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Bloody Mary Recipe: The Brunch Icon That Packs a Punch

Bloody Mary Recipe: The Brunch Icon That Packs a Punch

Brunch Called—It Wants Its Main Character Back

If brunch had a red carpet, the Bloody Mary would strut down it in celery stilettos. Bold, briny, zippy, and unapologetically feisty, this cocktail isn’t just a drink—it’s a vibe. Whether you’re team classic or team garnish skyscraper, this recipe delivers flavor, flair, and a little bit of brunch drama. Let’s build the perfect Bloody Mary—one sip at a time.

Classic Bloody Mary cocktail garnished with shrimp, salami, olives, celery, and lemon, styled for a cozy holiday brunch setting
The Perfect Bloody Mary, dressed to impress your brunch table.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Bloody Mary

To make this brunch-worthy cocktail, you’ll need:

  • Glassware: Pint glass packed with ice
  • 4 oz Powell & Mahoney Bloody Mary mix
  • 1 ½ oz vodka

Garnish Options

Choose your own garnish adventure:

  • Celery stalk
  • Slice of lemon
  • Pickled long beans
  • Olives
  • Salami
  • Grilled shrimp
  • Crispy bacon

How to Make a Bloody Mary

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine 4 oz Powell & Mahoney Bloody Mary mix and 1 ½ oz vodka.
  2. Gently shake to mix.
  3. Strain over a pint glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with your favorites—celery, lemon, pickled long beans, olives, salami, grilled shrimp, or crispy bacon.

Why You’ll Love This Bloody Mary Recipe

  • Fast and foolproof: No mixology degree required.
  • Flavor-forward: Balanced, bold, and perfectly seasoned.
  • Customizable: Garnishes let you express your brunch personality.

Expert Tips for Bloody Mary Perfection

  • Choose quality vodka: A smooth vodka makes all the difference.
  • Don’t skip the ice: This drink should be cold and bracing.
  • Roll, don’t shake: Rolling keeps the tomato base silky instead of frothy.
  • Chill your glass: Adds a touch of brunch-bar sophistication.

Variations & Creative Garnish Ideas

  • Seafood Tower Style: Grilled shrimp, crab claw, lemon twist
  • Deli Board Style: Salami, pepperoncini, provolone cube, olive skewer
  • BBQ Style: Candied bacon, charred corn spear, mini smoked sausage
  • Veg-Forward Style: Pickled okra, radish slices, cucumber ribbon

Want to spice things up? Add horseradish, chili crisp, or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Brunch and Beyond

This Bloody Mary is a versatile crowd-pleaser. Serve it at:

  • Weekend brunches
  • Holiday mornings
  • Tailgate parties
  • Bridal showers

Pair with:

  • Frittatas
  • Breakfast sandwiches
  • Smoked salmon boards
  • Crispy hash browns

FAQs About Bloody Marys

Can I batch this for a party? Yes—multiply ingredients and keep chilled. Add ice only to glasses.

Can I use gin instead of vodka? Absolutely—gin adds botanical flair.

How long does Bloody Mary mix last? Once opened, store Powell & Mahoney mix in the refrigerator and use within 2–3 weeks.

More Cocktail Recipes

Final Thoughts: Brunch Isn’t Just a Meal—It’s a Mood

A Bloody Mary should never be boring—and now, yours won’t be. Start with a great base like Powell & Mahoney, pour with intention, and pile on the garnishes that make you smile. Whether you’re brunching with friends or flying solo, this cocktail brings flavor, fun, and flair.

Holiday-themed Bloody Mary cocktail garnished with shrimp, salami, olives, celery, and lemon, set against a festive background with Christmas lights and pine branches. Text overlay reads “Tomato Juice or tomat-no juice? Build the perfect bloody mary one sip at a time.”
Yield: 1 serving

Bloody Mary Recipe: The Brunch Icon That Packs a Punch

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

This bold, flavorful Bloody Mary recipe is the star of any brunch—balanced, briny, bright, and endlessly customizable. Whether you load it up with olives and crispy bacon or keep it classic with lemon and celery, this cocktail is designed to impress. Serve alongside brunch favorites or pair with snacks for an easy entertaining win.

Ingredients

  • Glassware: Pint glass filled with ice
  • 4 oz Powell & Mahoney Bloody Mary Mix
  • 1 ½ oz vodka
  • Celery stalk
  • Slice of lemon
  • Pickled long beans
  • Olives
  • Salami slices
  • Grilled shrimp
  • Crispy bacon

Instructions

  1. Fill a pint glass with ice and set aside.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, add 4 oz Powell & Mahoney Bloody Mary Mix and 1 ½ oz vodka.
  3. Gently shake to combine.
  4. Strain into the prepared pint glass over ice.
  5. Garnish with your preferred toppings: celery, lemon, pickled long beans, olives, salami, grilled shrimp, or crispy bacon.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy your brunch masterpiece.

Notes

For the best flavor and mouthfeel, gently roll the drink between two glasses rather than shaking vigorously—this keeps the tomato base smooth instead of frothy. Want to add heat? A dash of hot sauce, horseradish, or chili crisp adds a spicy kick. Hosting brunch? Multiply the ingredients and serve from a chilled pitcher, adding ice only to individual glasses—not the pitcher—to prevent dilution.

If you love brunch cocktails, try these next:

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1104Total Fat: 65gSaturated Fat: 21gUnsaturated Fat: 44gCholesterol: 333mgSodium: 4510mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 10gSugar: 12gProtein: 69g

The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

Did you make this recipe?

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Originally published in 2014, this Bloody Mary recipe was updated in 2025 with fresh images, creative garnish ideas, and expert tips for the ultimate brunch cocktail.

About Julee Morrison

Julee Morrison is an author and writer with over 35 years of experience in parenting and family recipes. She’s the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook.Available on Amazon,

Her work has appeared in The LA Times, Disney’s Family Fun Magazine, Bon Appétit, Weight Watchers Magazine, All You, Scholastic Parent & Child, and more.

Her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" appeared on AP News, and her parenting piece “The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit” was featured on PopSugar.

Outside of writing, Julee enjoys baking, reading, collecting crystals, and spending time with her family. You can find more of her work at Mommy’s Memorandum.

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