Best Bloody Maria Cocktail Recipe

This Bloody Maria is a spicy variation of the classic Bloody Mary. The usual vodka is changed out for tequila and is served with a spicy celery salt rim. It's the perfect brunch cocktail when garnished with sweet, crunchy, and totally addictive Bourbon Candied Bacon.

Let your imagination go and garnish it up with all your favorites like olives, celery, pickles, roasted red peppers, and cherry tomatoes. It's the perfect sipper for any time of day.

A Twist on a Classic Brunch Cocktail

It's Sunday, and Sunday means sleeping in a little later and having a nice leisurely brunch like Stuffed French Toast, Ham & Cheese Quiche, or homemade waffles. 

Usually, when having brunch out, the restaurant gives you a choice between a mimosa or a Bloody Mary, but this cocktail brings a little something different to the table - a Bloody Maria.

What is a Bloody Maria?

This cocktail takes the classic Bloody Mary, made with vodka, and puts a little Mexican twist on it. Just substitute tequila for the normal vodka, and you've got what is commonly referred to as a Bloody Maria.

Why is it called a Bloody Maria?

Many people believe it is named after Queen Mary Tudor and her bloody reign of England in the 16th century. But in a 1934 ad, George Jessel says he named it after a friend, Mary Geraghty.

What does a Bloody Maria taste like?

This drink is "magnifico"! It surprised both my husband and myself with how refreshing it is, with its slightly sweet tomato-y taste overlaid with a spicy kick. It's a cocktail we will definitely be making again and again!

What's in a Bloody Maria?

Basic Bloody Maria ingredients are Bloody Maria or Bloody Mary mix and tequila. Then you have the garnishes and rim salt. Let's dive into each:

Bloody Maria Mix

Bloody Mary mixes abound but I like to look for one that offers healthier ingredients with no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors. Mr. & Mrs T have an excellent mix that is also gluten-free, Durty Gurl Bloody Mary mix has a little extra horseradish for a bit of heat and Charleston Mix Bold & Spicy tips the hat to those that like a little heat.

Bloody Maria Tequila

The best tequila for a Bloody Maria is white tequila. Try it with Tapatio Blanco or Don Julio Tequila Blanco. You should be good if you use high-quality tequila that doesn't have too strong of an aftertaste.

Bloody Maria Garnishes

This cocktail is your standard spicy tomato juice mixed with tequila, but the garnishes, oh my, they take it to the next level! What did I use? Simple things that you probably have in your refrigerator already. Here are some garnish ideas:

• Celery Stalks
• Cocktail Onions
• Cooked Shrimp
• Fresh Cilantro
• Jalapeno Pepper
• Lime Wedges
• Olives
• Pickle Spears
• Pickled Vegetables

Bourbon Candied Bacon is the Real Showstopper

If you use this garnish, and you must, it's the piece de resistance, the crowning glory, the ... well you get the idea, that will make bacon lovers drool and your sweet tooth friends smile. And, thankfully, bourbon candied bacon is super easy to make.

This candied bacon recipe also has maple syrup. It's the best maple glazed bacon to enjoy as a side for your brunch or as a garnish.

Bloody Maria Rim Salt

To finish this Bloody Maria drink, don't forget the rim! If you like spicy, coat the rim with a mixture of coarse salt, Old Bay, and celery salt, or stick to just salt for a milder flavor. It's the perfect finishing touch!

How to Make a Bloody Maria

1. Prepare the rim of the glass by coating it with spicy salt. Fill the glass with ice then add tequila.
2. Pour in bloody mary mix to top it off. Stir and garnish as desired.

2CM Pro Tip: Make a batch in advance and chill it overnight. The flavors will meld and develop giving the drink depth.

Make a Spicy Bloody Maria

If you enjoy a little heat, try adding a dash of spices or hot sauce. Chili powder, cayenne pepper, or Tajin chili lime seasoning are great spices. Mexican Cholula is the best sauce. Tabasco or Crystal hot sauces work well too.

How to Make Candied Bacon

Gather the ingredients to make the candied bacon. Make sure to use thick-cut bacon. Prepare a cookie sheet by covering it with aluminum foil or a silicone mat. Spray a wire cooling rack with nonstick spray and place it on the cookie sheet.

1. In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar with the cayenne and chili powder.
2. Pour in maple syrup.
3. Add bourbon and stir.
4. Dip each slice of bacon in the sugared mixture.
5. Lay the slices on the wire rack making sure they do not overlap.
6. Bake for 30 minutes turning halfway through. Remove from oven and let cool on the rack for 5 minutes. Loosen and return to tray and let cool completely.

You'll probably want to nibble away at this bacon until there's nothing left (cause it's that good!) but then there won't be any left for this Bloody Maria!

I've got the perfect solution! Just make a double batch and you can have it in your cocktail and have enough left over for a snack too.

Want this bacon as an appetizer? Skewer it as soon as it's cool enough to handle from the oven and then let it cool. Keeps everyone's hands clean but they still get that sticky candy taste.

More Cocktail Recipes with Tequila

• Blood Orange Margarita - Extra citrus makes it extra tasty.
• Kiwi Mojito - A refreshing fruity twist to a classic cocktail.
• Blackberry Peach Bourbon Smash from The Crumby Kitchen
• Texas Margarita - A splash of orange juice and spicy kick with jalapenos.
• Texas Ranch Water - Bubby, crisp, and refreshing drink.

Find lots more easy cocktail recipes here on 2CM!

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This post has been updated with new photos, step-by-step directions, and more in-depth information. It was first posted on August 26, 2018.