Creativity shouldn’t stop with Lovejoy's Bloody Mary Mix or the garnish; this is a cocktail, and one of its best features is its alcoholic kick. While vodka does a great job in this regard, the cocktail can be elevated even further by experimenting with different spirits. From some well-known alternatives to surprising supplements, here are options for vodka for your Lovejoy's Brand Bloody Mary:
- Gin (a.k.a Red Snapper)
Gin’s lengthy list of botanicals adds a layer of complexity, with juniper-forward options like Beefeater and Sipsmith amplifying the savory spices and celery salt. Citrus-heavy gins like Roku or Amalfi create a lighter, zingy, refreshing cocktail.
- Aquavit
Aquavit serves a severe and complex cocktail if you treat your Bloody Mary as more than a boozy brunch libation. It’s spicy, savory, and slightly fishy, but somehow that works. Put simply, this is an even more nuanced Red Snapper and one to impress your hippest friends.
- Sherry (Fino or Manzanilla)
This mix is umami-rich with a lingering, smoked finish. The oxidative notes of the sherry highlight the savory side of the Bloody Mary mix, leading one taster to comment, “Drinking this, I feel like I’m eating a delicious roast chicken dish.”
- Extra Dry Vermouth
The botanicals and herbs of vermouth blend elegantly with tomato, spice, and celery salt. The aromatic fortified wine lifts the drink, giving it a lighter, fresher texture. Meanwhile, its low ABV content will help keep a boozy brunch from getting out of hand.
- Bourbon
Bourbon serves up a big, bold Bloody Mary. The unmistakable finish of a charred bourbon barrel follows a sweet tang on the tip of your tongue. Tomato takes a back seat, and bourbon is the dominant flavor.
- Tequila (a.k.a Bloody Maria)
If you enjoy a spicy Bloody Mary, tequila’s agave notes pronounce the hot sauce and dampen the sweetness of the tomatoes. Meanwhile, the spirit’s peppery kick is a delicious match for the green celery notes. “This is bloody delicious,” one taster commented (apparently un-ironically). Another called for a huevos rancheros pairing.
These great alternatives to vodka can add more complexity, flavor, and excitement to your Bloody Mary.
