Best Easy Homemade Bloody Mary (+ Bloody Mary bar tips!)

Homemade Bloody Mary mix that is so simple to mix up and is so much better than premix! It'll be your new favorite cocktail to kick off weekend brunch! The best Bloody Mary mix starts with tomato juice and Clamato, then is infused with tons of flavor from fresh lemon and lime juice, pickle juice, Worcestershire, and a touch of heat from hot sauce and horseradish! You'll be coming back to this recipe over and over!

Warning! This homemade bloody Mary mix may forever cause you to dislike all other Bloody Marys. Premixes just don't compare to this homemade version. The flavor is spot on, the consistency is perfect, and it just can't get any better. But, don't just take my word for it. Try it yourself this weekend.

Bloody Mary's can be very hit or miss for people. Honestly, I haven't always loved them. I always drank bloodies made with premix because that's what is mostly served at bars/restaurants and what most people buy to make bloodies at home.

It wasn't until I started drinking bloodies with homemade Bloody Mary mix that I began to love them! It's a world of difference! I was first introduced to this homemade version by Nate's dad, and I was immediately sold. Since then, I have played around on the weekends making my own bloodies until I created my perfect mix.

What I don't like about store-bought Bloody Mary mix is that it's so thick and chunky from all the seasoning. The texture, consistency and flavor is just overwhelming. That's where homemade mix differs. My homemade Bloody Mary mix is made with tomato juice and Clamato. Tomato juice gives you the thicker consistency and strong tomato flavor, while Clamato helps to thin it out and bring some other flavors to the table.

Once you have your tomato juice and Clamato base, it's all about adding lots of extras to zest up the flavor!

Lemon and lime juice gives the bloody a bright pop of citrus flavor.

Pickle juice adds salty, tang from the vinegar.

Worcestershire adds a touch savory.

Horseradish and hot sauce create just the right touch of heat without being overpowering.

Celery salt adds much needed salty, bold flavor.

Lastly, salt and pepper to taste to finish it off.

Oh, and let's not forget the vodka!

Let's talk tips for the best Bloody Mary bar!

Is it just me or is brunch the best meal of the day?? Hosting friends or family for brunch is seriously the best, and everyone needs to do more of it. Not only is brunch food amazing, but everyone gets a free pass to day drink! That's a win in my book! 😏 What also makes brunch great: BLOODY MARY BARS!

You can not have a bloody without garnishes, even if it's a few olives or a pickle. There is nothing better than getting a little tipsy and snacking at the same time, and a Bloody Mary gives you all that!

To setup a Bloody Mary bar, I recommend mixing together a large pitcher of Bloody Mary mix, including everything except the horseradish to accommodate for those who don't like it. I think it adds just the right touch of heat, without an overpowering horseradish taste, but I know some people strongly dislike it. Instead, set out a small dish with horseradish and a spoon for scooping and your guests can add their own. I also recommend setting out a bottle of hot sauce for those who like a spicy bloody!

Set out a bottle of vodka and shot glass so everyone can pour their own without going overboard!

As for the garnishes, I think adding each garnish to it's own short mason jar is cute way to display the garnishes. But, you can also just leave them in the jars they came in for easier cleanup. Don't forget the toothpicks!

Here are some of my favorite garnishes:

Pickles.

Olives.

Beef sticks.

Celery sticks.

Cheese curds or cheese sticks.

Lemon & lime wedges.

Pickled asparagus.

Pickled green beans.

Pickled mushrooms.

Pickled anything and everything.

& don't forget to rim your glass with lemon or lime juice and celery salt.

More of my favorite brunch cocktails!

Sparkling Raspberry Champagne Float

Lemon-Lime Beergaritas with Chili-Lime Salt

Blackberry Ginger Prosecco Cocktails