Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic4.6% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 6 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Mexican Cuisine, Seafood, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrusMixerGarnish
- 1.0 ozBlanco TequilaBase
- 2.0 ozTomato JuiceMixer
- 4.0 ozFresh Lemon JuiceCitrus
- 1.0 ozHot Red Pepper SauceModifier
- 1.0 ozCelery SaltGarnish
- 1 garnishLemon WheelGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirStrainGarnish
- Stir with ice.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Strain into ice-filled old-fashioned glass.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
- Add lemon wheel.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Swap notes
Base spiritBlanco tequila is bright and sharp; reposado adds barrel warmth; añejo is richer and smoother. Mezcal swaps in well but adds smoke — use a little less and see how it sits.CitrusCitrus juice changes acidity, while citrus peel or twist mainly changes aroma. Lemon is sharp and bright, lime is sharper and more aromatic, orange is sweeter, and grapefruit adds bitterness. If you swap citrus, adjust sweetness slowly.
GarnishCelery adds a green, vegetal aroma and a texture contrast. A pickle spear is a common swap — it adds more acidity and brine. Leaving the celery out does not change the drink's flavour significantly, but it changes how the drink presents.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Bloody Maria?
- The Bloody Maria is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 4.6%. A standard serving contains approximately 157 calories.
- What does a Bloody Maria taste like?
- Bloody Maria has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Savory, Lemon, Tart. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Bloody Maria?
- Bloody Maria pairs well with Mexican Cuisine, Seafood, Spicy Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Bloody Maria?
- The Bloody Maria has an ABV of approximately 4.6%. That's approximately 0.71 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 157 calories, 18.1g sugar, 23.5g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Bloody Maria typically served?
- Bloody Maria is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Brunch. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Bloody Maria?
- If you enjoy Bloody Maria, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Bloody Maria at home?
- Yes. The Bloody Maria uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Bloody Maria with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.

