Bloody Mary Mix

[scottrj12]

In your expert opinions, who makes the best bloody mary mix? I'm wanting to try something other than Mr. T's, which is all I could find at Vons. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

[Perilagu Khan]

Used to be a mix called Stingray that was pretty good. Not the hottest stuff in the world, but it had a nice flavor, and it's easy enough to add your own heat.

[chilled]

Used to rate Zing Zang as my favorite but now I have to say Hoosier Momma has it beat...especially after some of the ice melts and you have added the volka...much better richer consistency...yummy!

[jackiecat]

I think it's called red beer in the midwest, but I used to love it on a hot summer day in California.

[Fydeaux]

I havent seen it around for a while, but Tobasco made a BM mix that I thought was very good. These days, I usually use V8 Caliente along with the usual spices, and I like to use Silver Sauza instead of vodka.

I dont know if this is a midwest-regional thing or not, but does anyone else use beer as an ingredient rather than as a chaser?

[SweetPhyl]

I like lots of lemon juice and horseradish and, as a coastal girl, I rim the glass with Old Bay Seasoning. Yummers! I want one right now!

[JugglerDave]

Mrs. T's mix has an insane amount of Sodium in a can, like 1500mg.

[grampart]

Since being turned to Major Peters Bloody Mary mix last summer, it's the only one I buy. Sometimes I do add a little horseradish, but it stands up well by itself.
http://www.majorpeters.com/index.php

[Tony Miller]

I make mine with Clamato, tequila, Worcestershire, lemon juice, Cholula sauce, black pepper, salted rim on the glass. Cucumber spear if it's available. Yum.

[hotoynoodle]

anywhere i've worked, i bring my "mud" recipe:

horseradish
black pepper
tabasco
celery salt
worcestshire sauce

mush 'em all up and put in a plastic container. lasts forever. you just add a heaping spoonful to tomato (or clamato) juice with a squeeze of lemon or lime.

[Pei]

Sounds great. Do you have very rough proportions? I can tweak it if you just give me a general sense of things. TIA.

[hotoynoodle]

it's mostly horseradish and pepper. taste-test it and see how you like it. i prefer spicy, so am heavy-handed with the tabasco. it's just so convenient because unlike anything pre-mixed with juice, it basically will never spoil. open tomato juice has a very short shelf-life.

[Pei]

Does anyone have a favorite tomato juice for this purpose, or is Safeway brand acceptable?

[CDouglas]

Sacramento tomato juice has been mentioned here and by Ina Garten as the best for Bloodies and other uses.

[MakingSense]

An amazing number of good places use Sacramento. You see them emptying the cans into pitchers behind the bar.
Why don't I see that brand in stores? Is it just available through food service companies?
It's really good. Best texture of any.

[CDouglas]

I don't remember seeing it in any grocery in Maryland. It is prevalent online - even Amazon sells it.

[RicRios]

I love BM (no expert, though), hate pre-made mixes.
The recipe below is very simple, no mix required:

1 1/2 oz vodka
3 oz tomato juice
1 dash lemon juice
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 - 3 drops Tabasco® sauce
1 lime wedge

Shake all ingredients (except lime wedge) with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass over ice cubes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the wedge of lime and serve.

http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink581.html

[Greg Spence]

I don't know where you are or how widely it's distributed, but down here in Texas we have a brand called Zing Zang that's fantastic. It's got a good amount of Lea & Perrins in it, and just the right spice.

[deibu]

I second the Zing Zang recommendation. Many restaurants who use a bottled mix seem to prefer it as well.

[CDouglas]

Agreed on the Zing Zang. If you have to buy a mix this is the best tasting one IMO.

[Infomaniac]

Looks good, but I like a little horseradish mixed in mine, and a celery stalk instead of the lime.

[laylag]

I'm with you, must have horseradish. For me there must be a sufficient amount to actually be able to feel the bits in your mouth.

[kloomis]

That recipe is about the same as mine, but no lime, add a bit of horseradish, and garnish with celery. I like to change it up by using Clamato juice or Spicy V-8.

[Infomaniac]

With Clamato juice, they call that a Bloody Caeser, and rimming the glass with celery salt.

[kloomis]

I thought so, but I wasn't sure if the b'tender that used to make them for me made it up.