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A Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for brunch or any time you want a savory drink. This single serving Bloody Mary recipe is quick and easy to make, featuring simple ingredients you may already have. It’s flavorful, spicy, and can be made with vodka or without for a delicious virgin version.
Looking for more single serving drink recipes? Try our refreshing Moscow Mule, fun and fruity Dirty Shirley, sweet Strawberry Daiquiri, and vibrant Sangria.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: This recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Simple Ingredients: No need for pre-made Bloody Mary mix; use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Single Serving: Perfect for when you want just one drink without leftovers.
- Versatile: Can be made with vodka or without for a non-alcoholic version.
What Is A Bloody Mary?
A Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail made with tomato juice and vodka, typically served in a tall glass or mason jar.
The most accepted origin story is that it was created by a bartender named Fernand “Pete” Petiot at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris in 1921. The name “Bloody Mary” is said to come from Queen Mary of England, who was nicknamed “Bloody Mary” during her reign.
This popular drink is often known as a hangover cure and a favorite brunch cocktail. Our single serving Bloody Mary is designed to be quick and easy without sacrificing flavor. You don’t need any pre-made mix, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. It’s perfect for a quick, flavorful drink whenever you want one.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this Bloody Mary recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Tomato Juice: This is the base of the drink. Use straight tomato juice or V8 juice.
- Vodka: Use your favorite vodka. While vodka is traditional, you can also use gin or tequila. For a non-alcoholic version, simply leave out the alcohol. Consider using leftover vodka to make Penne alla Vodka.
- Hot Sauce: I like using Tabasco for a kick, but Cholula and Louisiana hot sauce are also great options.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, salty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that enhances the tomato juice.
- Lemon Juice: The tangy citrus brightens the drink and balances the richness of the tomato juice.
- Horseradish: Use mild or hot prepared horseradish for a bit of heat. Consider using extra horseradish in a Reuben Sandwich.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Just a pinch of each to enhance the flavors.
- Ice: Use plenty of ice and chilled ingredients for an extra cold drink.
- Garnishes: Add classic garnishes like a celery rib, green olives, or a lemon wedge. For an over-the-top Bloody Mary, consider cooked bacon, pickle spears, baby corn, pickled jalapeños, cooked shrimp, or cheese squares.
Recipe Variations
Try these variations to switch up your Bloody Mary:
- Smoky Bloody Mary: Add a splash of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- Pickle Bloody Mary: Add pickle juice for a tangy, briny flavor.
- Spicy Bloody Mary: Increase the hot sauce and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Herb-Infused Bloody Mary: Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh flavor twist.
- Green Bloody Mary: This drink is made with 1 chopped tomatillo, which gives it a green color instead of red, 1/4 of an English cucumber, 1/4 of a serrano chile or jalapeño, and 1/2 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro. Add these ingredients to a blender along with the horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend until smooth.
How To Make A Bloody Mary
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
To make one Bloody Mary, pour tomato juice into a tall glass and stir in the horseradish. Add lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and vodka, then stir well. Taste and add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. Pour the mixture over ice and garnish as desired.
Expert Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and high-quality tomato juice make a big difference.
- Adjust to Taste: Start with the lower amount of hot sauce and horseradish, and add more if you like it spicier.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Use chilled tomato juice and vodka for a colder drink.
- Garnish Creatively: Classic garnishes include celery stalks, olives, and lemon wedges, but you can get creative with bacon, pickles, or even shrimp.
- Shake Well: Shake or stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors before serving.
What To Serve With A Bloody Mary
Here are some great ways to enjoy your Bloody Mary:
- Classic Brunch Drink: Serve with a hearty breakfast like Eggs Benedict or a Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Crustless Quiche.
- Garnish Extravaganza: Add a variety of garnishes like celery, olives, pickles, or even a strip of bacon for extra flavor and fun.
- Spicy Snack Pairing: Enjoy with spicy snacks like Mexican Corn Dip or Jalapeño Poppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, simply omit the vodka for a virgin Bloody Mary.
Reduce the amount of hot sauce and horseradish.
Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
In 1970, a Chicago bartender, lacking a straw, grabbed a stalk of celery from the garnish station and used it instead. Since then, celery has become a popular garnish for Bloody Marys. Not only does it serve as a practical stirrer, but it also complements the tomato juice with its fresh, crisp flavor.
More Cocktail Recipes For One
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this single serve Bloody Mary recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Bloody Mary For One
Ingredients
- 6 ounces tomato juice
- ½ teaspoon horseradish
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- 2 dashes hot sauce (about ½ teaspoon)
- 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 2 ounces vodka
- salt and black pepper -to taste
- Ice
- Optional garnishes: a celery rib, green olives, and an extra lemon wedge. You can create an over-the-top Bloody Mary by adding cooked bacon, pickle spears, baby corn, pickled jalapeños, cooked shrimp, or cheese squares.
Instructions
- Pour tomato juice into a tall glass.
- Stir in the horseradish.
- Add the lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and vodka and stir well. Taste and add a pinch of salt and pepper, if you'd like.
- Pour over ice and garnish.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and high-quality tomato juice make a big difference.
- Adjust to Taste: Start with the lower amount of hot sauce and horseradish, and add more if you like it spicier.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Use chilled tomato juice and vodka for a colder drink.
- Garnish Creatively: Classic garnishes include celery stalks, olives, and lemon wedges, but you can get creative with bacon, pickles, or even shrimp.
- Shake Well: Shake or stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors before serving.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Good recipe.