If you love a classic Bloody Mary but want something a little more cocktail-hour-worthy, this Bloody Mary Martini is exactly what you need. It's got all the bold, savory flavor of a traditional Bloody Mary, shaken up martini-style with a splash of olive brine for an extra salty kick. This is the brunch drink that does double duty.
This post covers how to make a Bloody Mary Martini, a savory cocktail that combines Bloody Mary mix, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, and olive brine, shaken and served straight up in a martini glass. It's ideal for brunch entertaining or anyone who loves bold, savory drinks. The recipe is easy to make in under five minutes, endlessly customizable to your spice preference, and includes a big batch version that serves 10 so you can make it ahead for a crowd.
You'll love this Bloody Mary Martini
It's the perfect savory brunch cocktail. Think of it as a Bloody Mary that got dressed up. The martini format makes it feel a little more elevated, while all those savory, spicy, briny flavors stay exactly where you want them.
It's easy to make. Four ingredients, a cocktail shaker, and you're done in under five minutes. This is one of those cocktails that looks impressive but takes almost no effort.
It's totally customizable! Love heat? Add a dash of hot sauce. Want it extra dirty? Add more olive brine. Prefer it less savory? Dial back the Worcestershire. This recipe is a jumping-off point, so make it your own.
Ingredients
Plain Vodka. Use a plain, unflavored vodka here. Since the other flavors in this drink are pretty bold, you don't need anything fancy, but I'd skip the bottom-shelf stuff. A solid mid-range vodka works perfectly.
Bloody Mary Mix. This is the base of the cocktail, so use one you actually like the taste of. I love using a good store-bought mix to keep things simple, but if you have a homemade mix you swear by, absolutely use it.
Worcestershire Sauce. Just a couple of dashes adds so much depth. It's one of those ingredients you'd notice if it was missing. Don't skip it.
Olive Brine. This is what gives the martini its "dirty" quality. It adds a salty, briny layer that takes this drink from Bloody Mary to Bloody Mary Martini. You can use the brine from a jar of green olives, kalamata olives, whatever you have on hand.
How to make a Bloody Mary Martini
Making this cocktail is genuinely easy. Here's how to do it:
- Add 2 oz vodka, 3 oz Bloody Mary mix, 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce, and ½ oz olive brine to a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice. I like to use crushed ice for martinis!
- Shake until the outside of the shaker is frosted, about 20 to 30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish and enjoy!
Garnish ideas
The garnish is part of the fun with a Bloody Mary Martini. Here are some easy options:
- A skewer of olives (classic and delicious)
- A celery stalk for that traditional Bloody Mary vibe
- A pickled green bean or pepperoncini for something a little more fun
- A lemon or lime wedge on the rim
- A pinch of celery salt or everything bagel seasoning on the rim
How to make a big batch Bloody Mary Martini
This recipe scales up beautifully, which makes it perfect for brunch parties. Here's how to make a batch that serves 10.
Big Batch Bloody Mary Martini (Serves 10):
- 20 oz plain vodka (2 ½ cups)
- 30 oz Bloody Mary mix (3 ¾ cups)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 5 oz olive brine (about ⅔ cup)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 24 hours ahead.
- When ready to serve, shake each individual portion over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish and serve!
OPTIONAL: You can also serve this over ice in rocks glasses if you're keeping things casual. The shaking step is optional for the big batch, but it does make the drink colder and a little frothier, which I love.
FAQs
What is a Bloody Mary Martini?
A Bloody Mary Martini is a cocktail that combines the flavors of a classic Bloody Mary with the style of a dirty martini. It's made with vodka, Bloody Mary mix, Worcestershire sauce, and olive brine, shaken and served up in a martini glass.
What's the difference between a Bloody Mary and a Bloody Mary Martini?
The main differences are the olive brine and the way it's served. A traditional Bloody Mary is served over ice in a tall glass. A Bloody Mary Martini is shaken, strained, and served up in a martini glass, with olive brine added for a salty, dirty quality.
Can you make a Bloody Mary Martini with gin instead of vodka?
Yes! Gin works well here if you enjoy it. Just know that gin will add a more herbal, botanical flavor that will change the overall taste of the drink. I prefer vodka because it lets the Bloody Mary flavors shine, but gin is a fun variation to try.
What is the best Bloody Mary mix to use?
Use whatever Bloody Mary mix you like best. I prefer a good store-bought mix with some heat to it. Zing Zang and Clamato are both popular options. If you have a homemade mix you love, it works great here too.
Can you make this ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead cocktail. Mix together the vodka, Bloody Mary mix, Worcestershire sauce, and olive brine and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake individual portions over ice right before serving.
What garnishes go on a Bloody Mary Martini?
Olives are the classic choice since the drink already has olive brine in it. Other great options include a celery stalk, a pickled green bean, a lemon wedge, or a pepperoncini. You can also rim the glass with celery salt or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
Is a Bloody Mary Martini the same as a dirty Bloody Mary?
They're very similar! Both add olive brine to the classic Bloody Mary formula. The main difference is that a Bloody Mary Martini is typically shaken and served up (no ice) in a martini glass, while a dirty Bloody Mary is usually served over ice in a tall glass.
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