This is my third post on a favorite cocktail, The Bloody Mary. For years Gene made his own Bloody Mary mix and I canned it. I grew so many tomatoes that Gene came up with his own concoction; go here for his original recipe. Once we no longer had the big garden and all of those fresh tomatoes I found a different recipe to use. See Bloody Mary with Tabasco-Spiked Ice Cubes. Not that fresh homegrown taste but good enough!
Then along comes this recipe from the Food Network Magazine and when I read “bacon-flavored vodka” of course I had to try this recipe. We just love our bacon in all kinds of things, so why not a Bloody Mary, a perfect pairing actually.
Smoky Bloody Mary with Bacon
- 6 slices peppered bacon
- 3-1/2 cups tomato juice
- 1-1/4 cups bacon-flavored vodka, or use regular vodka
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. horseradish
- 2 tsp. chipotle hot sauce
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp. celery salt
- Freshly ground pepper about 1/2 tsp.
- garnishes such as celery stalks, green onions, olives, and peppered bacon and a straw might be nice
Cook the bacon until crisp, remove and drain on paper towels. Combine the rest of the ingredients except for the garnishes and refrigerate in a pitcher.
To rim the glasses, combine equal parts salt, black pepper and paprika and mix well on a small plate. Rub the rims with water and dip each glass into the mix. You could also use just celery salt and dip the glasses in it. A third way would be to combine 3 tbsp. sea salt and 1 tsp. smoked paprika.
When ready to serve add your ice cubes then the tomato juice/vodka mixture.
Garnish with celery stalks, lemon or lime wedges, green onions or pearl onions, olives and cheese cubes on a stick, a slice of crispy peppered bacon or any other garnish you prefer. Some other good choices are red pepper rings, okra, cooked shrimp, mini gherkins or cherry tomatoes.
Recipe by cookingwithauntjuju.com
I am bringing spicy Bloody Mary cocktails with bacon for everyone, with or without the vodka to Fiesta Friday #59. Thanks to Angie, Jhuls and Mila for hosting/co-hosting another great party.
What a grand idea Judi! I could easily down a glass or two of this delicious concoction. Everything is better with bacon isn’t it? 🙂
Thanks Loretta – the peppered bacon is delicious. The recipe makes about 4 drinks, two for you and two for me 🙂
Hi Judi, hoping the weather is improving for you in Michigan?! I can not drink any alcohol it does not nor has it ever agreed with me but I was thinking a Virgin one with bacon sounds great since I to grow tomatoes as you know. I agree with Loretta everything is better with Bacon…
Cheryl – Of course you can make it a “virgin bloody mary” and I probably would prefer that if it was before 5:00! Michigan is in transition from winter to spring – the snow is melting, temps in the 50’s, sun shining and it is beautiful up north. Have a great weekend 🙂
Grow lots of tomatoes if you have the room – there are so many things you can do with them. Yes, if bacon is an ingredient it has to be good 🙂
Hi Judi, so good to here the temps. improved and Spring is coming forth for you all. You also enjoy your weekend!
Bloodies are hands down my favorite cocktail. They might be THE reason I get out of bed on Saturdays. Looks amazing – and has me craving the weekend!
Cheers to Bloody Marys – I love them and I know you do as well 🙂 People call it a meal once you add all of the goodies. Bacon, veggies and who knows what else 🙂
I’ll be right over. Why are we not neighbors? I had a vodka kind of day today. Can you whip up one of your fabulous dinner recipes or just a snack? 😉
I know Tracey – why not? We’ll have the works; a spicy Bloody Mary, snacks and a vegetarian dinner 🙂
You are so kind to fix a veg meal to go with my bacon. Ha ha you’re the best.
Bacon flavored vodka?! It sounds amazing, and quite tasty. I also love your presentation, the sword through the olives with the strip of bacon is beautifully. Happy FF, and have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks Kaila – I did not taste the vodka on its own but I am sure it adds some great flavor. The peppered bacon is declicious – I bought it that way but I am sure you could make your own. Happy FF and have a great weekend – finally starting to warm up here in Michigan 🙂
By the way Kaila – thanks for noticing the swords – a special gift to Gene; they are sterling silver 🙂
Pingback: Fiesta Friday #59 | The Novice Gardener
Hmm, I really don’t know how this cocktail tastes like because I’ve never eaten bacon, but this sounds really good. 😀 Happy FF, Aunt Juju. xx
I’m sure you are not alone Jhuls as we have a lot of vegetarians. My solution: don’t add the bacon and use regular vodka or don’t use it at all 🙂
Oh my I want to host a brunch just so I can make these drinks! I love bacon and a great bloody mary!
Me too Julie – I love a good Bloody Mary and who needs an occasion to make them. Brunches are perfect though with or without the booze 🙂
Without? What happened to Judi? Let her go you imposter! 🙂
LOL Julie – vodka is always in my Bloody Mary 🙂 🙂
Love the addition of bacon, definitely sounds like a good flavour combo!
Thanks Michelle – the bacon is a good garnish. I mean when you’re using bacon flavored vodka bacon just seems to be a good addition 🙂
Well now I know there is NOTHING bacon doesn’t go with! This is a fabulous variation on the classic bloody mary. 😛 Yes, please!
Thanks Nancy – this was a delicious version and everyone loved it, especially all of the garnishes 🙂
Oh yes, bacon in my Bloody Mary!!!
Peppered bacon goes perfectly with this spicy Bloody Mary 🙂
hmm, bacon-flavored vodka does sound interesting, and definitely fun to play with. But I guess I’m in the minority, because I tried a piece of bacon in a bloody mary recently, and it just tasted like ice cold wet bacon! Somehow I’m missing out!!!
It’s all in how you prepare the cocktail. The peppered bacon was the favorite garnish with my friends. This kind of bacon is thick and peppery and pairs beautifully with a Bloody Mary. It was not cold, it was left whole and chewy (because it was thick) but still had a crispness to it. Most people eat the garnishes right away so there was no complaints like your experience.
WHOAAA now, this is certainly speaking to me, and perfect for a Friday! I love anything that’s smoky!!!!!!!! MMMM 🙂 What a great addition the day!!
Thanks Stephanie – This Bloody Mary was delicious and I piled on all the garnishes – the thick, peppered bacon was a favorite 🙂 Happy FF !
These drinks look so enticing! I am just starting to appreciate a good bloody Mary and this recipe sounds wonderful. Cheers to a beautiful March evening in Michigan!
Thanks – I am mainly a wine drinker but I will never turn down a Bloody Mary. Have a good weekend 🙂
A drink and an appetizer, all in one! Amazing!
Thanks – Everyone liked the garnishes and they were the first to go so one could drink their Bloody Mary. Happy FF 🙂
Cheeeeeeers, Juju!!! sip-sip.. 🙂 Perfect cocktail for any party!
Amazing! Happy to see it at FF party! Enjoy!
Thanks Mila – it’s a delicious cocktail and always a favorite. Thanks for co-hosting and Happy FF 🙂
Oh my, what an awesome recipe, Judi. 🙂 I love the bacon in this so much. Because, I mean, who doesn’t love bacon with anything… 🙂
My feelings exactly Tina – we do love our bacon 🙂
I love a good Bloody Mary, the olives and bacon almost makes it the perfect brunch on it’s own! 🙂
Thanks Petra – A sister was visiting and we loaded it up to make it a cocktail with a snack 🙂