It's hard to imagine weekend brunch without the classic Bloody Mary, but most bottled mixes fall short on umami and spice. Take our word for it—once you've infused your own Bloody Mary concentrate, Sunday Funday will never be the same.
The not-so-secret key ingredient to the best Bloody Mary recipes? Pickle brine. After finishing off a jar of pickles, be sure to save the brine. It'll come in handy when Bloody Mary time rolls around.
The Bloody Anytime
Makes 14 oz
- 6 oz vodka
- 6 oz pickle brine (We like McClure's)
- 4 sprigs fresh dill
- 1 clove garlic, halved
- 10 black peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons crab seasoning (such as Old Bay)
- 2 teaspoons horseradish, freshly grated (if available)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- Combine all ingredients in a 16 oz Mason jar. Seal and shake until the seasoning has dissolved. Infuse in the refrigerator for 12 hours.
- Strain through cheesecloth. The infusion will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
The Best Bloody Mary
Makes one cocktail
- 3 oz of The Bloody Anytime
- 4 oz tomato juice
- Garnishes (our go-tos: fresh parsley, dill and celery leaves, pickled green beans, caper berries)
- Combine The Bloody Anytime with tomato juice in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 5 seconds to combine and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Finish with your favorite garnishes.