The Bloody Mary is a vodka-soaked nutritional breakfast and hangover cure all in one. What else could you ask for?

Fernand Petiot claimed to have invented the Bloody Mary in 1921, though the history of the cocktail is a matter of no small debate. As the story goes, Petiot was working at the New York Bar in Paris at the time, which later became Harry’s New York Bar, a frequent Paris hangout for Ernest Hemingway and other American expatriates.

Regardless of its history, one thing is certain: this iconic cocktail has hundreds of variations, from heavy on the hot sauce to a splash of Guinness on top. We recommend starting with a classic recipe, then working your way toward making yours just the way you like it, whether that means topped with a slice of bacon, a shrimp skewer, or even a tiny cheeseburger. All crazy garnishes aside, there’s a reason this cocktail is truly a classic.

Best Bloody Mary Recipe Ever

  • 1 Lemon wedge
  • 1 Lime wedge
  • 2 oz. Premium vodka
  • 4 oz. Spicy V-8
  • 2 Dashes Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp. Prepared Horseradish
  • 1 dash Tabasco Sauce
  • 2 dashes Pickle juice
  • 1 dash Orange juice
  • 1 pinch Celery salt
  • Garnishes of choice, e.g. pickle, olives, mushroom, celery stalk, Brussels sprouts, beef stick, bacon, cheese cubes, shrimp, etc.

Pour some celery salt onto a small plate.

Rub the juicy side of the lemon or lime wedge along the lip of a pint glass.

Roll the outer edge of the glass in celery salt until fully coated.

Fill with ice and set aside.

Squeeze the lemon and lime wedges into a shaker and drop them in.

Add the remaining ingredients, except garnishes, and fill with ice.

Shake gently and strain into the prepared glass.