One of the most popular cocktails for enjoying vodka is the Bloody Mary. It’s a drink that you can enjoy at any time of the day. However, most people enjoy their Bloody Mary in the morning or at brunch. The traditional Bloody Mary keeps things simple with a celery stalk garnish. Modern variations see over-the-top additions that include bacon, shrimp, fried chicken wings, and crab legs. If you want to try one of these creations but don’t like vodka, you are in luck. This is the ultimate guide to the best Bloody Mary cocktail recipes that use a spirit other than vodka.

Tequila

A natural substitute for vodka in a Bloody Mary is tequila. This turns the Bloody Mary into a Bloody Maria. You can use any tequila that you have on hand. A blanco tequila will give your cocktail a light and subtle citrus accent. However, if you want to enhance the complexity of the flavor, choose an aged tequila. A high-quality aged tequila can also bring some much-needed sweetness to your cocktail. Embrace the spice with your Bloody Maria by garnishing it with a lime wedge and jalapeno slice. 

Dark Rum

If you plan to drink your Bloody Mary with spicy or acidic food, consider switching out the vodka for dark rum. It will help temper the acidity of the Bloody Mary cocktail recipe. Choosing a very dark rum is the key to making this version of the cocktail work. The more molasses-heavy the flavor is, the better. There’s an earthy syrupiness to it that balances the cocktail beautifully. A rum Bloody Mary is sometimes called a Cubanita. Get creative with this cocktail and add your most adventurous garnish. 

Mezcal

Since tequila works so well, you can also use mezcal. While often referred to interchangeably, they are not always the same thing. Tequila is a specific type of mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. Mezcal is distilled using the agave core after it has been cooked. This gives the spirit a smoky flavor that works well in a Bloody Mary. Garnish your mezcal Bloody Mary with stuffed olives or pickled okra. 

Vermouth

Vermouth is most well known for its use in martini cocktail recipes. But you can also use it in your Bloody Mary. Vermouth is a fortified wine that has an herbal flavor. It adds a dryness to the cocktail that almost makes it bitter. This can vary significantly based on the vermouth that you use, though. Garnish your cocktail with green olives. 

Gin

The red snapper cocktail recipe resembles a Bloody Mary but uses gin instead of vodka. Gin is distilled from juniper, and other herb flavor profiles are often added. This can bring a savory touch to your cocktail. You may get a hint of pine in the smell with the right gin. However, it should fade and not take over the drink’s taste. A red snapper cocktail should be garnished with a lemon wedge or dill pickle. 

Bourbon

A Bloody Mary cocktail recipe using bourbon is often called a Bloody Belle. Bourbon creates a unique take on the moody mary with its notoriously sweet flavor. If you enjoy bourbon, then this is the drink for you. However, if you aren’t usually a big bourbon drinker, you may find it too sweet for your Bloody Mary. You can temper some of that sweetness with saltiness or acid. For example, garnish the drink with a pickle, onion, or bacon. 

Cognac

The sweet and smooth flavor of cognac is perfect for adding a slightly sweet flavor to your Bloody Mary. It’s a nice alternative to bourbon if you’re looking for something a little less sweet or smoky. For a refreshing drink that works well in the morning, look for a cognac with candied, dried, or citrus flavors. For a more savory drink, look for a cognac that has flavors like vanilla, toast, tobacco, leather, and nuts. 

Soju

Originating in Korea, this light spirit is distilled from sweet potatoes or rice. It has a low alcohol content, making it perfect for someone looking for a less intense drink. Because this spirit is so light in its own flavor, it creates a cocktail that heavily features tomato flavor. Some people may find soju unpleasant due to its malty or strong bitter aftertaste. Garnish your cocktail with other Korean flavors, such as picked shrimp, cabbage kimchi, or cucumber kimchi.

Aquavit

This lesser-known spirit from Scandinavia dates back to the 15th century. It’s distilled from potatoes and grain and then flavored with herbs. Using it in your Bloody Mary turns it into a Bloody Caesar cocktail. Many traditional aquavit spirits rely heavily on anise and fennel. This gives it a licorice flavor that would be similar to Jagermeister. Modern creative takes will have less licorice and a greater variety in flavor. Garnish your aquavit Bloody Mary with a sprig of dill and lemon wedge to embrace the herbal flavors. 

FAQ About Bloody Mary Cocktails

1. Why is the Bloody Mary a hangover drink?

The Bloody Mary earned a reputation as a hangover drink because it is heavy in vegetables. This isn’t common with cocktails, making it stand out. The main ingredient, tomato juice, can help settle an upset stomach while also replacing the electrolytes that you have lost while drinking. Tomatoes also have vitamins and minerals that work well for reducing the effects of hangovers. 

2. Are Bloody Mary drinks healthy?

The Bloody Mary cocktail is surprisingly healthy. The main mixer in the cocktail is tomato juice. This juice is rich in Vitamin C, electrolytes, lycopene, sodium, and potassium. Pre-mixes may be slightly less healthy, as they contain extra sugar and other additives. 

3. What is a Bloody Mary with a side of beer called?

A Bloody Mary will sometimes be served with a glass of beer. Typically, it will be a small glass, about three to five ounces. The idea is that the beer’s lightness and sweetness balance out the intensity and spiciness of the tomato juice. This small beer chaser is called a snit. 

Check out Distillery Nearby and find craft distilleries near you to use in your Bloody Mary cocktail recipe.