I’m giving the Bloody Mary a bit of a makeover. A delicious, Italian makeover.
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A classic Bloody Mary is made with vodka, tomato juice, hot sauce, horseradish, Worcestershire, lemon, salt and pepper, but today, I’m switching things up. To start, Roasted Garlic Infused Vodka takes the place of regular vodka. Garlic and tomato are a perfect pairing. Roasting the garlic tames its biting heat while adding a deep savory note. Next, pepperoncini pickling liquid is added with lemon juice to brighten flavors. Using two types of acid kicks up the intrigue factor. Finally, the ever-important garnishes get a major overhaul. Typically, one would garnish a Bloody Mary with a celery stalk, salted rim and lemon wedge. Here, I’ve adorned this savory cocktail with a pepperoncino, bocconcino (mozzarella ball) and cherry tomato skewered with a bamboo toothpick. A sprig of fresh rosemary is added for drama and fragrance. With each sip, you’ll take in the wonderful woodsy aroma that works so well with tomato and garlic. Next time you’re in need of a bold brunch cocktail, give this Roasted Garlic Bloody Mary a try. Continue reading for the recipe.
Seriously, I could probably eat just a plate of these garnishes. So tasty. Especially now that tomatoes are in season. Be sure to use fresh rosemary here. Dried just won’t do.
The Roasted Garlic Infused Vodka pictured below is sooooo easy to make. Simply roast a head of garlic in the oven, let cool, and steep in vodka for 24 hours. Check out the full recipe here.
Bloody Marys can be enjoyed year round, but for me, I love drinking them during the summer months. Especially when I am celebrating LGBT Pride weekend! This Bacon Bloody Mary has been my go-to Pride brunch drink for the past several years, but this year, I’ve be serving up something new!
Roasted Garlic Bloody Mary
Ingredients
- 2 oz tomato juice (preferably unsalted or low-sodium)
- 1.5 oz Roasted Garlic Infused Vodka
- 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pepperoncini pickling liquid (or more lemon juice)
- 5 dashes hot sauce
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Garnishes: pepperoncini, bocconcini (mozzarella balls), cherry tomatoes, rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Add tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire, lemon juice, pickling liquid and hot sauce to a short glass, stirring to combine. Season to taste with kosher salt and several turns of black pepper. Flavors should be bold and bright. Add ice to the glass, and stir until the cocktail is well-chilled.
- Skewer 1 pepperoncino, bocconcino, and cherry tomato with a toothpick. Lay the skewer across the top of the glass. Sprinkle with a little kosher salt and black pepper. Finish with a sprig of rosemary.
I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Brandon I love bloody Mary’s and every weekend when I’m out running in Hillcrest and see all the places with their ‘bottomless bloody mary’s’ or mimosas, I always have the biggest craving for them. Love yours – pinned!
Brandon Matzek says
Haha, they are one of my favorites! Bottomless Bloody Marys can get a little crazy. I like to have one or two really good ones 😉 Hash House is my favorite around town!
J.S. @ Sun Diego Eats says
I was waiting for this recipe to show up on the blog after seeing the vodka on your instagram! Saved. Love the addition of pepperoncini juice to this too 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks JS! Yeah, I really like adding different acids to things. Works well with vinaigrettes too.
Kim - Liv Life says
I’ve avoided Bloody Mary’s for some 45 years… then a few years ago a girlfriend bought me one at Cheeky’s in Palm Springs. Oh my heavens was it good!! I’ve not had one as good since, and I’m wondering if it was indeed that good, or if it was the atmosphere that went along with it, but I’m eager to keep trying. And I LOVE the thought of the garlic here. Fabulous recipe Brandon!! I’m printing for preparation soon!!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Kim!! Let me know if you try it. And I definitely need to stop at Cheeky’s the next time I’m in PS.
Matt Robinson says
This is such a genius idea, love the roasted garlic in it!!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks again Matt 😉
sippitysup says
Bloody Mary is a great way to get creative with cocktails. Love this. GREG
Brandon Matzek says
I agree! You can twist the tomato flavor in so many different directions. Thanks!
Angel Reyes says
You sure now how to make good drinks man! I love it.
Brandon Matzek says
Haha, thanks Angel! I loooooove playing around with cocktails.
Jackie {The Beeroness} says
ROASTED GARLIC VODKA?! This might be a little awkward, but I probably have a crush on you now.
Brandon Matzek says
HA!! Thanks Jackie! Not awkward at all 😉
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
you have taken bloody mary to whole another level.
Brandon Matzek says
Haha thanks Dixya!!
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
You know, I’ve never gone gaga for a Bloody Mary. Mind you, I won’t turn one down. But I’m not sure I’ve ever been blown away by one. These, however, look rockin.
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Brian! Bloody Mary’s can be lackluster. I like to add plenty of acid, spice and salt to mine, making them super bright.
Kate says
Woah. This bloody mary sounds epic!!! I love savory, garlicky cocktails (well, garlic anything, really).
Russell from Chasing Delicious says
Yep. I am going to like this drink. I’m already obsessed with bloody marys so the addition of roasted garlic pretty much has me scouring my kitchen for all these ingredients right this minute.
Elisa says
Holy mother bloody mary of god this looks absolutely delishhhh (my way of saying delicious)! You are bloody brilliant! Cannot wait to make this, cheers!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Elisa :)!! Please share results if you end up making this!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Roasted garlic-infused vodka, what an awesome idea!
fabiola@notjustbaked says
Lovely pictures! I am loving this idea too, I’ll have to make these for my guests!
Cynthia/What A Girl Eats says
Nothing like a good Bloody Mary for brunch! This looks like a mini meal!
Christina @ Christina's Cucina says
What a unique idea for a Bloody Mary! Would love to try it!
Steph @ Steph in Thyme says
Roasted Garlic Infused Vodka?? WHAT?!? I’ll take a shot of that. Wow.
Anita says
Wow, great twist on a Bloody Mary! Your brunches sound like they’re fantastic!