Skip to main content

Fresh Tomato Bloody Marys

4.4

(6)

Image may contain Drink Beer Alcohol Beverage Cocktail Glass and Juice
Fresh Tomato Bloody MarysJohn Kernick

In July, the abundance of ripe tomatoes means making your own tomato juice is a breeze, and fresh juice, in turn, means a truly superb rendition of a classic Bloody Mary. With a range in the amounts of horseradish, Tabasco, and lemon juice, you can customize the drinks to your liking. The final flourish, rimming the glasses with sea salt and black pepper, adds a slight tingle to each sip.

Cooks' note:

Tomato juice, without horseradish, Tabasco, and lemon juice, can be made 1 day ahead and chilled.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 1/2 hr

  • Yield

    Makes 16 drinks

Ingredients

6 pounds ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped
6 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
2 cups very coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley sprigs (from 1 large bunch)
2 tablespoons fine sea salt, divided
2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons bottled horseradish
2 1/2 to 3 teaspoons Tabasco
2 1/2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Lemon wedges for rims of glasses
16 ounces (2 cups) ice-cold vodka
Garnish: large caper berries or green olives

Preparation

  1. Make tomato juice:

    Step 1

    Purée tomatoes, celery, parsley, and 1 tablespoon sea salt in several batches in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and chill at least 1 hour. Force through a food mill or medium-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding solids (you'll have about 10 cups juice). Add horseradish, Tabasco, and lemon juice.

  2. Assemble drinks:

    Step 2

    Mix remaining tablespoon sea salt and 1 teaspoon finely ground fresh pepper on a small plate. Moisten outside of rim of each glass with lemon wedge, then dip rim in salt and pepper. Fill each glass with ice and 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) vodka, then top with about 2/3 cup juice.

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
This pasta starring summer corn achieves its savory, creamy sauce thanks to one special ingredient: buttermilk powder.
This fast stir-fry dish pairs minced pork and fragrant basil with hot Thai chiles and a crispy fried egg.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Juicy steak, crisp lettuce, and a blender dressing come together for a breezy summer dinner.
This frozen cocktail uses instant espresso for a strong flavor and unbeatable convenience.