Bloody Maria

Bloody Maria

The Bloody Maria is the Bloody Mary's bolder cousin: swap the vodka for tequila and the whole drink gains an earthy, agave-driven backbone that vodka can never give you. Tomato juice, lemon, horseradish, Worcestershire, and hot sauce build the savory base, while SWOL Añejo brings warmth, oak, and a hint of vanilla underneath the spice. It is a brunch icon for a reason: endlessly customizable, easy to batch for a crowd, and practically a meal once you load up the garnish. This recipe makes a full pitcher so nobody at the table is left waiting.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup (8 oz) SWOL Añejo Tequila, chilled (the aged base that sets a Maria apart from a Mary)
  • 2 cups chilled tomato juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (vegan if preferred)
  • 2 tsp prepared horseradish
  • 1/2 tsp Mexican hot sauce, such as Cholula
  • 1/2 tsp celery salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • Rim: Old Bay or chili powder mixed with kosher salt
  • Garnish: celery stalk, lime wedge, pickled pepper or jalapeño, cocktail onion
  • Ice for serving
HOW TO PREPARE
  1. Chill the tequila and tomato juice ahead of time.
  2. Rim glasses: run a lime wedge around the edge and dip in the Old Bay or chili salt.
  3. In a pitcher, combine tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire, horseradish, hot sauce, celery salt, and black pepper. Stir vigorously without ice to keep the body thick.
  4. Add the chilled tequila and stir again.
  5. Strain out horseradish bits if you want it smooth.
  6. Pour over fresh ice in the rimmed glasses and load up the garnish.
Style of Glass to use
  • Highball Glass
Garnishes

Lime, Jalapeno

Bloody Maria vs Bloody Mary

The only structural change is the spirit: a Bloody Mary uses vodka, a Bloody Maria uses tequila. But that swap matters. Tequila's agave and pepper notes lean into the savory, spicy tomato base, and an añejo like SWOL adds oak and vanilla that vodka's neutrality cannot. If you love a Bloody Mary but find it flat, the Maria is the upgrade.

How to batch for brunch

This recipe already yields a pitcher of about four to six drinks. To scale further, keep the ratio of 1 part tequila to 2 parts tomato juice and multiply. Mix the tomato base and seasonings the night before and add the tequila just before serving. Store chilled and stir before pouring.

Build a garnish bar

The garnish is half the fun. Set out celery, lime wedges, pickled peppers, cocktail onions, olives, and even bacon or a shrimp so guests can dress their own. A generous rim of Old Bay or chili salt ties it together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bloody Maria?

A Bloody Mary made with tequila instead of vodka, giving a savory, agave-driven flavor.

What is the difference between a Bloody Maria and a Bloody Mary?

The spirit. A Maria uses tequila; a Mary uses vodka.

What tequila is best for a Bloody Maria?

SWOL Añejo adds oak and vanilla under the spice; blanco gives a sharper agave punch.

Can I make a Bloody Maria ahead of time?

Yes. Mix the tomato base a day ahead and add tequila just before serving.

How do I make it spicier?

Add more hot sauce, horseradish, or a pickled pepper garnish.

What is the best rim for a Bloody Maria?

Old Bay or chili powder mixed with kosher salt.

How many does this recipe serve?

About four to six, since it makes a full pitcher.

Bloody Maria TIPS

Chill & Strain for Bold Flavor

Chilling the tomato juice and tequila before mixing means you use less ice, preventing dilution and keeping the cocktail full-bodied. Instead of shaking with ice, mix vigorously without ice to preserve that thick, savory texture. For the rim, try a blend of Old Bay and smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy kick. And when garnishing, add a skewer with a pickled jalapeño and cocktail onion for a flavorful bite that complements the drink’s heat.

MADE WITH

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release (750Ml)

750 ML

$89.99

$109.99

Sale

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release is an extremely limited edition; a special release of just 10,000 bottles. Each hand-numbered bottle has a peel-off iron patch which is designed by Los Angeles-based artist Rise Work.

Combining ancient and modern techniques and a deep love and passion for Authentic Tequila, SWOL Tequila comes from Mexico. When two friends journeyed to Mexico...

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