Everyone claims to have the best Bloody Mary recipe. Bold statement, we know. But after earning a spot on Oprah's Favorite Things 2024 and being featured on ABC World News Tonight, we feel pretty confident saying: it starts with the mix.
Here's everything you need to know to make a truly great Bloody Mary at home — plus a few variations to keep things interesting.
The Classic Lovejoys Bloody Mary
What you need:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 5 oz Lovejoys Bloody Mary Mix
- .5 oz Aquavit (Optional)
- Squeeze of Lime wedge
- Ice
- Garnishes: celery stalk, lemon wedge, olives, pickled okra
How to make it: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add vodka, then pour Lovejoys Bloody Mary Mix over the top. Give it a gentle stir. Garnish generously — this is not the time to be shy.
That's it. No blending, no 12-ingredient prep list. The mix does the heavy lifting.
Why the Mix Makes All the Difference
Most Bloody Mary mixes are thin, overly salty, or taste like canned tomato juice with hot sauce dumped in. Lovejoys is different. Our mix is crafted with real ingredients, balanced heat, and a depth of flavor that holds up whether you're sipping it straight or loading it with garnishes.
It's the reason we made Oprah's list — and the reason customers keep coming back.
5 Bloody Mary Variations Worth Trying
1. The Spicy Maria (Tequila Swap)
Swap vodka for blanco tequila. Add a squeeze of fresh lime and a Tajín rim. The smokiness of the tequila pairs beautifully with Lovejoys bold mix.
2. The Green Mary
Add a splash of green hot sauce and muddle a few fresh tomatillos in the glass before building your drink. Garnish with a pepperoncini and fresh cilantro.
3. The Pickle Back Mary
Add 1 oz of pickle brine to your classic Lovejoys Bloody Mary. Top with a pickle spear and a slice of sharp cheddar on a skewer. Brunch MVP.
4. The Virgin Mary
Skip the vodka entirely. Lovejoys mix is so flavorful it stands completely on its own over ice with a squeeze of lemon. Perfect for designated drivers or dry January.
5. The Bloody Mary Pitcher
Hosting a crowd? Mix 2 bottles of Lovejoys Bloody Mary Mix with 6 oz vodka in a large pitcher. Stir, refrigerate, and let guests garnish their own glasses. Easy, impressive, done.
Garnish Guide: Go Big or Go Home
The garnish is half the experience. Here are our favorites:
- Classic: Celery, lemon wedge, green olives
- Southern: Pickled okra, bacon strip, boiled shrimp
- Cheese lover: Cubed sharp cheddar, pepperoncini, salami
- Heat seeker: Pickled jalapeños, ghost pepper hot sauce, Tajín rim
Ready to Make the Best Bloody Mary of Your Life?
Shop Lovejoys Bloody Mary Mix and taste why it made Oprah's Favorite Things list. Your brunch guests will thank you.