Ina Garten ultimate bloody marys get an easy kick from wasabi powder, which sounds strange in a cocktail but gives them a clean, sharp heat. She stirs it into clam juice, chipotle, and lime for a briny, spicy pitcher drink built for brunch or a dinner party.
Dissolve the wasabi powder in lime juice before adding it to the pitcher, because it clumps in cold liquid and leaves gritty bits. The Old Bay rim adds a salty, savory bite to every sip.
Source: Modern Comfort Food (2020)
Ina Garten Ultimate Bloody Marys
Course: BeverageCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes140
kcalA pitcher cocktail built on tomato and clam juice with wasabi heat, rimmed with Old Bay Seasoning and served over ice with shrimp and stuffed olives.
Ingredients
3 cups Sacramento tomato juice
2 (8-ounce) bottles clam juice, such as Bumble Bee
1/2 teaspoon grated lime zest
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (3 to 4 limes)
2 teaspoons wasabi powder
2 teaspoons Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce (see note)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup good vodka, such as Grey Goose
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
7 lime wedges, divided
18 large pimento-stuffed olives, such as Sable & Rosenfeld
6 cooked and peeled jumbo shrimp, with tails on
Directions
- Mix the base: In a large pitcher, stir together the tomato juice, clam juice, and lime zest. In a small glass measuring cup, whisk together the lime juice and wasabi powder, then add to the pitcher. Stir in the Tabasco, Worcestershire, vodka, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Rim the glasses: Spread the Old Bay Seasoning on a small plate. Moisten the rims of six highball glasses by running a lime wedge around the edge of each glass and dip the rims in the Old Bay Seasoning. Set aside to dry.
- Assemble and serve: Fill the glasses half full with ice and pour in the Bloody Mary mixture. For each drink, add 2 or 3 olives and a lime wedge threaded on a 6-inch skewer, then place one shrimp on the rim of each glass. Serve cold.
FAQs
Can I make these Bloody Marys without vodka?
Yes, skip the vodka and you have a spicy Virgin Mary that still packs flavor from the wasabi, chipotle, and clam juice. The balance holds up without the alcohol, so just add a splash more lime juice to keep everything bright.
How far ahead can I make the Bloody Mary mix?
Mix everything except the vodka up to two days ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually get better overnight as the wasabi and chipotle meld together. Stir in the vodka right before serving so it stays crisp.
What can I use instead of clam juice?
Olive brine works well and gives a similar salty, savory depth. You could also add a pinch more salt and a splash of pickle juice. The drink will taste different, but it will still be good.
Can I use regular Tabasco instead of the Chipotle version?
Regular Tabasco adds heat without the smokiness that the chipotle version brings. The smoky edge is a big part of what makes these taste different from a standard Bloody Mary. Start with 1 teaspoon and taste before adding more.
How should I store leftover Bloody Mary mix?
Keep it in a sealed pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to three days. The mix might separate, so give it a good stir before pouring. The flavor holds well, though the lime will mellow over time.
