Fat and Juicy Mix | Made from vine-ripened tomatoesâhence the nameâthis mix has a subtly smoky flavor that will make you crave a pulled-pork sandwich for breakfast. (Nothing wrong with that, right?) Fresh horseradish, garlic and spices deliver a gentle zing. | $6 for 32 ounces, fatandjuicymix.com
Bold & Spicy Charleston Mix | A punchy mix made with apple-cider vinegar, it will smack you with mouth-puckering sourness. That’s quickly rounded out with brown sugar, hints of tarragon and a touch of meatiness. The heat is subtle at first but by drink’s end you’ll be burning upâin a good way. | $10 for 32 ounces, charlestonmix.com
McClure’s Spicy Bloody Mary Mix | The standout ingredients in this powerful mix are spicy pickle brine and fresh-pressed cucumber juice. The result is massive tang and intense, peppery spice. Just when you think your mouth is on fire, the cooling effect of the cucumber juice mellows things out. | $12 for 32 ounces, mcclurespickles.com
Dimitri’s Extra Horseradish Bloody Mary Seasoning | Pour two ounces of this seasoning into a quart of tomato juice and you’ll have yourself a killer savory Bloody Mary mix. Want more eye-watering spice? Just add more of the seasoning. Chili fiends should check out the Chipotle-Habanero variety as well. | $8.45 for 8 ounces, dimitris.com
Vodka with kick | Belvedere Bloody Mary Vodka, 40% ABV | You have to be a little bit skeptical of a vodka that’s specially formulated for a Bloody Mary, but this stuff from Belvedere just works. The horseradish, chili and bright citrus marry well with a tomato mix, resulting in a much more cohesive cocktail. If you’re a fan of this vodka’s rounded spice, don’t shy away from trying it in a martini.
Spicy Gin | Bombay | Sapphire East, 42% ABV | Gin in a Bloody Mary really is one of those great drinking revelations. More interesting and nuanced than vodka, it gives the cocktail more depthâgin’s become my go-to spirit for the drink despite the odd looks I get from bartenders. Any gin will do, but with notes of lemongrass and black peppercorn this new one from Bombay makes for a luxurious Bloody.
Peppery Tequila | Don Julio | Reposado Tequila, 40% ABV | Add tequila to a Bloody mix and you have the Bloody Maria. You could use your favorite blanco, but if you’re looking for more spice and smoke, try a reposado. This Don Julio has black and white pepper on the finish and a bright nose of citrus. Rim your glass with a bit of ground cayenne and salt for a more south-of-the-border feel.
Mellow Brew | Negra Modelo, 5.4% ABV | An easier-to- make version of the Micheladaâ the spicy, citrusy summer-time beer cocktail from Mexicoâthe Bloody Beer is for those times when a traditional Bloody with a high-proof spirit is just a little too much hair of the dog for your weary head. A Mexican beer like Negra Modelo will do the trick as will any lager. If you’re feeling bold, try Guinness Stout.
F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal
F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal
F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal
F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal
F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal
F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal
F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal
F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal