This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
There’s nothing quite like a Bloody Mary to kick off a weekend brunch or add a little spice to a get-together. This Homemade Bloody Mary Mix is bold, zesty, and full of flavor, with just the right amount of heat. The best part? You can make the mix ahead of time so it’s ready to go when you are!
Skip the Storebought Stuff and Give This Homemade Bloody Mary Mix a Go!
I have to say, I’ve recently acquired a taste for Bloody Marys. It all started on a flight to a food creator conference when I struck up a conversation with a new friend, Michaela, sitting next to me. She ordered a Bloody Mary, and before I knew it, the flight attendant brought her a can of Charleston Bold Bloody Mary Mix.
Now, I love anything spicy, so of course, my curiosity was piqued. I decided to give it a try, and that was it. I was hooked. Honestly, I don’t usually add the vodka to enjoy it.
I told Michaela right then and there that when I got home, I’d start working on my own version and maybe even a Bloody Mary Chili, because with this flavor, I knew it would be delicious in recipes too! I tweaked and tested until I got as close as I could to that Charleston Bold flavor, though they’re not spilling their recipe secrets anytime soon.
So, if you love a Bloody Mary with that perfect kick of flavor, you’re going to love this homemade mix. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Let’s get mixing!
What makes this a keeper:
❥ Spicy & flavorful: A perfect balance of savory, tangy, and smoky.
❥ Customizable: Adjust spice levels and garnishes to fit your crowd.
❥ Brunch ready: Make-ahead mix keeps you out of the kitchen and enjoying time with friends.
❥ Versatile: Pairs beautifully with vodka, gin, or even tequila for a Bloody Maria twist. It’s also great without alcohol, too. And don’t forget to make my homemade bloody mary rim salt!
NikkiWhat is Bloody Mary Mix?
A Bloody Mary is a savory cocktail made with tomato juice, vodka, and a blend of spices and seasonings that create a little heat, a touch of tang, and plenty of flavor. It’s often enjoyed at brunch but is delicious any time you’re craving something bold and refreshing.
The best part is how easy it is to make your own. You can keep it simple or pile it high with garnishes, make it mild or fiery, and even skip the alcohol. It’s a cocktail (or mocktail) that’s as customizable as it is delicious.
Spicy Bloody Mary Mix Ingredients
- Tomato Juice: Use a good-quality juice, low-sodium if you want to control the salt. Smooth, rich varieties make the best base.
- Pickle Juice: Adds tang and brightness. Dill brine is classic, but spicy or sweet varieties give fun flavor twists.
- Olive Juice: Brings savory, salty balance and adds depth to the tomato base.
- Hot Sauce: Adds heat and personality. Tabasco is classic, but smoky or garlicky hot sauces add a flavorful twist.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the mix with rich, savory umami flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for bright acidity. If using bottled, Santa Cruz Organic Lemon Juice is the closest to fresh.
- Horseradish: Adds a zesty, peppery kick. Use creamy prepared horseradish for smooth heat.
- Celery Salt: Gives that signature Bloody Mary taste.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Adds warmth and subtle spice, rounding out the mix.
- Black Pepper: Adds bite and texture. Use coarse ground for a little extra punch.
- Granulated Garlic: Balances the mix with mellow, savory depth.
- Vodka: Traditional choice for a smooth cocktail base. Serve on the side so guests can add to taste or enjoy it as a mocktail.
How to Make Bloody Mary Mix
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Make the Bloody Mary Mix:
Add all the mix ingredients (except the vodka) to a large pitcher, carafe, or mason jar (this recipe makes 1 quart). Stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight so the flavors can blend together.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Step 2 | Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, give the mix a good stir and taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed — add more hot sauce for heat, lemon juice for brightness, or Old Bay for extra spice.
How to Make a Bloody Mary with Mix
Rim the Glass:
Prepare the rim using my Bloody Mary Rim Salt Recipe. Place the rim salt on a small plate. Rub a lemon wedge (or dip it in pickle or olive juice) around the rim of your glass, then dip the rim into the salt mixture to coat.
Build the Cocktail: Add the Alcohol or Serve the Alcohol on the Side (Optional):
Fill the glass with ice. Pour in about 5 ounces of Bloody Mary mix and 2 ounces of vodka (or spirit of choice). Stir gently to combine.
If you’re serving a crowd or offering mocktails, keep the vodka on the side. Guests can add their own or enjoy a Virgin Mary instead.
Garnish and Enjoy:
Add your favorite garnishes — celery, pickles, olives, bacon, shrimp, cheese cubes, or anything you love. See my garnish guide for more ideas!
Serve immediately and enjoy chilled!
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about a Bloody Mary is how easy it is to tailor to your taste. Here are some fun twists and swaps to try:
Spice Adjustments
- Milder version: Reduce or omit the horseradish and hot sauce.
- Extra heat: Add more hot sauce, a dash of cayenne, or muddle fresh jalapeños.
- Smoky spice: Try chipotle hot sauce or smoked paprika in the mix.
Flavor Boosters
- Pickle brine: swap in extra for a tangy punch.
- Clam juice: creates a Bloody Caesar, a Canadian favorite.
- Beef bouillon: adds a savory umami depth.
- Balsamic vinegar: just a splash for subtle sweetness.
Juice Variations
- Tomato juice: the classic base.
- V8 or vegetable juice: adds extra veggie goodness.
- Fresh-pressed tomatoes: lighter, garden-fresh flavor.
Spirit Swaps
- Classic Vodka: the traditional base.
- Gin: adds herbal, botanical notes (called a Red Snapper).
- Tequila: makes a Bloody Maria, with a bold, earthy kick.
- Mezcal: for a smoky, adventurous version.
- Beer: top with a splash of lager or light beer (Michelada style).
The Ultimate Bloody Mary Garnish Guide
One of the best parts of a Bloody Mary is that it doubles as a cocktail and a snack. From classic touches to over-the-top creations, the garnish is where you can really let your personality shine.
Here are all the delicious garnish ideas you can mix and match:
Classic Garnishes
- Rim Salt
- Celery stalks (the traditional go-to!)
- Lemon wedges
- Lime wedges
- Pickle spears
- Green or black olives (stuffed with pimento, cheese, garlic, or jalapeño)
- Cherry tomatoes
Fresh Garnishes
- Fresh herbs: dill, rosemary, basil, parsley
- Sliced cucumber
- Avocado wedges
- Mini sweet peppers
Savory & Flavorful Garnishes
- Crispy bacon strips
- Cheese cubes (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, gouda)
- Hard-boiled or deviled eggs
- Shrimp cocktail skewers
- Cold cuts or charcuterie (salami, pepperoni, prosciutto)
- Beef jerky sticks
- Grilled sausage or kielbasa bites
Savory & Flavorful Garnishes
- Crispy bacon strips
- Cheese cubes (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, gouda)
- Hard-boiled or deviled eggs
- Shrimp cocktail skewers
- Cold cuts or charcuterie (salami, pepperoni, prosciutto)
- Beef jerky sticks
- Grilled sausage or kielbasa bites
Over-the-Top Garnishes (For a “Meal in a Glass”)
- Mini cheeseburgers or sliders
- Fried chicken tenders or wings
- Mini grilled cheese sandwiches
- Half or 1/4 of a Reuben Sandwich
- Jalapeño poppers
- Onion rings, tater tots, or french fries (skewered)
- Crab legs or lobster claw for a seafood showstopper
Pro Tip: Build garnish skewers with toothpicks or cocktail sticks so guests can easily nibble as they sip. Think of your Bloody Mary like a customizable charcuterie board on top of a cocktail!
Recipe FAQs
It has a nice kick but isn’t overwhelming. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce or horseradish.
Homemade mix will stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator when stored in a sealed glass jar or airtight container.
If You Love Bloody Marys, Try Our:
Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Best Spicy Bloody Mary Mix
Click Stars To Rate
Ingredients
- 4 cups tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 2 tablespoons olive juice
- 1 ½ teaspoon tabasco sauce - or hot sauce of choice
- 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons creamy prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 2 teaspoons old bay seasoning
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- 2 ounces vodka per cocktail
Instructions
- Add all bloody mary ingredients (except ingredients for the salt rim and liquor) to a large pitcher, carafe or mason jar. Stir to combine.
- Chill mix in the refrigerator overnight (this is a must for the flavors to develop).
- Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference (you may want to add additional hot sauce, Old Bay, black pepper, or lemon juice).
- To rim the glass when making bloody marys, place rim salt on a small plate or rim salt dish.
- Before filling a glass with ice, make a notch in a quarter of a lime or lemon or dip in pickle or dip the glass in pickle or olive juice. Rub the notch along the top rim of the glass until the rim is wet. Tip the glass into the salt rim mix.
- To make a cocktail: In a glass with plenty of ice, combine 5 ounces of Bloody Mary mix and 2 ounces vodka or gin. Stir to combine.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Notes
- This mix tastes even better after resting overnight, so plan to make it ahead.
- Keep chilled and stir before serving — spices settle as it rests.
- Serve the vodka on the side for guests who prefer a mocktail.
- Garnish with bloody mary rim salt, celery, pickles, bacon, or shrimp for the ultimate brunch cocktail. See my variation suggestions and garnish guide for more serving ideas.
