12 Best Vodkas For A Bloody Mary
Whether you're looking to cure a hangover from the night before or you simply want to spend the weekend enjoying a boozy brunch, Bloody Marys are without a doubt one of the most beloved daytime drinks. While most cocktails fall on the sweeter side of the aisle, Bloody Marys appeal to those who prefer to keep things savory. According to The Real Dill, the story behind how the Bloody Mary came to be is a bit blurry, though most historians can trace its origins back to Paris in the 1920s.
Though you can easily buy Bloody Mary mix at the store nowadays, making your own mix is also a great idea. To make a solid Bloody Mary, all you really need is tomato juice, lime juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco hot sauce, and, of course, vodka. Not very well-versed on vodka? Not to worry. We've compiled a guide to the 12 best vodkas for a Bloody Mary.
1. Chopin Rye
Chopin Rye has a distinct peppery flavor that allows it to blend seamlessly with a spicy Bloody Mary. Though Chopin has become quite a well-known brand, it is still a 100% family-owned business that believes in top-notch quality and taste. It is also one of the only vodka producers that makes its vodka from raw ingredients that are hand-selected. While there are many different flavors and kinds to try, Chopin Rye has proven to be a favorite for Bloody Marys thanks to its smooth texture and slight spice.
According to VinePair, Chopin Rye has a slight spice to it that is able to elevate the flavors in a Bloody Mary without overpowering them. It is produced in Poland and has an ABV of 40%, making it a great option for dirty martinis as well. Just be sure to garnish your drinks with something salty like an olive or pickle.
2. Chase Original Potato Vodka
If you're gluten-free or simply don't enjoy grain-based vodkas, Chase Original Potato Vodka should be at the top of your list. Due to the fact that it is distilled in a copper pot, this vodka is known for having a smooth finish that makes it both refreshing and enjoyable to drink. Though you won't find this vodka in most liquor stores (it is made and sold in the U.K.) it is available for direct delivery in most states.
Having won a gold medal in the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, quality is certainly something that you can count on when it comes to Chase Original Potato Vodka. Keep in mind that while this vodka does have earthy undertones, you can smell subtle hints of vanilla. However, those sweeter scents don't transfer over into taste, meaning you won't have to worry about your Bloody Mary tasting too sweet.
3. Hanson Habanero Vodka
Prefer your Bloody Marys to be extra spicy? You're in luck! Hanson Habanero Vodka uses seven different kinds of organic peppers to give this vodka a rich and spicy flavor. After chopping up the peppers, they are soaked in the vodka, meaning there is no need for artificial syrups or chili powder. Though it definitely has a kick, it is not too spicy, making it a great option for those who like the flavor of peppers without eye-watering spiciness.
The bottle itself is a work of art that features vibrant colors of red and green, inspired by the very peppers used to give it its vibrant flavor. Since making its debut in 2016, Hanson Habanero Vodka has been a favorite for those who enjoy more spice in their vodka. However, if you need even more heat, simply add some tabasco or hot sauce to your mix — voilà!
4. St. George Spirits Green Chile Vodka
Made from California peppers that are both hot and sweet, St. George Spirits Green Chile Vodka adds a flavor-blasting kick to any Bloody Mary. The peppers used include jalapeños, serranos, habaneros, and red and yellow bell peppers, creating a variety of flavor profiles that work together to pack a punch. For even more vibrancy, the Carter head assembly that is used for distilling is filled with a layer of cilantro, enhancing the savory elements of a Bloody Mary.
According to VinePair, this unique vodka is far from overwhelming, and it is not reserved for those who can handle a fair bit of spice. In fact, it is instead rather complex and savory, providing the perfect kind of kick to spruce up your Bloody Mary. Since it is produced in the U.S., St. George Spirits Green Chile Vodka is widely available online and in stores throughout the country.
5. Reyka
Reyka is Icelandic vodka that can be found at various Whole Foods and other gourmet grocers in the United States. The water used to create this crisp vodka comes from a glacial spring that flows through an ancient lava field, making it incredibly pure and clean. The vodka is also distilled in one of the only surviving Carter-Head stills in the world. Thanks to its high levels of copper, Reyka Vodka becomes incredibly smooth during the distillation process, and to say that it is easy to drink would be an understatement.
Another key factor that contributes to the smooth and crisp qualities of Reyka is the fact that it is distilled in Borgarnes, Iceland. The air in this coastal village is known for being so incredibly clean that the CO2 levels are actually declining. The fact that the vodka is produced in such small batches also makes a difference, taking more than six hours to produce only 255 cases. If you're looking for a vodka that has an exclusivity factor to it, this is a solid pick.
6. Absolut Elyx
Absolut Vodka is a pretty standard brand that you can find at almost any liquor store. However, Absolut Elyx takes quality and taste to the next level. This luxury vodka is made in a vintage copper column from 1921, resulting in a full body and rich flavor that allows this vodka to stand apart from the rest of the Absolut brand. The manual distillation process yields top-notch results that are noticed at the first sip.
Best of all, buying Absolut Elyx vodka means supporting a good cause. By partnering with Water for People, Absolut Elyx provides sustainable water solutions to those in need all over the world. You can also contribute to the cause by purchasing one of Absolut Elyx's copper cocktail mugs or barware at the online boutique. Though this top-notch vodka is good enough to sip alone, it complements a variety of flavors and mixers, including those found in a Bloody Mary.
7. Bakon Vodka
Since crispy bacon is a popular garnish in Bloody Marys, it makes sense that a bacon-flavored vodka would find its way onto our list. Bakon Vodka is potato vodka infused with a smoky and savory bacon flavor, making it the ultimate spirit for your brunch Bloody Mary. Best of all, due to the quality of the vodka, there is little to no burn or tinge on the tongue.
The flavor of the bacon really enhances the natural flavors of the tomato juice, resulting in a delicious drink that is reminiscent of an actual meal. When it comes to garnishing your Bloody Mary, be sure to balance out these intense flavors with some olives, cucumber, pickles, or a stick of celery. Of course, a crispy piece of bacon is a must when using Bakon Vodka. Also, Bakon Vodka is made from potatoes instead of grains, making it a friendly option for those that are gluten-free.
8. Dixie Vodka
With operations based out of Charleston, South Carolina, Dixie Vodka is a proud, American-made brand that is both gluten-free and delicious. With six different flavors of vodka available, this brand makes it easy to mix and match flavor profiles and come up with new combos. While you won't want to use the peach or wildflower flavors in your Bloody Mary, Dixie's Black Pepper Vodka is great for those who want an extra kick.
Though the brand started its journey by selling vodka door to door in 2014, it has since become available in 40 different states across the country, and it has even partnered with NASCAR as the sport's official vodka brand. If you want to really "wow" with a Dixie Vodka Bloody Mary, garnish your drink with grilled vegetables for a smokey and Southern-inspired taste. Dixie Vodka is also known for its ready-to-drink cocktails which are easy to enjoy.
9. Ketel One Botanical Cucumber & Mint
Looking to add some refreshing flavors to your Blood Mary? Ketel One Botanical Cucumber and Mint enhances the vibrancy of your Bloody Mary and gives it some crisp undertones that are sure to take your cocktail to the next level. Thanks to an intricate extraction and distillation process, all of the flavors in this vodka are completely natural and authentic, resulting in a clean and invigorating taste.
With 40% fewer calories than white wine, this no sugar vodka is a light alternative for those who try to eat and drink as clean as possible. This is a great vodka for those who prefer to add some zest to their Bloody Mary and alleviate the spice. Best of all, the Ketel One Botanical Cucumber and Mint vodka can work in a variety of other refreshing and tasty cocktails such as a gimlet or simple vodka soda.
10. D's Seasoned Vodka
D's "Demitri's" Seasoned Vodka is a spirit that was actually designed and made for Bloody Marys. The sweet and savory spices that are infused in the vodka give you the best of both worlds when crafting this beloved cocktail. The spices and flavors used include fresh rosemary and thyme, roasted garlic, black pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, and a few other secret ingredients.
Having won first place as the best vodka for a Bloody Mary in the 2020 World Cocktail Championship, you can bet that this flavor-blasting spirit is sure to make your mouth water. That being said, a vodka of this reputation should not be paired with a basic, store-bought Bloody Mary mix. Instead, try making your own at home for optimal results that highlight the quality and flavors of D's "Demitri's" Seasoned Vodka. When it comes to garnishing, go all out with fresh tomatoes, olives, pickles, and a crispy piece of bacon.
11. Chilled Dills Pickle Vodka
There is just something about the sourness of a pickle that pairs perfectly with a savory and spicy Bloody Mary. Chilled Dills Pickle Vodka features the savory and unique flavor of dill while remaining totally smooth and refreshing. Available at stores across the Midwest and South, Chilled Dills Pickle Vodka is a one-of-a-kind addition to your Bloody Mary that is sure to become a new staple on your bar.
In order to make this unique spirit, high-quality pickles and their juices are infused into grain distilled vodka. However, before the flavoring process even begins, the vodka itself is proofed down with the purest Appalachian Mountain water. The filtration process and small-batch reverse osmosis are what make this vodka so crisp and smooth before being taken to the next level with a savory and mouth-puckering pickle flavor. In addition to Bloody Marys, Chilled Dills Pickle Vodka makes a great addition to a "Pickletini" or a savory margarita.
12. Square One Organic Rye
If you prefer to keep things organic and as clean as possible, Square One Organic Rye Vodka is a great option. This pure, single-grain vodka has a crisp flavor and smooth body, making it easy to drink with something as simple as soda or with something heavier like tomato juice. The silky texture is complemented by a slightly nutty aftertaste, highlighting the savory side of a Bloody Mary.
The water used to make Square One Organic Rye Vodka is gathered from aquifers that are located deep underneath the distillery, resulting in a pristine and clean taste. The Square One brand also uses a special fermentation process, allowing their vodka to stand out among the competition. This in tandem with their four-column distillation and filtration that brings you the smooth and rich result of Square One Organic Rye. However, if you want something a bit cooler and more refreshing, the Square One Cucumber Vodka is another solid option for your Bloody Mary.