A Bloody Mary is a drink that checks many boxes. Breakfast? Sure. Brunch? Most definitely. Vegetables? Got ya covered. Virgin? Just as delicious.

It can even settle your stomach on an airplane.

But, when making it at home... sometimes it's missing that extra zing. The good news is that I've done MUCH research on this and have found a spice that makes homemade bloody-mary-making foolproof.

Check out some popular Bloody Mary recipes that I like, and once you've picked your go-to, add the secret spice I unveil below.

Classic Bloody Mary:

  • 2 ounces (60 ml) vodka
  • 4 ounces (120 ml) tomato juice
  • 1/2 ounce (15 ml) fresh lemon or lime juice
  • 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 dashes of hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Pinch of celery salt
  • Garnish: Celery stalk, lemon wedge, and/or olives

Instructions: In a shaker, combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, and celery salt. Shake well to combine. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, and/or olives.

Spicy Bloody Mary:

  • 2 ounces (60 ml) vodka
  • 4 ounces (120 ml) of spicy tomato juice
  • 1/2 ounce (15 ml) fresh lime juice
  • 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 dashes of hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon horseradish
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Garnish: Pickled jalapeños, lime wedge, and/or bacon strip

Instructions: In a shaker, combine vodka, spicy tomato juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, salt, and black pepper. Shake well to combine. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with pickled jalapeños, lime wedge, and/or bacon strip.

Cucumber Bloody Mary:

  • 2 ounces (60 ml) vodka
  • 4 ounces (120 ml) tomato juice
  • 1/2 ounce (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 dashes of hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
  • 2 slices cucumber
  • 4-5 fresh basil leaves
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Garnish: Cucumber spear, fresh basil leaves, and/or lemon wedge

Instructions: To make a refreshing Cucumber Bloody Mary, muddle cucumber slices and basil leaves in a shaker to release their flavors, then add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper, and shake well to combine; finally, strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice and garnish with a cucumber spear, fresh basil leaves, and/or a lemon wedge.

Bloody Maria:

  • 2 ounces (60 ml) tequila
  • 4 ounces (120 ml) tomato juice
  • 1/2 ounce (15 ml) fresh lime juice
  • 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 dashes of hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Pinch of celery salt
  • Garnish: Lime wedge, jalapeño slices, and/or cilantro sprig

Instructions: In a shaker, combine tequila, tomato juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, and celery salt. Shake well to combine. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge, jalapeño slices, and/or cilantro sprig.

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Now - for the secret spice that makes such a difference.

You can literally add this spice to a simple vodka/clamato mixture and add NOTHING else.

It's...

CREOLE SEASONING.

Yup. Good ol' Zatarain's or Tony Chacheres will do the trick.

Sprinkle about a teaspoon of creole seasoning on the top of your next homemade Bloody Mary and it will surely wow your guests. Or just wow yourself, no judgment here. :)

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