The Bloody Maria is a Bloody Mary built on tequila. The agave spirit's earthy, peppery character slips naturally into the savoury mix of tomato, citrus, and spice — many drinkers quietly prefer it to the vodka original.
The brunch drink, given a sense of place.
Agave in the Mix
Vodka contributes proof and little else, which is part of why the Bloody Mary leans so hard on its garnishes and spices. Tequila contributes flavour — a green, peppery earthiness — that actually belongs in the glass alongside the tomato.
Lean Into It
Because the spirit now has something to say, the Bloody Maria rewards a Mexican-leaning seasoning: a little more hot sauce, a wedge of lime alongside the lemon, perhaps a chilli-salt rim. The drink wants to be pushed in that direction.
Blanco for Brightness
A blanco tequila keeps the Bloody Maria crisp and lets the agave read clearly. A reposado works, but its oak can muddy the savoury mix; for this drink, unaged is the cleaner choice.
The Bloody Mary Family
The classic — vodka, tomato juice, lemon, and a full rack of savoury spices, built tall.
- 2 ozVodka
- 4 ozTomato juice
- 1/2 ozLemon juice
The original gin Bloody Mary — drier and more aromatic, renamed by the St. Regis.
- 2 ozLondon dry gin
- 4 ozTomato juice
- 1/2 ozLemon juice
Canada's national cocktail — the Bloody Mary rebuilt on briny Clamato.
- 2 ozVodka
- 4 ozClamato juice
- 1/2 ozLime juice