fresh lime & lemon juice, Worchestershire sauce, ground black pepper, and vodka. That's it. Simple and yummy! I garnish with celery sticks, citrus slices and olives.
I pinned your recipe to make someday, although the sodium content is high, I look forward to tasting it.
Deb says
Kimberley, I use all your bloody Mary ingredients that you do! It's the only way I'll make it. My mature pallette won't take the spicy heat like it used to 😭
Maria Erekson says
Just had one of these at a local restaurant. In Montana we call them Caesars. When making your own all sorts of extras can be used. Ours have bacon, celery stalk. asparagus, cocktail onions etc. Love these celebrations in a glass.
Alicia says
This is the perfect Bloody Mary just added a slice of bacon in and a slider on the side.
Lynette says
Love this recipe, what to do with a bottle of Ketel vodka for Christmas, make Bloody Mary's. This recipe has me wanting to make them again, but I'll try Titos next! Kudos.
Colleen says
That's a good problem to have! Kettel is equally delicious! Enjoy!
ginger says
Do you add the old bay seasoning to the tomato juice mix or are you just using it for the rim of the glass and shrimp?
Colleen says
I actually do both Ginger. I just tinker until the flavor is what we enjoy.
Mary Ann says
Clamato makes the best for sure wouldn't go back to tomato juice !
Lynne says
Can't imagine without horseradish - but nothing in stone, please yourself is my cocktail motto. A mixoligist in Alpharetta gave me the secret A+ finish - a healthy splash of balsamic vinegar. Great post even after all these years.
Colleen says
Right! we love a good horseradish! Kelchner's is the fav in my house! And awesome, I will totally try that next time!!
REBECCA TOMS ANDREWS says
Sounds delicious! I drink BM's all winter and it is just about time to vw making up a batch. One thing I like, in addition to all the other great additives, is pickled okra. It is to die for and you can also use its juice. A little pricey but worth it.
Colleen says
I will try it! TY & Cheers!!
George A. says
I loved this recipe! I’m not a Vodka drinker anymore. I have a palette for dark and spiced rums. So much depth of flavor. To each their own. 🙄🤷🏻♂️ I made this recipe with Blue chair spiced rum. It was delicious!!
I can also remember a wonderful Bloody Mary mixer, yes in a bottle. The Real Dill Bloody Mary mixer. So good!!😊🙏 Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes!!
Colleen says
Sounds delicious George! I will keep my eye out for that mix!
Patricia says
and cheese steaks !
this is a definite at our Easter brunch!
Colleen says
Yes & Yes!!