Via Hivebrands.com
Via Hivebrands.com
Pros:
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Perfect blend of herbs and spices
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Dill pickle flavor harmonizes with the other ingredients
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Unique Bloody Mary experience
Cons:
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Pickle flavor isn’t for everyone
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Slightly thin consistency
While some like a good basic mix and others a Bloody that’s extra-spicy, there are folks that are looking for something more out of their cocktail. The Real Dill makes a pickle-accented mix that’s different from any other bottled Bloody we tried.
Sure, pickle-flavored foods can seem like a gimmick, but our Test Kitchen assures you that the combination works perfectly here. In fact, Sarah Farmer says that she typically uses pickle brine ice cubes in her at-home Bloody Marys. In fact, you can use all types of ice cubes in your Bloody Marys—even smoked ice ice cubes.
In this mix, flavors of dill, garlic and a touch of vinegar play well with the classic Bloody Mary flavors. Together with celery salt, Worcestershire and hot sauce, this bottled mix really packs a flavorful, spice-forward (but not too hot) punch.
What to Look for When Buying Bloody Mary Mix
Not all Bloody Mary mixes are created equally. So if you’re looking for a way to get a bar-quality drink at home, here are the key factors to consider.
- Appearance: A great Bloody Mary should be a feast for the eyes, starting with the mix. A great one should look bright and appetizing with flecks of flavor throughout.
- Texture: The right texture is a major component of a perfect Bloody. Too thick and it feels like you’re sipping tomato soup; too thin and it’s like you’re sipping plain ol’ tomato juice. Good mixes should walk the line between the two.
- Spice: Bloody Marys aren’t subtle. This cocktail is filled with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, citrus juice, celery salt and horseradish. While the proportions will differ from one brand to the next, a satisfying mix should pack a punch.
- Flavor: As always, flavor is the most important category. A great Bloody Mary mix should have all the flavors we look for in a homemade cocktail. Surprising extras are also welcome; mixes with a little extra kick are great for spice fanatics.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a former editor at Taste Recipes, I worked on our baking club called Bakeable and tested kitchen gadgets, home products, ingredients and more for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. For this guide to the best Bloody Mary mixes, I recruited Executive Culinary Director and head of the Test Kitchen Sarah Farmer and Associate Culinary Producer Sarah Tramonte for their testing expertise.
Sarah Farmer has been working at Taste Recipes for 20 years, and she manages the various editors, stylists and testers that make up the Test Kitchen team. When she isn’t testing, Sarah Tramonte creates photo and video content for Taste Recipes’s social media accounts and other digital platforms.
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How We Found the Best Bloody Mary Mix
Like all our taste tests, our experts take sampling to heart. Our team shopped for the most popular Bloody Mary mixes as well as some smaller brands with passionate fanbases. Each mix was sampled blindly and without accompaniments (no vodka or garnishes here for accurate testing).
Because Bloody Marys are a complex cocktail, our team had a lot to keep in mind as they sampled, including appearance, texture, spice and flavor. After sipping and scoring, three out of the ten brands we tested rose to the top. Check out the Bloody Mary mixers you should add to your bar cart.
FAQs
What is the best alcohol for a Bloody Mary?
Vodka is the spirit typically used in a traditional Bloody Mary. But if you’re willing to experiment, you can also try tequila or gin for a twist.
How can I improve my Bloody Mary?
Even with a terrific mix on hand, many Bloody Mary fanatics will still want to give this drink some extra flair by adding spice, infusing the vodka or adding festive, delicious garnishes. Be sure to include these ideas next time you host brunch and set up a Bloody Mary bar.
How do you make a Bloody Mary less bitter?
Squeezing in citrus, like a splash of lemon or lime juice, can brighten up an at-home Bloody Mary. Be sure to use the fresh stuff for the most delicious and potent results.
How do you thicken Bloody Mary mix?
The base of a classic Bloody Mary is tomato juice. If you like a thicker drink, then opt for a chunkier, pulpier juice or up the ratio of tomato juice by doctoring your premade mix.
Check Out More Test Kitchen-Preferred Products
Our Test Kitchen is constantly testing kitchen gadgets, cleaning gear and food looking for brands that deserve the right to be called Test-Kitchen Preferred.
Be sure to fill your pantry with these favorites: