Each bar makes its own twist on the bloody mary, partly because the cocktail is so versatile. Some go easy on the heat, while others take the spicy next level.
Different vegetables in the cocktail highlight different notes and fresh citrus enhances other flavors while cutting through the savory drink.
Whichever ingredients you use, the best vodka for bloody mary recipes makes your drinks stand out above the rest.
These are some of the best options to get you started.
Absolut Peppar
Absolut crafted this flavored variety specifically for making bloody marys, so it's no wonder the brand’s popularity when making the drink.
This vodka tastes like refreshing vodka with the additional flavor of freshly cracked black pepper.
The spirit is an excellent option for adding heat, especially if you don’t have other ingredients on hand.
Bakon Vodka
A Seattle-based brand creates this bacon-flavored vodka with tasty savory notes intended to be enjoyed in bloody marys.
These flavors highlight salty tones in the cocktail while bringing their own umami.
Surprisingly, Bakon Vodka is vegan, using pepper oils to recreate flavors from the meat product so all can enjoy it regardless of diet.
Hanson of Sonoma Habanero Vodka
If you’re not a fan of extreme heat, don’t let habanero turn you off from this delicious spirit.
While it does showcase spicy flavors, seven varieties of peppers were used in its creation so expect savory and sweet notes.
The resulting vodka has a good balance, with some complex lemongrass notes coming through on the finish.
Ketel One Cucumber and Mint
In contrast to others on this list, this is the best vodka for bloody mary recipes if you want to add a cooling element.
Cucumber melds well with other vegetable flavors in the drink, while mint provides a refreshing note with a hint of spice.
Use this spirit to tone down an already hot cocktail or create one at the spice level of your preference.
St. George Spirits Green Chile Vodka
This green chile vodka brings more than just heat to its pepper-flavored vodka.
Cilantro and lime enhance the five-pepper blend's fruitier notes, creating a taste profile similar to a well-balanced salsa.
The resulting spirit has savory and sweet elements and a decent amount of heat, making it a perfect vodka for a bloody mary.
Absolut Elyx
Unlike the other variety from Absolut vodka brand on this list, Elyx adds only refreshing vodka to bloody mary cocktails.
The spirit’s flavor hints at its winter wheat grain mash, with notes of freshly baked bread paired with nutty undertones.
These unique savory notes and a smooth, warming finish make this spirit an excellent addition to cocktails, including the bloody mary.
Chase Original Potato Vodka
For some vodka lovers, nothing is better than a potato-based spirit like Chase’s. The vegetable brings a creamy, smooth texture to the spirit.
The vodka is refreshing and clean, with earthy notes throughout, especially in the finish.
These crisp flavors create a pleasant contrast for rich and savory bloody marys.Â
Reyka Vodka
Good vodka starts with pure water. The Icelandic brand uses water from a glacial spring, creating a refreshing vodka perfect for mixing or drinking over ice.
A balanced character and a smooth finish ensure this spirit doesn’t overwhelm other flavors, making it an excellent match for a bloody mary or any other complex cocktail. Â
Crop Organic Tomato Vodka
Crops creates its spirits from organically grown American corn, making a clean-tasting vodka perfect for enhancing with flavors.
The brand's tomato vodka contains the tanginess of freshly ripened tomato. These bright notes mix well into savory bloody marys, creating a nice balance in the cocktail.
Chopin Rye
Chopin provides the perfect option for those looking to add a spicy kick. The heat in this rye vodka showcases notes of fresh ground pepper rather than elements of fruity peppers like others on the list.
This vodka’s distinct smoothness also makes it an excellent choice for cocktails that benefit from a crisp finish.
Cheers!
The best vodka for bloody mary recipes brings something extra to the cocktail, whether you’re looking to add more heat, savory flavors, or a contrasting, refreshing spirit. This list provides options for spirits to use in the cocktail, no matter your preference.
If we missed your favorite vodka to add to bloody marys, let us know in the comments below!
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