I’m a big fan of brunching at home. Don’t get me wrong, going out for brunch is great, especially if you’re nursing a hangover or just don’t feel like cooking. But $15 for eggs and potatoes? And $9 (or more) for a Bloody Mary? Save it for special occasions, and opt for brunch at home most weekends. It can be just as fun, and this way you get to save money while you hang out in your pajamas.
The best way to make brunch at home feel special? A good Bloody Mary. It’s my go-to brunch drink. The tomato juice is crazy refreshing, and pairs well with just about any savory flavor you can think of. The vodka is nice, too.
I love the idea of making tomato juice from scratch, but sometimes that’s just too much work. So as a middle-of-the-road option between buying pre-made mix and slaving away over the food processor, most times, I buy a jug of spicy tomato juice. Then I amp it up. It’s so good, and this recipe works out to about $2 per drink.
I opted for chipotle because I love the spicy, smoky flavor of the chile. A little garlic rounds out the drink, and a garlic-cayenne salt on the rim makes you feel like you’re drinking something restaurant-worthy.
As with any Bloody Mary, the garnishes are key. I strongly recommend using one of the chipotle peppers as a garnish. This way, you get a nice hit of chipotle smell (without charring your tastebuds) every time you take a sip.
Two teaspoons of chipotle liquid with the spicy tomato sauce was the perfect spicy level for me, but you can adjust it as needed, or even add hot sauce.
For a full Mexican-inspired brunch, treat yourself to this Bloody Mary alongside my Chorizo Breakfast Tacos or my Chorizo Breakfast Casserole. (Yes, I am obsessed with chorizo. Never apologizing.) Vegetarian? Try my White Cheddar Omelette. Enjoy, and welcome to the #brunchathome club.
Chipotle Bloody Mary
Ingredients
For the drink
- 2 ounces vodka
- 10 ounces spicy tomato juice
- 2 teaspoons liquid from chipotle peppers in adobo
- Pinch garlic powder
- Ice
For the salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic salt
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- Lime
For the garnish (pick two or three)
- Pepperoncinis
- Chipotle peppers
- Green olives
- Pearl onions
- Bacon
- Feta cubes
Instructions
- Pour vodka, tomato juice, chipotle sauce and garlic powder into a tall mixing glass. You might want to start with one teaspoon of chipotle sauce and taste it before adding the second teaspoon to be sure it’s not to spicy. Mix well with a spoon and set aside.
- In a bowl or saucer, mix garlic salt and cayenne pepper. Distribute in bowl or saucer in an even layer or ring. Cut a slice of lime and grab your Bloody Mary glass (not the mixing glass). Run the lime along the lip of the glass, coating it well. Turn the glass upside down on the bowl or saucer, pressing it into the salt to coat. You might have to repeat several times to get a nice thick rim.
- Fill Bloody Mary glass with a few ice cubes, and top with all of the Bloody Mary mixture.
- Spear your garnishes on a wooden skewer. Voilà! A Bloody Mary fitting for a restaurant.