Learn how to make the best Bloody Mary with expert tips, secret ingredients and creative garnish ideas to satisfy your cocktail cravings. The restaurant-quality ideas in this Bloody Mary guide are easy to make at home for seasoned mixologists and brunch enthusiasts alike.
Homemade Bloody Mary Mix
If you’re in search of the best Bloody Mary Mix, look no further than this delicious homemade version. It’s perfectly balanced with a hint of spice and lemon.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bloody Mary Mix
Classic Bloody Mary
Let’s start with the classic. You’ll need vodka, Bloody Mary mix and a bunch of toppings to make a good old Bloody Mary. These savory cocktails are always a winner, ideally with lots of garnishes on top! You can customize this recipe with other types of alcohol, like rum, gin, tequila and whiskey.
Get the Recipe: Classic Bloody Mary
Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives
If you love olives AND blue cheese, this one’s for you unicorns: Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives are an easy appetizer and can also be a delicious cocktail garnish for martinis and Bloody Marys. Fill green olives with a mixture of creamy, sharp blue cheese and add them to cheese boards or cocktails — or both.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives
New Orleans Bloody Mary
This Bloody Mary has a Louisiana twist. Garnish it with shrimp, crawfish, fried oysters or crab hushpuppies for a Cajun seafood twist on the classic brunch drink.
Get the Recipe: New Orleans Bloody Mary
Bloody Mary Salt
Put this flavored salt on your Bloody Mary to rim glasses and give your cocktails extra flavor! You can also put it on chicken or seafood to give it a kick.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Salt
Michelada
Savory and salty, the Michelada is a delicious cocktail starring Mexican beer. Essentially a Bloody Mary made with lager beer, this is a drink you don’t want to miss.
Get the Recipe: Michelada
Jalapeño Tequila
Spice things up with this homemade, spicy Jalapeño-Infused Tequila. This recipe is a concoction with a kick and it adds tons of flavor to a Bloody Maria. Made with fresh jalapeño peppers, this spirit — your choice of tequila or mezcal — will bring all the heat.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Tequila
Caprese Salad Skewers
Caprese skewers are a fun appetizer, but they double as a gorgeous garnish for Bloody Marys. Skewer them ahead of time for guests to grab and add to their drinks.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers
Bloody Derby
The lovely Bloody Derby, which is essentially a Bloody Mary with whiskey, is worth trying. The salty flavors of the bacon and tomato juice balance out the sweetness of bourbon.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Derby
Virgin Bloody Mary
You will be surprised at how mouthwatering a Virgin Bloody Mary is! Even without alcohol, the classic brunch cocktail really shines.
Get the Recipe: Virgin Bloody Mary
Popcorn Shrimp
Homemade popcorn shrimp is the ultimate Bloody Mary garnish. Crispy and salty, these will take your tomato drinks to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Shrimp
Fried Pickles
Homemade fried pickles are easy to make and they make a great Bloody Mary garnish. The breading on these pickles is so tasty and crispy. Bonus: You can serve them with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for a great snack or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pickles
Japanese Inspired Bloody Mary
Hold on to your taste buds because this Japanese Inspired Bloody Mary is a fusion delight! The classic zing of a Bloody Mary gets an umami punch with the addition of sake and pickled ginger, turning this brunch staple into an adventurous flavor journey. It’s the perfect drink when you’re craving something bold and exciting; the balance of spicy, tangy, and savory is simply impeccable.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Inspired Bloody Mary
Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers
These Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers are stuffed with cream cheese that’s been mixed together with Everything Bagel seasoning. If you like jalapeño poppers, you’ll love these! Prepped and baked in under 1 hour, this easy Bloody Mary garnish features the perfect combination of flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers
Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Make an epic Bloody Mary and garnish it with one of these spicy, smoky, meaty poppers!
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Turkey Burger Sliders
Want an over-the-top Bloody Mary? With juicy turkey patties, crisp buns, and all your favorite toppings, this easy turkey burger slider recipe takes your favorite turkey burgers and makes them bite-sized, perfect for skewering and adding to your Bloody Mary.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders
Bloody Mary Shrimp
This Bloody Mary Shrimp recipe takes the flavors from your favorite cocktail and turns it into a delicious weeknight dinner! But you can also use them as a delicious and flavorful cocktail garnish.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Shrimp
Bacon-Wrapped Pickles
Your favorite dill pickle spears and wrapped in bacon and air fried to perfect crispy dill pickle appetizers. Or use them to top drinks like Bloody Marys! There’s no wrong way to enjoy them.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pickles
Mixed Pickles
These quick mixed pickles take any vegetable that you have on hand and turn them into bright, acidic, slightly sweet pickles in just a few minutes! They’re the perfect garnish for a Bloody Mary.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Pickles
Every Bloody Mary Garnish
Want more garnish ideas for your ultimate Bloody Mary bar? Check out these creative ideas that will wow everyone at your party.
Get the List: Bloody Mary Garnishes