Name: Bloody Mary Mix
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4-6 cocktails
Ingredients: 3 cups tomato juice; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 4 tablespoons steak sauce (I use A-1 Steak Sauce); 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; ½ teaspoon celery salt; ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Drinks

Bloody Mary Mix

Author: Mary DiSomma

If you’re looking for the perfect brunch or game day drink idea, this at-home Bloody Mary bar is easy and adaptable for any grown-up party. There is nothing I love more about football season than entertaining guests. At my house, we always throw lively game day parties where friends and neighbors come together to cheer for our favorite teams. We’re passionate Blackhawks fans and, of course, we’re all about the Chicago Bears! Pair your Bloody Marys with a variety of finger foods and other game day favorites for a winning combination.

Bloody Mary Mix

Cheers to a cocktail that’s truly a meal in a glass! It's so easy to make, you will even have time to create your own a Bloody Mary bar for your next party.

Yield: 4-6 cocktails
Prep Time: 5 minutes 5 min
Cook Time: 0 minutes0 min
Total Time: 5 minutes 5 min

Ingredients

3 cups tomato juice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 tablespoons steak sauce (I use A-1 Steak Sauce)
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon celery salt
½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients in a pitcher. Make sure to stir it well to incorporate all of the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.

View Mary's Tips

Ingredient Tips

Your salt rim is as customizable as what goes into your drink! Smoked salt is an excellent choice for infusing your drink with a robust, earthy flavor that complements savory notes. If you’re aiming for a rich flavor, bacon-flavored salt adds a hint of indulgence that pairs well with meaty garnishes. A pinch of chili powder introduces a subtle heat and depth without overwhelming the palate. If you prefer a more intense kick, cayenne pepper adds a fiery burst for a bold and exciting flavor experience.

Preparation + Preservation Tips

Bloody Marys can be a meal on their own, but if you are throwing a brunch or hasting for game day, a Bloody Mary bar is a fun way to entertain your guests.

Find the Right Space: A Bloody Mary Bar takes up a bit of space. You need room for the ingredients, garnishes, and, of course, the glasses. Look for an area that will allow your guests enough room to make their drink without hitting elbows. A dining room buffet table, kitchen island, or even a long, stable folding table works perfectly. If you're worried about not having enough glasses or bowls for your Bloody Mary Bar, use canning jars! They’re not only great for drinking out of but also for holding all those tasty garnishes.

Offer a Range of Mixers: Now the fun part begins. Start with the basics: vodka, tomato juice, and mixers. Though you can buy pre-made mixes, I recommend making your own—it truly elevates the drink. My easy Bloody Mary Mix with a splash of A-1 Steak Sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of brown sugar, creates a well-rounded flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the acidity of the tomato juice and the heat from the spices. Other liquid items to consider include pickle juice, Clamato juice, and V-8 juice. Want to make it a little bit classy? Place these in glass carafes (keep an eye on them for refills) and label everything with place-setting cards. You can even find some online with a football theme for game day.

Create a salt rim station: At the beginning of the bar, have a few plates so folks can dip the rim of their glass in citrus juice, followed by spicy rim flavoring. The salt rim is not just about enhancing flavor—it's also about adding visual appeal to the drink. From smoked salt to bacon-flavored salt or a pinch of chili powder, you can offer a variety of mixed salts complement your garnishes.

Put Out All Your Garnishes: Can there ever be enough garnishes on a Bloody Mary? Whether you’re hosting a tailgate or a game day party at home, garnishes are where the Bloody Mary truly shines. Here are some of my favorites: