Unusual Variations of the Classic Bloody Mary Recipe

A drink that is famously paired with brunch (or hangovers), the Bloody Mary has been a staple of our culture for many decades. The Bloody Mary has even earned itself a national day of recognition on January 1st of every year. While the core ingredients of the drink are vodka and tomato juice, there's an endless number of variations that can take the flavor profile to new and interesting places. Here are five unusual variations of the classic Bloody Mary we know and love so well. 

Bloody Maria

This variation of the Bloody Mary uses tequila in place of vodka. Fill a highball glass with ice and add 2 oz vodka. Build on top of that with 1 tsp. prepared horseradish, 3 dashes Tabasco (or your favorite hot pepper sauce), 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce, the juice from a freshly squeezed lime, 3 dashes celery salt, and 3 dashes pepper. Fill the rest of the glass with tomato juice and stir well. You can also add 1 tsp. Dijon mustard if desired. Garnish with any or all of the following: a celery stalk, a lime wedge, and a cucumber. 

Anasazi Bloodless Mary

This unique take on the Bloody Mary actually doesn't include tomato juice and takes a whole two days to prepare. Dice up 1/8 inch horseradish root stalk and 1/8 inch celery stalk and add it to a glass jar. Zest four lemons into the same glass with 2 oz. each of Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce. Fill the jar to the top with vodka and allow to sit for two days to infuse and meld the flavors. When ready, strain into your drinking glasses. Garnish with dried tomato. 

Chinese Chili Bloody Mary

Chinese chili oil is another great way to add spice to your Bloody Mary recipe. Add 2 oz. vodka to a glass with ice. Juice half a lime into the same glass and add 1 tsp. of prepared horseradish and 1 tsp. of Chinese chili oil. Next, put in a splash each of Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce. Fill the glass with tomato juice and add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel. 

Butternut Squash and Bacon Bloody Mary

If tomato juice isn't your thing, try this tasty spin on the classic! Boil together 2/3 c. vegetable stock with 2/3 c. butternut squash puree; set aside to cool. Stir in 2 tbsp. freshly grated horseradish, then salt and pepper to taste. Pour two ounces of vodka into a glass filled with ice. Top the glass off with the squash mixture and stir thoroughly. Garnish with chopped bacon and a fresh lime wheel. For extra pizazz, use bacon-infused vodka in place of regular vodka.  

Bloody Yardbird

Made popular in Miami, this version of the Bloody Mary has some interesting ingredients. Blend together the following: 46 oz. tomato juice, 2 garlic cloves, half an avocado, 4 oz. Worcestershire sauce, 2 oz. olive brine, 1 tsp. celery salt, 2 tsp. Sriracha, 1 tsp. prepared horseradish, and black pepper to taste. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to mix. When ready to drink, pour two oz. vodka and 1/2 oz. lemon juice in a glass over ice. Fill the rest with the tomato juice mixture and mix well.