Name: Bloody Maria Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Ingredients: 2 limes, halved; About 2 tbsp Tajín or similar Mexican seasoning; 4 measures of vodka, tequila or mezcal; 600ml tomato juice; 4 generous dashes of chipotle, Tabasco or similar Mexican hot sauce; 2 tsp freshly grated horseradish (optional); 1 tbsp pickled jalapeño juice, from the jar (optional); Celery salt; Optional Garnish: Smoked bacon, celery sticks, pickled jalapeños, mint sprigs

This zesty Bloody Maria recipe is made with fresh lime juice, spicy Tajín seasoning, tangy tomato juice, and your choice of vodka or tequila, plus a kick of chipotle hot sauce. The result is a bright, spicy, and refreshing cocktail that combines a Bloody Mary with a Margarita. Perfect for a celebratory brunch or happy hour, this recipe makes four generous glasses.

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Bloody Maria Ingredients

2 limes, halved
About 2 tbsp Tajín or similar Mexican seasoning (a mix of lime, chili, and salt)
4 measures of vodka, tequila or mezcal (or doubles, of course)
600ml tomato juice
4 generous dashes of chipotle, Tabasco or similar Mexican hot sauce, plus extra if needed
2 tsp freshly grated horseradish (optional)
1 tbsp pickled jalapeño juice, from the jar (optional)
Celery salt

To garnish (all optional):

4 rashers of smoked streaky bacon
4 celery sticks (preferably from the center with leaves)
4 pickled jalapeños
4 mint sprigs

How To Make Bloody Maria

Prepare the bacon garnish (optional): If using the bacon, heat a frying pan and add the bacon rashers. Flatten the bacon with a heavy object like a steak press or another heavy pan. Cook until the underside is well browned and the fat has rendered out. Flip the rashers, brown the other side while keeping them weighted down. Remove from heat and leave the weight in place as the bacon cools. This results in flat, crisp bacon stirrers.
Rim the glasses: Take four tall glasses. Rub the halves of one lime around the rim of each glass to wet it. Put the Tajín seasoning into a shallow bowl and dip each wet rim into it so the glass rims are thickly coated with the seasoning.
Juice the limes: Squeeze the juice from the two lime halves you used for the rimming (plus the other two halves) into a measuring jug. Set the juice aside.
Build the drinks: Fill each of the four prepared glasses with ice. Add your choice of spirit (vodka, tequila, or mezcal) to each glass.
Mix the base: In the measuring jug with the lime juice, mix together the tomato juice, the hot sauce, the horseradish (if using), and the jalapeño pickling juice (if using).
Pour and finish: Pour the mixture evenly into the four glasses. Give the drinks a quick stir. Add an extra dash of hot sauce if you prefer more spice. Sprinkle a generous amount of the Tajín seasoning over the drink’s surface, followed by a sprinkle of celery salt.
Garnish: Garnish each glass with your choice of the cooled, crisp bacon stirrer, celery sticks, a pickled jalapeño, and/or a mint sprig. Enjoy immediately.

Recipe Tips

Use Fresh Lime Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice. Bottled lime juice lacks the bright, authentic flavor needed to balance the rich tomato and spicy seasonings.
The Importance of Tajín: Tajín is a unique blend of chili, lime, and salt. Do not skip this! It provides the distinctive Mexican/Margarita element that makes this “Bloody Maria” special. Look for it in the international foods aisle or online.
Control the Heat: The heat comes from the hot sauce and the optional jalapeño juice. Start with a conservative amount (4 dashes) and then taste and adjust. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Flattening the Bacon: The trick to getting perfectly flat, crisp bacon for the stirrer is to weigh it down while it cooks and as it cools. This prevents the rashers from curling up.

What To Serve With Bloody Maria

The savory, spicy, and tangy flavors of the Bloody Maria make it the ultimate brunch cocktail. Serve it alongside rich, hearty, and cheesy breakfast dishes like Eggs Benedict, savory breakfast tacos, or a slice of frittata. It also pairs wonderfully with salty snacks like a bowl of nuts or a small platter of olives and cured meats. For a sweeter contrast, serve with cinnamon rolls or fresh doughnuts.

How To Store Bloody Maria Leftovers

Refrigerate: If you have any remaining tomato juice base (pre-mixed with lime, hot sauce, etc., but without the spirits), you can store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not mix the base with the spirit or ice until you are ready to serve.
Freeze: Freezing is not recommended due to the texture and flavor changes of the tomato juice and seasonings.

Bloody Maria Nutrition Facts

Calories 130 kcal
Total Fat0g
Saturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium450mg
Total Carbohydrate10g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars6g
Protein2g
Alcohol14g

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Bloody Mary and a Bloody Maria? A traditional Bloody Mary uses vodka as its base spirit. A Bloody Maria is the same cocktail but uses tequila or mezcal instead of vodka. This recipe adds a further twist with the use of Mexican Tajín seasoning, blending the flavors of a Mary with those of a Margarita.
Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic? Yes, this recipe is easy to convert to a “Virgin Maria” or “Virgin Mary.” Simply omit the vodka, tequila, or mezcal. The drink will retain its rich, spicy, and savory flavor from the tomato juice, lime, and seasonings. You may need to add a splash of water to balance the strength of the flavor base.
Where can I find Tajín seasoning? Tajín Clásico Seasoning is a popular Mexican condiment. You can usually find it in the spice aisle of major supermarkets, in the international foods section (often with Mexican or Latin American products), or easily ordered online. If you can’t find it, use a mix of chili powder, salt, and finely grated lime zest.

Try More Recipes: