If it wasn’t hot enough already, the Spicy Bloody Mary kicks things up a notch or three.
The vampire party wasn’t going well. The DJ brought all the wrong music, none of the guests were dressed in the proper attire, and along with forgetting to bring extra guests for snacks, the person who was tasked to do so also neglected to bring any alcohol, too. And there I was, all undead, inexperienced and trying to impress someone who was at least a thousand years older than I was. They were also two feet shorter than myself, and giggled every time I bashfully called them a “mini-vamp”. I was smitten.
Wandering around the old abandoned theater that also doubled as the head vampire’s lair, I searched and searched for something strong that we could drink together. Maybe some wine, I thought. But then I suddenly remembered, I never drink wine. No, it had to be that sticky, viscous crimson substance we all craved…
And then I saw a few tall glasses, unattended and left alone, filled to the top with a bright red liquid. At last! I grabbed them and ran back to my “mini-vamp”, excited and feeling a little rush from stealing somebody else’s tipples. We sipped deeply, then stopped short, nearly choking from being unprepared, not expecting what we tasted. Soon, though, we realized that we had blissfully run across the Spicy Bloody Mary, which tickled our lips with a lovely fire comprised of spices, hot sauce and vodka.
Whose cocktails these were, and why they were here, made zero sense. But sometimes, things don’t. At least the Spicy Bloody Mary does, no matter the circumstances.
What Is The Best Vodka To Use In A Spicy Bloody Mary?
The best choice is your favorite unflavored vodka. This will allow the spirit to accentuate the incredibly robust and muscular notes that the other ingredients provide. When I crafted a few of these, I used a Japanese Nikka Coffey vodka, which is so clean-tasting that it almost completely hides within the cocktail, until that bite hits you on the finish.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces tomato juice
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 5 dashes hot sauce such as Tabasco
- 1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- Pinch of celery salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Celery stick, lemon wedge, olives, and red chili peppers for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the tomato juice, vodka, lemon juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, celery salt, and black pepper.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a large, tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with a celery stick, a lemon wedge, some olives and one or two red chili peppers.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
Find something tall, like a pint glass and fill it with ice. After you’ve poured your drink in, garnish with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, a few olives if you like and, of course, some red hot peppers.
CAN THIS DRINK BE SERVED ALCOHOL FREE?
Yes. Simply omit the vodka when preparing this recipe and enjoy.
Other Bloody Mary Variations Worth Trying
Having a rough morning and need a boost? Or maybe you need some “hair of the dog”? Something like the Spicy Bloody Mary will assuredly open your eyes and clear those sinuses, so if you and your friends are gathered for brunch and looking a little weary, order a round or two of one of these kicking cocktails.
- Bloody Maria – Silver tequila brings a Southwestern vibe to this version of the original.
- Bloody Caesar – Clamato juice replaces the tomato in this Canadian concoction.
- Virgin Bloody Mary – Need a hand when making your alcohol-free Mary? Here you go.
- Sangrita – Your next shot of tequila should have a little spicy chaser.
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