Current mixology is all about tearing down and rebuilding classic cocktails (Bourbon-ginger negroni anyone?). Yet, besides crowning it with a crowd of gimmicky garnishes like bacon, stuffed jalapeños and mini cheeseburgers (or all three), the basics of the Bloody Mary remain roughly the same. With few exceptions, most bars still serve a combination of vodka, tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon or lime juice, salt and pepper.
Stranger still: Mixologists will use farm-to-bar produce for most of their menu, but when slinging a Bloody Mary many still use store-bought tomato juice or even—gasp—premade mixers, says Naren Young, of New York City’s Bacchanal.
Thankfully, a handful of self-respecting barkeeps like Young are reinventing this brunch favorite with fresh veggies, different liquors (or none at all) and garnishes that actually serve a purpose beyond a high calorie count.
Here are five to serve up at your next morning smorgasbord. >>>
Up the ante with the Bloody Caesar, an even more savory version of the brunch classic.
- 1 750-ml bottle of aquavit (Linie or Krogstad work well)
- 1 liter freshly pressed tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 ounces celery juice
- 6 ounces cucumber juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill
- 6 ounces lemon juice
- 8 ounces clam stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- 2 ounces Worcestershire sauce
Mix everything in a pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours. Pour into long glasses over ice. Garnish with a long stick of celery and a steamed clam. Makes 20 servings.
Bell peppers and yellow fruit add a piquant kick to this reinvented classic.
- 1 750-ml bottle of vodka (Absolut Peppar works well)
- 1 liter fresh yellow tomato juice
- 6 ounces yellow bell pepper juice
- 6 ounces fresh pineapple juice
- 6 ounces yellow beet juice
- 6 ounces lemon juice
- 4 ounces mango nectar
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 ounce white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ ounce mango-habanero hot sauce (or to taste)
Mix everything in a pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours. Pour into long glasses over ice. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple and a rim of black lava salt. Makes 20 servings.
Looking to join brunch festivities without the booze? Look no further than this non-alcoholic sipper, perfect for taking it easy. The Gazpacho Mary is a delicious alternative to the boozier Bloody.
- 1 liter fresh tomato juice
- 1 fresh watermelon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon powdered cayenne powder
- 4 ounces yuzu (or lime) juice
- 1 ounce white balsamic vinegar
Mix everything in a pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours. Pour into long glasses over ice. Garnish with melon balls and yellow tomatoes on a skewer. Makes 25 servings.
A handful of self-respecting barkeeps like Naren Young are reinventing the brunch favorite—the Bloody Mary—with fresh veggies, different liquors (or none at all) and garnishes that actually serve a purpose beyond a high calorie count.
- 1 750-ml bottle of 100% agave blanco Tequila
- 1 liter tomatillo juice
- 6 ounces green bell pepper juice
- 6 ounces cucumber juice
- 6 ounces celery juice
- 4 ounces lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 ounce white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- 2 ounces green Tabasco sauce
Mix everything in a pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours. Pour into long glasses over ice. Garnish with a long cucumber slice. Makes 25 servings.
Mezcal imparts a savory smoky note to the classic brunch cocktail.
- 1 750-ml bottle of mezcal (try Fidencio Clásico, Del Maguey Vida or Sombra)
- 1 liter fresh tomato juice
- 6 ounces lime juice
- 6 ounces cucumber juice
- 6 ounces celery juice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- 2 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
- 1 ounce Tabasco Chipotle Sauce (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked
- Maldon salt
Mix everything in a pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours. Pour into long glasses over ice. Garnish with a pepperoncini, a radish and an olive on a skewer. Makes 25 servings.
1Classic Bloody Caesar
2Yellow Bell Pepper Mary
3Mix up this Non-Alcoholic Bloody Mary
4Maria Verde
5Smoky Mary
