Cocktails & Drinks

Zesty Bloody Mary

Name: Zesty Bloody Mary
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 2 cocktails
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 100 ml Vodka; 500 ml Tomato Juice; Few shakes Worcestershire Sauce; Few shakes Hot Sauce; Lemon wedge Lemon (cut into wedge); Shop bought Bacon Rashers (precooked); Ice Ice; Pinch Salt; Pinch Pepper

A classic vodka cocktail with tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Spicy, tangy, and ideal for brunch or morning-after recovery.

By Ricky Robinson • Updated February 26, 2023

The classic Bloody Mary is a proper brunch staple. It brings together vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a way that feels both refreshing and substantial. The spicy and tangy flavours are spot on for a morning or early afternoon drink, and the tomato juice does provide some vitamins, which means you can convince yourself there's a bit of nutritional value in there.

The savoury essence of this cocktail is akin to a satisfying meal all on its own.

It works particularly well the morning after the night before, when something gentle but flavourful is needed. The mixture settles the stomach whilst giving you a bit of a lift. If you're someone who enjoys a touch of heat, feel free to add extra hot sauce to suit your taste. This version is built for those who prefer their cocktails with a bit of fire.

When it comes to brunch drinks, this one wins over a mimosa every time. The savoury character makes it feel more like a small meal than just a drink, which is ideal when you're not quite ready for a full plate of food. The bacon garnish is a personal favourite here rather than celery. Shop-bought precooked bacon rashers add a crispy, salty contrast that works brilliantly with the tangy tomato base.

Of course, if you prefer the traditional celery stick, that's perfectly fine too. The beauty of a Bloody Mary is that you can adjust the heat level and garnishes to suit your own preferences. Some like it fiery, others prefer a milder version. You can tweak the Worcestershire and hot sauce amounts until you find the balance that suits you best. Either way, it's a drink that delivers flavour and satisfaction in equal measure.