Homemade Bloody Mary Mix
by Sommer Collier — last updated on May 12, 2025 
This tangy Homemade Bloody Mary Mix recipe is bold and perfectly seasoned, making it the perfect savory cocktail for brunch.
This Spicy Bloody Mary Mix Just Upgraded Brunch
Bloody Marys have become a Sunday brunch staple here in the U.S. It’s almost impossible to go out to brunch without finding a classic Bloody Mary on the menu.
However, you don’t have to go out to enjoy a killer Bloody Mary Cocktail, with all the bells and whistles. You can make them yourself, at home!
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
Lt. Dan, my husband, is the master mixologist in our house. He mixes cocktails just as well as any hipster bartender, anywhere in the country, in my humble opinion.
His Bloody Mary Mix combines just the right notes of sharpness, tanginess and spiciness, with a bright citrus finish. I could daydream about this savory drink…it’s just THAT good.
Why You’ll Love Our Homemade Bloody Mary Mix:
- Better than bottled – This Bloody Mary mix is made with fresh ingredients, which makes it SO MUCH better than the store bought version that’s loaded with preservatives.
- Fiery – Feel free to make this mild or even spicier by adjusting the amount of horseradish and hot sauce.
- Great for parties – Make this ahead in big batches with your favorite booze (vodka preferred) and the crowd will love it!
I could drink his Bloody Mary Cocktail all day. Correction. I have drank his Bloody Marys all day long.
Ingredients and Tips
- Clamato Juice – You can use tomato juice as well, but clamato juice offers a deeper richer flavor.
- Vodka – Choose a good mid-grade brand with a light clean flavor.
- Spices – Use a blend of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, celery salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
- Citrus – You’ll need freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice.
- Horseradish – Use “prepared” horseradish and not horseradish sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Look for a good quality bold and balanced Worcestershire sauce.
- Hot Sauce – Choose your favorite brands like Tabasco or Cholula.
- Garnish – Go wild with the garnishes from bacon and shrimp to olives and celery.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Virgin – When you’re ready to make your cocktail, avoid the vodka and serve this Bloody Mary mix as is or with some club soda.
- Pickle juice – Drizzle in a splash of pickle juice to accentuate the tanginess.
- Vegan – Swap the Clamato juice with natural tomato juice and make sure to use a vegan Worcestershire sauce.
How To Make Homemade Bloody Mary Mix
Gather your ingredients and make this delicious Homemade Bloody Mary Mix in just a few short steps.
Find the full Homemade Bloody Mary Mix recipe with detailed instructions and storage tips in the printable form at the bottom of the post!
Storage Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Store the Bloody Mary mix in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Serving Suggestions
Traditionally, Bloody Mary drinks are served with vodka, but you can also enjoy them with tequila or virgin, over ice!
There are SO MANY fun and creative ways to enjoy a Bloody Mary. You can stick to classic garnishes like olives, lemon wedges, shrimp and celery sticks.
Or you can go all out and garnish this all-time favorite cocktail with any one of these:
- Pickles – Slices or Mini Pickles (Or a dill pickle spear)
- Cocktail Onions
- Pickled Vegetables – Like asparagus, pickled okra, green beans, or beets.
- Peppers – Jalapeños, Habaneros, Mini Bell Peppers, Pepperoncini… Roasted, Grilled, or Pickled
- Crispy Bacon Strips
- Beef Jerky
- Hard Boiled Eggs
- Chunks of Cheese
- Carrots Spears
- Cucumber Spears
- Baby Corn
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts
- Fresh Herb Sprigs
- Scallions
- Salt on the Rim of the Glass
It’s a good idea to place smaller garnishes on wooden skewers, so they are easy to access and snack on.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Bloody Mary is a cocktail typically made with tomato juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, Tabasco, salt, celery salt, olive brine, and vodka. But there are many different variations of bloody Marys, and you can make your bloody Mary base mix just how you like it! This specific Bloody Mary mix recipe is our personal favorite.
When you add tequila to Bloody Marys, they are called Bloody Marias. Bloody Marys are made with vodka. However, you can add gin, mezcal, bourbon, cognac, or sherry to the mix.
Yes! It actually tastes even better when made a day or two in advance.
Similar Recipes You Might Like
Homemade Bloody Mary Mix Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 4 cups clamato (or tomato juice)
- 6 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (your favorite brand)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
- Set out a large 6-8 cup pitcher. Pour in the clamato, vodka, lemon juice, and lime juice. Stir.
- Then measure and add all remaining ingredients. Stir well.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Then fill glasses with ice and pour in the Bloody Mary Mix.
- Garnish with celery stalks, pickles, olives, pickles or raw vegetables, citrus wedges, grilled shrimp, bacon, grilled or raw chiles, or really anything you like!
Thanks for keeping the faith
By far the best. I made for a party and everyone loved them. This is my go-to from now on. Can’t wait for the next party or just make for myself. I think I’ll whip up a batch right now. :)
Mega hit from everyone on the fourth of July. Everyone could not believe homemade as it is so much better than any premade mix you can buy. I did use 1/2 clamato and 1/2 tomato juices. Topped with lime, lemon, celery and a shrimp from a recipe on Pinterest (New Orleans BBQ Shrimp cooked as directed but drained after) Skewered that bad boy and dropped it right in the Bloody Mary, Husband, son and son in law will be bringing the remaining to golf on Saturday.
Finally a perfect mix – I love Bloody Mary’s with Clamato juice -BUT I can not handle SPICY foods or drinks- I have made so many different recipes that I have found surfing the web – but this recipe is the greatest – I live by my self and over 75 but like to enjoy a few cocktails!
Your recipe is a keeper- Made my first batch for Mothers Day and 2nd batch for Kentucky Derby 3rd batch for Preakness Race but I always have to do a sampler test- the only thing I adjust is the horseradish I use 1 teaspoon Thank you again for sharing your Bloody Mary Recipe!!
Just made the Bloody Mary mix. Absolutely delicious. A little spicy but not too much!
In Minnesota and Wisconsin we have our Bloody Marys with a beer chaser (small glass of beer) on the side. Try it you’ll like it!
Today is a holiday weekend and a killer Bloody Mary seriously hits the spot.
Hi! I am remaking these today for a second round. We love this recipe! So easy to whip up a batch, add a little extra here and there to taste (kick up the spice for us!), and so enjoyable!
And the spicy Clamato gives it an extra zing! I love this.
This is so amazing! My husband really loved it!
I’M afraid it’s a ceaser if using Clamato(invented in Calgary Canada). But non the less excellant recipe!!
The best Bloody Mary mix I have ever come across! Perfect!