Bloody Mary is a popular brunch drink that has stood the test of time. It is a classic cocktail made from tomato juice, spices, and vodka. But, not all Bloody Mary mixes are created equal. Some are bland, while others are too spicy, making it difficult to enjoy. With so many options available, it can be tough to determine which mix will satisfy your taste buds.
In this blog post, we will be exploring the best Bloody Mary mixes on the market. Whether you prefer a classic blend or a spicy kick, we have got you covered. From pre-made mixes to DIY options, we will give you the rundown of the top Bloody Mary mixes to elevate your next brunch.
10 Best Bloody Mary Mixes
Ocean Spray Bloody Mary Mix
Featured Advantages
- You get 12 of the 32-ounce containers in this 12-pack. Bottles of Bloody Mary Mix in Convenient BarPac Packaging
- Consisting of traditional ingredients, this blend is rich and spicy.
- Formulated with tomato and cranberry juices, plus Worcestershire, horseradish, and spices
- It can be used as a mixer with liquor, or you can drink it straight.
The 32 fl oz (Pack of 12) of Ocean Spray Bloody Mary mix contains tomato juice from concentrate, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, and spices. You can drink it straight up or combine it with alcohol, but the mix suggests including additional ingredients to make a Bloody Mary.
It’s a rich and spicy blend, though some might find it too thick to use in a mixer. A unique BarPac bottle with a spigot makes this blend convenient for use in personal bars.
Pros
- Seasoning for a Bloody Mary
- Classical flavor
- Hot and viscous
- A bottle of BarPac
Cons
- In some cases, it may be difficult to blend due to its thickness.
- If you have never tried it before, this is a huge pack.
- Whenever possible, it’s best to supplement the mix with additional components before serving.
McClure’s Bloody Mary Mixer
Featured Advantages
- 32 ounces of Bloody Mary seasoning made with tomatoes.
- Pickle juice and dill give it a unique flavor.
- It’s produced with all-natural, gluten-free ingredients and is also kosher.
- Can be consumed on its own, or with the addition of alcohol.
McClure’s Bloody Mary mixer 32 fl. oz. incorporates peppers, pickle brine, garlic, and dill in addition to the necessary tomato, making for a sour and powerful combination. It’s an interesting alternative to a classic Bloody Mary because it doesn’t use Worcestershire sauce or horseradish, but you might end up tasting mostly pickle juice.
Made with natural ingredients, this has been verified as kosher. Simply add liquor or serve straight up.
Pros
- Seasoning for a Bloody Mary
- Having a sour or tangy taste
- All-natural
- Kosher
- Free of gluten
Cons
- The pickle juice may be too strong for your taste.
- Will lend a new flavor to your standard Bloody Mary.
- Not enough flavor, especially horseradish.
Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix 32 OZ
Featured Advantages
- Can be served with or without alcohol.
- You can’t go wrong with this classic Bloody Mary mix in a 32-ounce bottle.
- Is stable at room temperature
Zing Zang’s 32-ounce Bloody Mary mix is a classic recipe that works great with either vodka or beer. This combination, like many others, is quite salty due to the fact that just one serving provides about 20% of the recommended daily intake of sodium. Moreover, it may be stored at room temperature, contains soy, and has a few preservatives.
Pros
- Seasoning for a Bloody Mary
- Classical flavor
- Ready to store at ambient temperatures
Cons
- Greater sodium content
- Contains soy and a few other kinds of preservatives.
V8 Bloody Mary Mix, 46 oz. Bottle
Featured Advantages
- Tomato, salt, pepper, celery, and onion comprise this 46-ounce bottle of spicy Bloody Mary mix.
- Vitamins A and C, along with a full dose of veggies, are included in a serving.
- Use as a Bloody Mary base or sip on its own.
The V8 Bloody Mary mix 46 fl oz is loaded with at least one full serving of veggies and vitamin A and vitamin C thanks to its use of pure tomato juice, vinegar, pepper, salt, celery extract, and onion extract. A single serving of this mix has only 40 calories, making it perfect for a light snack or after-work drink.
A number of reviewers have noted that this juice is spicy, although it lacks several of the “traditional” elements included in Bloody Mary mixes.
Pros
- Spice Blend for a Bloody Mary
- Provides nutrients A and C
- Flavorings of a hot and spicy nature
- You can sip it straight or mix it with other drinks.
Cons
- In that case, you might like it better on its own than in a Bloody Mary.
- Doesn’t include everything you need for a classic Bloody Mary
Demitris Extra Horseradish Bloody Mary Cocktail Mix Liquid
Featured Advantages
- Bloody Mary seasoning in a 16-ounce bottle
- This is spicier than usual because of the additional horseradish.
- Use it as a marinade or mix it with tomato juice and vodka to make a Bloody Mary.
Demitri’s Bloody Mary Seasoning 16 fl oz has additional horseradish and only requires the addition of tomato juice (and alcohol!). If you’re looking for a marinade that packs a punch, go no further than this blend. This is heavy in sodium, as are most Bloody Mary mixes and seasonings, so diluting it with low-sodium tomato juice is one option. There is a possibility that the bottle seals will break during shipping due to the subpar packaging.
Pros
- Spices for a Bloody Mary
- Additional horseradish
- Flavorings of a hot and spicy nature
- Combine with meat and marinate
Cons
- The integrity of bottle seals is subpar.
- Sodium levels are quite high.
- Bloody Marys aren’t complete without tomato juice.
Bloody Revolution Gourmet Mixes, Original
Featured Advantages
- An elegant 32 oz. Seasoning for a Bloody Mary
- Standard components such as Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, and celery salt are included.
- This blend can be used as a marinade, consumed straight, or mixed with alcohol.
The 32 ounce bottle of Bloody Revolution Original Gourmet Bloody Mary mix contains all the classic ingredients for a Bloody Mary, including Worcestershire sauce, tomato, vegetable juice concentrate, pepper, horseradish, celery salt, garlic, and onion. You can either drink this thick and spicy mixture on its own or mix it with booze.
Pros
- Seasoning for a Bloody Mary
- Classical flavor
- You can mix it with alcohol or drink it straight.
- A perfect marinade
Cons
- The thickness may be excessive for some applications.
- In other cases, the heat may be too much to handle.
Charleston Mix – Premium, All Natural Bloody Mary Mix. Bold & Spicy 32oz
Featured Advantages
- There are two 16-ounce bottles in this pair. Seasoning for a Bloody Mary
- An award-winning blend, known for its robust and peppery flavor.
- Habanero mash, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices are blended together in a special recipe.
- It’s safe for those on gluten-free diets and doesn’t contain any MSG or high-fructose corn syrup, either.
The Charleston Bloody Mary mix “Bold & Spicy” 32 oz (pack of 2) does not use horseradish, but instead uses a proprietary blend of habanero mash, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices. This award-winning blend has a powerful flavor without the use of high fructose corn syrup or monosodium glutamate, and it may also be enjoyed by those who avoid gluten. Although tasty, this blend may not be appropriate for vegetarians or vegans due to the presence of beef broth and anchovies.
Pros
- To mix a Bloody Mary with a Mux
- Spicy
- Success in receiving honors
- No MSG
- Free of gluten
Cons
- An really strong flavor that may not work in all cocktails.
- Including anchovies and beef broth.
- Doesn’t have any horseradish in it.
Master of Mixes 5 Pepper Extra Spicy Bloody Mary Drink Mix
Featured Advantages
- Three bottles of Bloody Mary mix, each holding 33.8 fluid ounces
- Includes the chili peppers Jalapeo, De Arbol, Habanero, Chipotle, and Ancho.
- Mixes well with alcohol or on its own
- This spicy blend is devoid of gluten and dairy.
An Expert in Creating Unique Soundscapes Mixes of chili peppers, including Jalapeo, De Arbol Chili, Habanero, Chipotle, and Ancho, are combined with tomato juice and lemon juice to create 5 Pepper Bloody Mary mix, which comes in a 3-pack of 33.8 ounce bottles. Ready-to-drink, just add alcohol to this mix.
Although some reviewers have noted that this combination is hot and spicy, it can lack other flavors because it is gluten free and dairy free. One serving provides 30% of the Daily Value for sodium, making this mix heavy in sodium like most others.
Pros
- Seasoning for a Bloody Mary
- Spice mix with five peppers
- Flavorings of a hot and spicy nature
- Free of gluten
- Free of dairy products
Cons
- While hot, there may be a lack of complexity in the other flavors.
- The salt concentration is relatively high.
Fast Mary’s Bloody Mary Enhancer – Mild Bangin’ Blend
Featured Advantages
- The dill-flavored component of a Bloody Mary seasoning blend
- The seasoning enhancer is versatile; it can be used as a marinade, in tomato juice, or even in alcoholic beverages.
- Contains no gluten, soy, or monosodium glutamate; can be consumed by vegans.
- Has a three-year shelf life.
Fast Mary’s Bloody Mary Enhancer – Mild Bangin’ Blend is a typical blend of seasonings, with a prominent dill flavor. This complement can be used as a marinade or on the grill in addition to being added to tomato juice for cocktails.
In addition to being naturally free of MSG and gluten, it is also vegan. This can be stored at room temperature for up to three years, although it should be refrigerated after opening.
Pros
- Mixer for Bloody Marys
- Flavor of dill
- Free of gluten
- Vegan
- Not containing any monosodium glutamate
Cons
- Can’t make a Bloody Mary without tomato juice (and maybe some booze)
- The enhanced dill flavor might not be to everyone’s liking.
Mr & Mrs T Original Bloody Mary Mix
Featured Advantages
- Bloody Mary mix in 5.5-ounce cans, sold in a 24-pack
- The tomato juice content is 95%, and it also has coarse black pepper.
- These are convenient for single servings or taking drinks on the go.
- Blends well with liquor or can be consumed on its own.
The Mr & Mrs T Original Bloody Mary mix 5.5 fl. oz (pack of 24) contains 95% tomato juice, lemon, and coarse black pepper; all you need to do is add alcohol, or some people like to add “extras” like Worcestershire sauce and celery salt. Because of the can’s diminutive size, it’s possible that more of them will be required to fill a pitcher or accompany you on the road. Additionally, there is always the chance that the cans will arrive broken or leaking.
Pros
- Seasoning for a Bloody Mary
- Genuine taste
- You can mix it with alcohol or drink it straight.
- Packaged in more portable sizes
Cons
- The number of Bloody Marys you can whip up is restricted by 5.5 fl oz cans.
- Shipping cans could be damaged.
Advice on Choosing the Best Bloody Mary Mix
When choosing the best Bloody Mary mix, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the type of tomato juice used in the mix can greatly impact the taste. Choose a mix made with high-quality, fresh tomato juice for a more flavorful drink. Secondly, consider the spice level. Some mixes have a mild kick, while others are seriously spicy. Make sure to choose a mix that fits your preferred level of heat. Additionally, look for a mix that has a balanced flavor profile, with a good balance of spices, acidity, and sweetness. Finally, it is important to consider the ingredients list, and look for a mix that uses high-quality, all-natural ingredients.
Finding the perfect Bloody Mary mix requires taking into account factors such as the type of tomato juice used, spice level, flavor profile, and ingredients. Make sure to choose a mix that fits your taste preferences and provides a well-balanced, delicious drink every time.
Nutritional and Sodium Considerations of a Bloody Mary Mix
The typical nutritional breakdown of a single serving of Bloody Mary mix includes about 40 calories, 9 to 13 grams of carbohydrates, 4 to 7 grams of sugar, 2 grams of fiber, and 1 to 2 grams of protein. Additionally, it has a potential salt content of 1489 milligrams.
Whether you make your Bloody Mary from a packet or from scratch, you’ll be getting a lot of salt from the seasonings and the sauces you use. Sodium intake above 2,300 milligrams per day is not recommended for healthy adults.
However, if you use a Bloody Mary spice or enhancer that does not contain tomato, you can still cut down on the salt by mixing in some low sodium tomato juice.
You need to factor in the calories from the booze and the garnish when figuring up the total number of calories in your Bloody Mary. While a pickle spear may only have 4 calories, it may carry as much as 300 milligrams of sodium.
Vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron are all present in a Bloody Mary thanks to the fresh tomatoes and other ingredients. The quantity will vary with the type of mix and any additional ingredients you decide to include in the dish.
Origins of the Bloody Mary
In the 1920s, bars across Europe began experimenting with vodka drinks as a result of its growing popularity among refugees fleeing the Russian Revolution.
Many credit Fernand Petiot with inventing the Bloody Mary in 1921 at the New York Bar (later renamed Harry’s New York Bar) in Paris, a hangout for expat Americans like Ernest Hemingway.
After returning to the United States, Petiot tested out his cocktail in New York’s King Cole Bar, but the patrons were unimpressed, finding the drink to be too bland. The Bloody Mary was created when Petiot combined tomato juice with black pepper, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Tabasco sauce. A New York establishment called “The 21 Club” also claims to have created the game in the 1930s. Tomato juice and vodka may have been invented by George Jessel, a Hollywood actor who was popular from the 1920s until the 1950s.
The cocktail may have been named after a waitress named Mary who worked at the Bucket of Blood bar in Chicago, despite the name’s associations with Queen Mary I of England, who attempted to re-establish the Catholic Church in England. A customer at Petiot’s New York Bar in Paris dubbed Bloody Mary after a woman he met at a cabaret said that the drink reminded him of Mary, his girlfriend.
In an issue of the magazine published in 1942, they called the mixture of tomato juice, vodka, and lemon juice a “Red Hammer,” and they later advertised Worcestershire sauce by recommending it be added to a “Tomato Juice Cocktail” with salt and pepper.
The Key Ingredients for a Bloody Mary
Tomato juice and vodka form the foundation of this classic cocktail, however many people add their own spin. Spice up your drink with some pepper, celery seed, horseradish, olive brine, molasses, and a dash of salt or celery salt. It can also be made with pickle juice or clam juice for a different spin.
The Bloody Mary wouldn’t be complete without the zest of a fresh lemon or lime. You might assume that the tomato juice will provide enough acidity, but adding citrus will help cut through the richness of the tomato juice and provide some balance if the tomato is overly sweet.
Worcestershire sauce, along with Tabasco or another spicy sauce, is widely regarded as an essential component by many cooks.
Worcestershire sauce was invented in the UK city of Worcester by two chemists as a fermented sauce. John Wheeley Lea and William Henry Perrins created the sauce recipe in the 1830s at the request of Lord Sandys, who wanted to re-create a flavor he had experienced in Bengal. Vinegar, molasses, salt, anchovies, tamarind extract, onion, garlic, spices, and flavorings all made up the original Worcestershire sauce. However, modern Worcestershire sauces are generally anchovy-free.
The sauce’s first attempt was forgotten in the barrel. Worcestershire Sauce as we know it today was discovered a while after the barrel had been forgotten about and had had time to mellow. In 1876, the English High Court found that Lea & Perrins could not possess a trademark to the county of Worcestershire, which meant that other manufacturers may brand their product Worcestershire sauce.
Now owned by Heinz, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce has remained the industry standard for decades. In reality, only a select handful have the secret recipe.
It is common practice to add bacon, chicken, smoked salmon, or shrimp to a Bloody Mary, which is otherwise served on the rocks in a highball with a celery stick, cucumber spear, pickle spear, or olive as a garnish. A Bloody Mary’s garnish is only limited by your creativity — or the ingredients you have on hand.
Bloody Marys can also be made with gin, tequila, rye, or bourbon instead of vodka. Mezcal and Aquavit are two other examples of strange but tasty pairings. The ingredients in a Bloody Mary are the same as a Virgin Mary, the only difference being the addition of vodka.
FAQs
What alcohol makes the best Bloody Mary?
The most commonly used alcohol in a Bloody Mary is vodka, as it provides a neutral base that allows the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through. Some people prefer to use gin, tequila, or even sake in their Bloody Mary, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
What is a Bloody Mary without vodka called?
A Bloody Mary without vodka is typically referred to as a “Virgin Mary” or a “Bloody Shirley.” This non-alcoholic version of the drink typically includes all of the other ingredients, such as tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and spices, but without the addition of vodka. Virgin Marys are a popular choice for those who prefer not to drink alcohol or for designated drivers.
Is Bloody Mary better with vodka or gin?
The choice between vodka or gin in a Bloody Mary is a matter of personal preference. Vodka is a neutral spirit that allows the flavors of the other ingredients, such as tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, to shine through. On the other hand, gin has a distinct juniper flavor that can add a unique twist to the drink. Ultimately, it depends on what kind of flavor profile you prefer in your Bloody Mary.
Is Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix good for you?
Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix, like many pre-made cocktail mixes, can be high in sodium and contain added sugars. Consuming high amounts of sodium and added sugars on a regular basis can be detrimental to one’s health and may increase the risk of certain health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider making your own Bloody Mary mix from scratch using fresh ingredients like tomato juice, lemon juice, and spices. This will give you greater control over the ingredients and allow you to limit the amount of sodium and added sugars in your drink.
Why don’t you shake a Bloody Mary?
A Bloody Mary is usually stirred rather than shaken for several reasons:
- Texture: Shaking a Bloody Mary can create a frothy, overly aerated texture that some people find unappealing. Stirring helps to mix the ingredients without creating too much foam.
- Dilution: Shaking a Bloody Mary can cause excessive dilution, which can affect the overall flavor balance of the drink. Stirring helps to mix the ingredients without adding too much extra liquid.
- Ingredients: A Bloody Mary typically includes ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and horseradish, which can be difficult to evenly distribute through shaking. Stirring ensures that all of the ingredients are well-combined without breaking down the solids.
- Presentation: Shaking a Bloody Mary can cause the ingredients to become cloudy, which can detract from the visual appeal of the drink. Stirring helps to maintain the clarity of the tomato juice, creating a visually appealing drink.
Conclusion
The Bloody Mary is a timeless brunch drink that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer a classic blend or a spicy kick, there is a mix for everyone. By trying out the options mentioned in this post, you can find the perfect Bloody Mary mix to suit your tastes. Don’t settle for a bland brunch drink, take your Bloody Mary to the next level with these top-rated mixes.
