Shrimp: Adds luxurious seafood accent and unexpected gourmet touch.
Tools for Crafting Ina’s Brunch Favorite: Bloody Marys
Large pitcher: Essential for mixing all liquid ingredients thoroughly.
Small measuring cup: Perfect for whisking lime juice and wasabi powder smoothly.
Small plate: Used for spreading Old Bay Seasoning for rimming glasses.
Highball glasses: Six classic tall glasses needed for serving the cocktail.
Skewers: Required for creating attractive olive and lime garnishes.
Whisk: Helpful for blending wasabi powder with lime juice.
Cutting board: Useful for preparing lime wedges and garnishes.
Sharp knife: Needed for cutting limes and preparing ingredients.
Ice scoop: Convenient for filling glasses with ice evenly.
How to Mix Up Ultimate Bloody Marys à la Ina
Bloody Mary Adventure
Flavor Foundation Gathering the liquid magic for a zesty cocktail blend that will wake up your taste buds. Combine tomato juice, clam juice, and lime zest in a pitcher. Whisk lime juice with wasabi for a spicy kick. Add Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, and vodka to create a bold base.
Rim Transformation Turning ordinary glasses into party-ready vessels. Spread Old Bay Seasoning on a plate. Swipe glass rims with lime, then roll in the seasoning for a flavor explosion.
Ice and Pour Creating the perfect cocktail canvas. Fill glasses halfway with ice. Pour the tangy mixture over the ice, letting the flavors mingle and chill.
Garnish Extravaganza Turning a drink into a show-stopping experience. Skewer olives and lime wedges. Balance a plump shrimp on the glass rim for a stunning presentation that screams gourmet celebration.
Flavor Twists for Ina’s Bloody Mary Recipe
Expert Tips and Twists
Adjust Tabasco sauce to match your spice tolerance. Start with a few drops and gradually increase for a personalized kick.
Choose premium vodkas like Grey Goose or Tito’s for a smoother, more refined cocktail that elevates the entire drinking experience.
Replace traditional skewers with bacon strips, pickled vegetables, or even mini grilled cheese sandwiches for a unique presentation that wows guests.
Prepare the base mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator to let flavors meld and intensify, creating a more complex Bloody Mary.
Experiment with tequila for a Bloody Maria or gin for a Red Snapper, transforming the classic recipe into exciting new cocktail variations.
Serving Bloody Marys Ina Style—Bold & Bright
Pair with Savory Brunch Delights: Complement the bold Bloody Mary with classic eggs Benedict, crispy bacon, or a hearty breakfast casserole for a complete morning feast.
Garnish Like a Pro: Create an impressive presentation by adding extra skewers with pickled vegetables, crispy bacon strips, or mini grilled cheese triangles to elevate the drink’s visual appeal.
Cocktail Party Starter: Use this recipe as a centerpiece for weekend brunches or summer gatherings, offering guests a customizable and interactive drink station where they can add their favorite toppings.
Temperature Tip: Keep the mixture chilled in a large pitcher with extra ice on the side, allowing guests to top up their drinks and maintain the perfect cool temperature throughout the event.
Make-Ahead & Chill Tips for Bloody Marys
Batch Prepare Ahead: Mix the Bloody Mary base up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate in a sealed container to enhance flavor complexity.
Chill Smartly: Store the prepared mixture in the coldest part of the refrigerator, keeping it below 40°F to maintain optimal taste and safety.
Freeze Garnish Tricks: Freeze extra shrimp and olive skewers separately in airtight containers for quick cocktail preparation during future gatherings.
Ingredient Freshness: Keep tomato juice, clam juice, and vodka refrigerated, checking expiration dates to ensure the highest quality cocktail experience.
Cocktail lovers rejoice with this Ina Garten ultimate bloody marys recipe that elevates the classic brunch beverage. Rich tomato juice, premium vodka, and carefully selected spices create a memorable drink you’ll want to savor and share with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
240 ml (1 cup) / 8 fl oz vodka
720 ml (3 cups) / 24 fl oz Sacramento tomato juice
480 ml (2 x 8 oz) / 16 fl oz clam juice
120 ml (½ cup) / 4 fl oz fresh lime juice
30 ml (2 tbsps) / 1 fl oz Old Bay Seasoning
15 ml (1 tbsp) / 0.5 fl oz Worcestershire sauce
10 ml (2 tsps) / 0.33 fl oz Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce
10 ml (2 tsps) / 0.33 fl oz wasabi powder
2.5 ml (½ tsp) / 0.08 fl oz lime zest
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
18 large pimento-stuffed olives
7 lime wedges
6 cooked and peeled jumbo shrimp with tails on
Instructions
Mixing Base: In a large pitcher, blend tomato juice, clam juice, and lime zest. Whisk lime juice and wasabi powder separately until smooth, then integrate into the base mixture.
Flavor Infusion: Incorporate Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vodka, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir vigorously to create a well-balanced, robust flavor profile.
Glass Preparation: Spread Old Bay Seasoning on a plate. Use a lime wedge to moisten glass rims, then delicately coat with the spicy seasoning. Let glasses air dry.
Assembly and Garnish: Fill glasses halfway with ice cubes. Pour the prepared Bloody Mary mixture into each glass. Skewer olives and lime wedge on a cocktail pick, placing in the glass. Drape a plump shrimp along the glass rim for a luxurious finishing touch.
Serving: Present immediately, ensuring the cocktail remains chilled and vibrant, ready to delight the senses.
Notes
Boost Flavor Intensity: Freshly grate lime zest and crack black pepper to enhance the Bloody Mary’s depth and complexity.
Rim Coating Technique: Use a lime wedge to moisten glass edges for perfect Old Bay Seasoning adhesion, ensuring maximum flavor and professional presentation.
Chill Factor: Use crystal-clear ice cubes to maintain drink temperature and prevent dilution, keeping the cocktail crisp and refreshing.
Garnish Like a Pro: Strategically place olives, lime wedge, and shrimp to create a visually stunning and appetizing cocktail that impresses guests.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.