A bloody Maria drink is simply a bloody Mary that uses tequila instead of vodka. This recipe is made with fresh ingredients and tastes incredible!
I call this a meal in a glass because it's satisfying and filled with veggies. While alcohol may not be considered healthy, everything else in here is so feel free to drink this tequila free!
This post was originally published on May 23, 2022.
I love a good tequila cocktail, my pineapple jalapeno margarita and passion fruit margarita are top on my list. But this bloody Maria drink (sometimes referred to as a Mexican bloody Mary or a Spanish bloody Mary) is slowly taking rank!
I created this delicious bloody Maria recipe with my friend Juli over at Pure Kitchen Blog. Cocktails are always more fun with friends!
Ingredients
Ditch the mix, because making your own tequila bloody Marys from scratch tastes so much better! Plus, by putting it together yourself you can adjust the flavor to fit your preferences.
There are ideas for garnishes below, but here is what you will need to make the base of this bloody Maria recipe:
- Tomato juice
- Tequila
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire
- Pickled jalapeño juice
- Jalapeño slices
- Horseradish
- Celery seed
- Lime juice
- Tabasco
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
How to Make a Bloody Maria Drink
It's so easy to make this cocktail recipe! Here's what to do:
- Mix all of the ingredients with a spoon.
- Muddle the jalapeño slices and let it rest.
- Garnish and enjoy!
The Best Garnishes for A Bloody Maria
Dress up your Bloody Maria cocktail with a number of garnishes! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Salt Rim
- Tajin rim
- Pepperoncini
- Green olives
- Pickled jalapeños
- Fresh jalapeño
- Celery
- Cocktail onions
- Pickle spears
- Cucumber
- Lemon wedges
- Lime wedges
- Vegan bacon
- Or get super extra with a slice of a vegan quesadilla!
Types of Tequila to Use
You can't make a bloody Maria drink without tequila!
In addition to tequila, you can also try using mezcal. While tequila is made in one of five authorized states (much like champagne is only from the Champagne region of France), mezcal can be made in nine states in Mexico.
- Blanco - you may also see this called silver, or plata tequila. The clear color is the result of skipping the aging process. This variety has the strongest agave flavor.
- Reposado - this tequila is aged for 2-11 months and has a light amber color. The flavor of agave is still present, as well as flavors from the barrel it was aged in. This has a more smooth, or mild finish than blanco.
- Añejo - the aging process is longer for this type at 1-3 years. The barrel flavors are much more prominent than the reposado. Being that añejo tequila has so much flavor, it is meant to be sipped neat instead of used in a cocktail.
- Mezcal - instead of blue agave (what tequila is made from), mezcal uses any type of agave with a variety of processes. The flavor tends to be a bit more smoky than tequila, give it a try!
Preparation Tips
- Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less jalapeños, jalapeño juice, and tabasco.
- Try other hot sauces like Cholula, Tapatio, or Valentina.
- Depending on how salty your other ingredients are you may or may not need to add salt. Taste before mixing it in.
- To keep this recipe vegan, make sure the Worcestershire you use is made with all plant based ingredients.
- For the best flavor, allow the mixed drink to set in the fridge for about 30 minutes before pouring over ice.
- If you don't like the thicker texture you can also strain it through a mesh strainer.
- Double or triple the recipe to fill a pitcher for a fun at home brunch!
Common Questions
bloody mary with tequila
The traditional booze found in Bloody Marys is vodka. However, like this bloody Mary with tequila, there are now variations with gin, rum, and bourbon.
This history of the Bloody Mary is a bit muddled (see what I did there?!), with a variety of version of how this popular cocktail came to be. Some say it was named after Queen Mary of England and her bloody reign, others believe it received its namesake from a cabaret dancer. Whatever the origin, I think we can all call them delicious!
It can be! While alcohol itself isn't exactly healthy, the other ingredients in this Bloody Mary with tequila recipe are all pretty healthy! Skip the store bought mixes, as they could be filled with sodium, and make your own to ensure you're using the best ingredients.
More Cocktail Recipes
If you like this Bloody Maria drink, here are more libations to try next:
- Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita
- Easy Passion Fruit Margarita
- Wine Slushies
- Frosé
- Peach Grapefruit Basil Cocktail
- Strawberry Thyme Vodka Spritzer
Bloody Maria Drink (Tequila Bloody Mary)
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato juice
- ¼ cup tequila
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons Worcestershire , make sure it’s a vegan variety to keep this fully vegan
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno juice
- 8 pickled jalapeno slices , or 4 if your jalapenos are spicy
- 3 ½ teaspoons horseradish
- 1 ½ teaspoons celery seed
- ½ teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon tabasco
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ sea salt , optional if needed
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnish:
Instructions
- Add everything to a large glass measuring cup, or container of choice and mix with a spoon.
- Using a muddler (or end of a thick spoon or ice cream scooper if you don’t have one), muddle the jalapeno slices until fully mashed. Mix again.
- Allow to set in fridge for about 30 minutes for the best flavor. You can also strain through a mesh strainer if you prefer a smoother drink.
- Fill double old fashioned glasses with ice and pour mix in. Add garnish of choice!
Notes
- Adjust spice level to your preference.
- You may not need salt if you prefer a lower salt option as some of the ingredients have salt.
- This makes 3 drinks using double old fashioned glasses filled with ice. It will make 2 with taller glasses.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
Sarah
Not a vodka fan so I was so excited to try this! I'm so glad I did, brunches will never be the same!