Bloody Mary [The Spicy Sunrise Remix]

Savory vodka cocktail loaded with vegetables and spices that’s perfect for brunch. This is liquid salad that makes morning drinking feel sophisticated and healthy.

Makes

Serves 2

Total Time

10 min (10 min prep)

Ingredients

Cocktail Base:
4 oz (120ml) premium vodka
2 cups (480ml) tomato juice (low sodium)
2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp (15ml) coconut aminos
1 tsp (5ml) hot sauce (or to taste)
1/2 tsp (3g) celery salt
1/2 tsp (1g) black pepper
1/4 tsp (1g) smoked paprika
Ice cubes

Garnish Bar:
2 celery stalks with leaves
4 green olives
2 fermented pickle spears
2 cherry tomatoes
Lemon wedges
Extra celery salt for rim (optional)

Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)

Add 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with the mother for probiotics and digestive benefits. Use fermented pickle juice (1 tablespoon) instead of additional hot sauce for probiotics and tangy flavor. Include fresh grated horseradish (1 teaspoon) for digestive stimulation and sinus-clearing benefits. Garnish with sauerkraut instead of regular pickles for additional beneficial bacteria.

Remix Options

Spice Level Variations: Mild version with 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, or fiery with 2 teaspoons plus dash of cayenne. International Twists: Mexican style with 1 teaspoon cumin and lime juice, or Asian fusion with 1 tablespoon tamari and wasabi. Virgin Version: Omit vodka and add extra tomato juice with splash of pickle brine for complexity. Smoky BBQ Style: Add 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke and 1 teaspoon barbecue sauce. Green Goddess: Blend in 1/4 avocado and handful of spinach for creamy, nutritious twist. Bloody Caesar: Replace tomato juice with clamato juice and rim with Old Bay seasoning.

Good To Know

Vodka Selection: Use high-quality vodka for smoothest taste – potato-based vodkas work exceptionally well in Bloody Marys. Tomato Juice Quality: Choose low-sodium, preferably organic tomato juice for best flavor control and health benefits. Make-Ahead Tips: Mix base ingredients (minus vodka) up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate – flavors actually improve overnight. Serving Temperature: Serve immediately over fresh ice to prevent dilution while maintaining optimal chill. Garnish Strategy: Load up on vegetables – they provide nutrients and make this cocktail feel like a complete meal. Spice Balance: Start with less hot sauce and build up – you can always add more but can’t take it away. Perfect Timing: Best enjoyed mid-morning through early afternoon for classic brunch experience.

steps

Mix:

Combine tomato juice, lemon juice, coconut aminos, hot sauce, celery salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika in large pitcher. Stir well to blend all flavors.

Rim:

Optional: Run lemon wedge around rim of tall glasses, then dip in celery salt for extra savory flavor and visual appeal.

Build:

Fill prepared glasses with ice cubes. Add 2 oz (60ml) vodka to each glass for perfect strength balance.

Pour:

Top each glass with tomato mixture, leaving room for garnishes. Stir gently with celery stalk to combine vodka and mix.

Garnish:

Load each glass with celery stalk, olives, pickle spear, and cherry tomato. Add lemon wedge on rim for extra citrus squeeze.

Serve:

Present immediately with extra hot sauce, pepper, and napkins on the side. Encourage guests to customize spice level to their preference.