A Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail that has been beloved for decades. With its complex mix of flavors, it’s a versatile drink that can be enjoyed at any time of day.
Bloody Mary is a savory drink that blends tomato juice, vodka, and an array of spices that create a slightly tangy and spicy taste. When it comes to pairing your favorite Bloody Mary, there are a few things that one should consider to ensure the best combination.
From brunches to evening hangouts, the drink is versatile and beloved by many. However, as much as the drink is a delicacy on its own, figuring out what best food to pair with bloody mary can take the experience a notch higher.
Here are the best foods to pair with your Bloody Mary that will take your experience to the next level.
Best Food to Pair with Bloody Mary
1. Eggs Benedict
A classic brunch dish like Eggs Benedict would not disappoint paired with a classic Bloody Mary.
The mixture of hollandaise sauce, eggs, and toast goes perfectly with the spice of tomato juice, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce in the cocktail.
The social aspect of brunch makes it the perfect time to share a pitcher of Bloody Marys with friends and indulge in some eggs Benedicts.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Want something comforting while you sip your Bloody Mary? Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich, and you won’t go wrong.
The smoky flavor from the grilled cheese compliments the heat of the Bloody Mary. This combination is perfect for a cozy night in, watching a movie on the couch.
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3. Spicy Tuna Roll
If you crave sushi, a spicy tuna roll with a Bloody Mary will not disappoint. The wasabi in the sushi enhances the flavors of the horseradish and hot sauce in the cocktail. The best part of this pairing is that it can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal.
4. Smoked Salmon and Bagel
If you’re feeling a little fancy, replace your regular breakfast with a smoked salmon and bagel served with cream cheese paired with your Bloody Mary.
The salty and sweet taste of the salmon mixed with the creaminess of the cream cheese matches the spicy tomato flavor of the Bloody Mary.
5. Pizza
Who says you can’t make pizza a gourmet meal by pairing it with a Bloody Mary? The tangy tomato sauce in the pizza, combined with the savory flavor of sliced pepperoni, pairs perfectly with the spices of the cocktail.
This pairing is perfect for a game night with friends or an easy weeknight dinner.
6. Spicy Foods
Bloody Mary is a spicy drink, which means that it pairs perfectly with other spicy foods. Spicy foods add an extra kick that enhances the flavor of the drink.
Some of the best spicy foods to pair with Bloody Mary include hot wings, jalapeno poppers, and spicy shrimp tacos.
The heat from these foods complements the heat from the drink and creates a perfect balance of flavor.
7. Bistro-Style Fries
If you’re a fan of salty foods, then bistro-style fries are a perfect match. This combination creates a unique taste, and the crunchiness of the fries contrasts with the smooth texture of the drink. (Recipe)
Bistro-style fries are thick-cut, which makes them stand up to the bold flavor of the drink. Plus, the saltiness of the fries helps to balance the tanginess of the Bloody Mary.
8. Smoked Meats
Another perfect food that pairs well with Bloody Mary is smoked meat. Smoked beef sausage, pork ribs, or pork belly are all excellent options.
The smoky flavors of the meat play off the spice in the drink and enhance the overall taste. The savory, smoky flavor of the meat pairs well with the savory and tangy flavor of the drink.
9. Fried Chicken Sandwich
One of the newest pairings that have taken the cocktail world by storm is the fried chicken sandwich with Bloody Mary.
This combination works perfectly because the sandwich provides a crisp and juicy bite while the drink creates a tangy and spicy sensation.
The sandwich’s breading is the key component in this pairing, as it soaks up the drink’s flavors and helps to create a perfect balance of taste.
10. Seafood
Seafood pairs well with Bloody Mary because the drink’s acidity complements the rich brininess of the seafood. Oysters are a perfect choice, but you can also consider pairing them with smoked salmon, crab cakes, or shrimp cocktails.
The seafood’s delicate flavors match perfectly with the drink’s bold spices, and this pairing creates an exquisite taste.
11. Bacon
Bacon and Bloody Mary are a match made in heaven. The smoky, salty flavor of the bacon blends well with the spicy tang of the drink.
12. Avocado toast
Avocado toast is not only Instagram-worthy, but it also pairs excellently with Bloody Mary. The creamy and buttery taste of the avocado mixes well with the cocktail’s acidic notes.
13. Deviled eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic brunch option, and they make a perfect pairing with Bloody Mary. The yolk filling and the spiciness of the cocktail complement each other.
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14. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is comfort food that pairs beautifully with Bloody Mary. The crispy crust and succulent meat balance out the spicy flavors of the cocktail.
15. Wings
Chicken wings are another classic bar food that pairs well with Bloody Mary. The spiciness of the sauce and the cocktail create an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
16. Shrimp cocktail
The shrimp cocktail is a classic seafood starter that pairs beautifully with Bloody Mary. The shrimp’s sweetness and the spiciness of the cocktail create a perfect balance of flavors. (Recipe)
17. Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a light and fresh appetizer that pairs well with Bloody Mary. The tomato and basil flavors in the bruschetta are a perfect match for the tomato-based cocktail.
18. Crab cakes
Crab cakes are a great seafood option that pairs well with Bloody Mary. The savory and crispy cakes and the cocktail create a perfect balance of flavors.
19. Cheeseburger
Cheeseburger and Bloody Mary are a perfect combo that will satisfy your cravings. The cheese, meat, and spicy cocktail create an explosion of flavors that every burger lover will enjoy.
20. Nachos
Nachos are a classic bar food that pairs well with Bloody Mary. The crunchy tortilla chips, melted cheese, salsa, and spicy cocktail create a perfect balance of flavors.
21. Gumbo
Gumbo is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with Bloody Mary. The spicy and rich flavors of the gumbo and the cocktail complement each other well.
22. Tacos
Tacos and Bloody Mary is a delicious combination that everyone should try. The meat, cheese, salsa, and hot sauce in the tacos pair perfectly with the cocktail.
Find Out More: The Perfect Pairing: Food and Vodka
Wrap Up
In conclusion, there are endless options for pairing food with Bloody Mary. Still, any of the foods listed above are sure to make your taste buds sing. The key to a perfect pairing is finding what suits your palate best.
The best way to find your perfect pairing is to try different combinations until you find one that works for you.
Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous foodie, there’s a Bloody Mary pairing waiting for you. Remember, the possibilities are endless! Happy pairing!
FAQs
What flavor doesn’t go well with a bloody mary?
It is not recommended to use sweet flavors, such as fruity or syrupy ones, with a bloody mary. Sweet ingredients can clash with the savory tomato juice and other spices that are already in the drink.
Additionally, strong herbal flavors like rosemary or oregano don’t pair well with a bloody mary either because they can overpower the rest of the flavor profile.
Finally, avoid acidic ingredients such as lemon or lime juice; these will take away from the overall taste of the drink.
Instead, experiment with adding traditional vegetables like celery, olives and pickles for a more balanced and delicious experience.