Look no further than the Bloody Brilliant Brunch: Mastering The Recipe Bloody Mary Cocktail,
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s shake, sip, and serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
A Cocktail with Character: Why the Bloody Mary Endures
There are cocktails that come and go with trends, and then there are cocktails that become cultural icons. The Bloody Mary falls firmly into the latter. Ask any bartender in Australia—or anywhere in the world—and they’ll tell you this tomato-based, spice-packed drink is unlike any other.
It’s not just a cocktail; it’s part of brunch culture, a supposed hangover cure, and a canvas for creativity with garnishes ranging from a simple celery stalk to an entire cheeseburger perched on top.
But here’s where the professional side comes in: in Australia, bartenders also need to think beyond taste. They need to consider responsible service of alcohol (RSA), standard drinks, and customer wellbeing. That’s what makes the Bloody Mary an excellent case study in both flavour and responsible bartending.
A Brief History of the Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary has as many origin stories as it does garnish variations. One of the most credible credits Fernand Petiot, a French bartender at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, with mixing vodka and tomato juice in the 1920s. When Petiot later moved to New York’s King Cole Bar, he added Worcestershire sauce, lemon, and spices—transforming it into the complex cocktail we know today.
Fast forward to the present, and the Bloody Mary has become a brunch staple across the globe, including here in Australia. It’s often enjoyed mid-morning, making RSA knowledge essential for bartenders—because while it feels like a “light” drink, it actually contains nearly two standard drinks in a single serve.
Why Australians Love the Bloody Mary
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Customisable Flavour Profile
From extra spicy to mellow and tangy, every element of a Bloody Mary can be tweaked. Australians in particular love adding local chilli sauces, smoked salts, or even swapping vodka for native-inspired spirits. -
Perfect for Brunch
Brunch is big in Australia, and the Bloody Mary fits perfectly alongside smashed avo toast, eggs Benny, or seafood platters. Its savoury, filling quality makes it “a meal in a glass.” -
The Hangover Cure Myth
The Bloody Mary is infamous as a “hair of the dog” remedy. Scientifically though, alcohol doesn’t cure a hangover. The tomato juice, lemon, and salt may help replenish vitamins and electrolytes, but alcohol may actually delay recovery. That’s why RSA and NHMRC guidelines remind us to always prioritise responsible drinking.
Breaking Down the Ingredients (with Aussie Insights)
Vodka
The backbone of the drink. In Australia, you can choose from global names like Absolut or Smirnoff, or support locals like Archie Rose and Grainshaker. Each brings its own smoothness—perfect opportunity to add an affiliate link to a recommended bottle.
Tomato Juice
Freshly pressed tomato juice adds vibrancy, but many Aussies use store-bought. Brands like Campbell’s or Clamato (for a Caesar variation) are common. For home bartenders, fresh is best if you can manage it.
Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed adds balance and brightness. In a professional bar setting, always use fresh citrus—it elevates the drink and shows care.
Worcestershire Sauce
The umami booster. Aussies often reach for Holbrooks, while international bartenders swear by Lea & Perrins.
Hot Sauce
Tabasco is classic, but local favourites like Byron Bay Chilli Co. add a uniquely Aussie kick.
Spices & Seasonings
Salt, pepper, and celery salt round out the flavour profile. Some bartenders also add smoked paprika or horseradish for extra depth.
Garnishes
Celery stalks are traditional, but Aussies love to experiment: pickled beans, prawns, bacon, or even sliders. Just remember food safety—don’t leave garnishes unrefrigerated during service.
The Classic Bloody Mary Recipe (Australian Standard Drinks Version)
Ingredients (per serve):
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60ml vodka (≈1.9 standard drinks if 40% ABV)
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180ml tomato juice
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15ml lemon juice
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2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
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2–3 dashes hot sauce (adjust to taste)
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Pinch of celery salt
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Pinch of cracked black pepper
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Ice cubes
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Garnish: celery stalk, lemon wedge, olives, or pickles
Method:
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Fill a tall glass with ice.
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In a shaker or jug, combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and seasonings. Stir gently.
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Taste and adjust—more spice, more umami, or more citrus, depending on your style.
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Pour over ice and garnish.
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Serve with a smile (and an RSA-aware mindset).
Creative Variations
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Bloody Maria → Swap vodka for tequila.
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Bloody Caesar → Use Clamato juice (popular in Canada).
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Green Bloody Mary → Made with tomatillos or green tomatoes.
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Michelada → Mexican cousin made with beer.
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Virgin Mary → A non-alcoholic option using Lyre’s or another 0% spirit (perfect affiliate link placement).
Each variation is a chance to experiment, showcase local ingredients, and cater to customer preferences.
Expert Tips from Behind the Bar
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Use chilled tomato juice so the drink isn’t watered down.
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Offer a “spice scale” to guests (mild, medium, hot).
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Build a Bloody Mary garnish bar at brunch events—olives, pickles, prawns, bacon strips.
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Educate customers about standard drinks if they order multiple serves.
Food Pairings
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Classic Brunch → Eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, avo toast.
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Aussie Twist → Brekkie rolls, seafood platters, or chilli scrambled eggs.
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Bold Matches → Fried chicken, spicy Asian fusion dishes.
Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Reminder
In Australia, the RSA is law. Even a brunch cocktail like the Bloody Mary counts as a standard serve of alcohol. Bartenders must:
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Track how many standard drinks a guest consumes.
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Refuse service if a patron shows signs of intoxication.
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Provide water and food options.
👉 A Bloody Mary isn’t just a drink; it’s an opportunity to practice responsible bartending.
Friendly FAQs
How many standard drinks are in a Bloody Mary?
A classic Bloody Mary with 60ml vodka is about 1.9 standard drinks in Australia.
Is a Bloody Mary really a hangover cure?
No. While it contains nutrients that may help recovery, alcohol may worsen dehydration.
What is the best vodka for a Bloody Mary in Australia?
Locals love Archie Rose or Grainshaker, but Absolut and Smirnoff are widely used too.
Can you make a non-alcoholic Bloody Mary?
Yes—swap vodka for Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirit or simply leave it out.
Conclusion
Thanks for joining us behind the bar!
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
👉 What are you shaking up these days?
👉 What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
And remember, if you’re mixing up a Bloody Mary here in Australia—whether it’s for brunch service or a Sunday session at home—always keep Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) front of mind. Knowing how to calculate standard drinks and serving responsibly is what separates good bartenders from great ones.
For more information on licensing, RSA training, and serving alcohol responsibly in NSW, check out Liquor & Gaming NSW. It’s an essential resource for anyone working in hospitality.
Check out more :
The Espresso Martini Recipe
The Mint Julep Recipe
Bloody Mary Cocktail Recipe
Gin and Tonic Recipe
Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe
Strawberry Daiquiri Recipe
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.