When it comes to selecting horseradish for bloody mary recipes to add that extra kick to the classic cocktail, you should be aware that not all horseradish is created equal.
As part of the same family as mustard and wasabi, the root vegetable has been used the world over as a spice and as a condiment. Its distinctive heat has been used to spice up cooking for centuries, and it’s also a great way to elevate your bloody mary recipe to the next level.
The delicious and classic bloody mary recipe includes vodka, tomato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice and is served in a glass rimmed with celery salt.
And whether you build your bloody marys from scratch or use a bloody mary mix, there’s always room for a bit of extra kick.
Fresh vs. Store-Bought
If you’re looking for a little extra heat in your quest for the perfect bloody mary recipe, the introduction of horseradish to your drink may be the answer.
But what should you look for in the stores: fresh horseradish root, prepared horseradish, horseradish sauce, or a ready-made bloody mary mix that already contains this spicy ingredient?
Horseradish Root
If you plan to use freshly grated, the key is to prepare it just before use. Once grated, it will begin to lose its signature heat if left unused in the open air. Do not mass grate your horseradish rhizome ahead of time.
When it’s time to put your bloody mary together, simply grate and add it at the last moment.
Prepared Horseradish
Store-bought prepared horseradish means that some of the work has been done for you. Prepared horseradish, blended with vinegar, salt, and sugar, is a convenient way of adding some kick to your cocktails, and its flavor is similar to that of pure grated horseradish.
Horseradish Sauce
You may have spotted bottles of horseradish sauce in your local supermarket and are wondering if you can use that in your bloody marys. Well, that will depend on which side of the pond you are from, as the term ‘horseradish sauce’ has a slightly different meaning in the US and the UK.
In the UK, horseradish sauce is similar to the US’ prepared horseradish and is made from grated horseradish and vinegar, with added sugar.
In the US, the term “horseradish sauce” refers to grated horseradish combined with mayonnaise or salad dressing—maybe not the best addition to a bloody mary recipe!
Horseradish Bloody Mary Mix
If you prefer the ‘quick and easy’ approach to making bloody marys, then store-bought bloody mary mixes are the way forward. The mixes already contain the bulk of the bloody mary’s ingredients—tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, and jalapeno or cayenne pepper—and you can find many variations on the theme, including bloody mary mixes that already contain horseradish.
How To Make A Horseradish Bloody Mary
If you fancy the idea of spicing up your life with a horseradish-infused bloody mary, simply assemble the ingredients and get mixing to see how it can take a good bloody mary and turn it into the best bloody mary:
Ingredients for a Horseradish Bloody Mary Recipe
Tomato juice: Either straight tomato juice or a tomato and vegetable blend, including pickled vegetables such as green beans in the juice, can be used for your bloody marys.
Vodka: This is the alcohol base of a bloody Mary cocktail, and you can use your favorite vodka brand.
Horseradish: Either fresh, grated root, or store-bought prepared.
Hot pepper sauce: Whether you choose Tabasco or an alternative, maybe add a little less than usual when also adding horseradish.
Worcestershire sauce: The UK sauce with a tricky pronunciation (wuss-ter-shear) adds an extra layer of flavor with just a few dashes.
Lime juice: Lemon juice also works well to add a fresh citrus twist, and the choice is yours.
Spices: Celery salt for the glass’ rim and fresh cracked pepper for this cocktail.
Garnish: Your garnish of choice, be that a stick of celery or asparagus, a lemon wedge, pickled veggies, olives, or, for a more adventurous and savory taste, a piece of crispy bacon.
Rim Salt: Traditionally, celery salt is used, but you can make your own mix using kosher salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Glasses and ice: A highball glass is often used to serve a bloody mary, and don’t forget to add ice.
Building the Best Horseradish Bloody Mary
To bring everything together, first of all, decide whether you are making individual bloody marys or making a batch. For individual drinks, simply add the ice to your prepared glass and then add the vodka and lemon or lime juice. From there, you can add the rest of the delicious ingredients, followed by your garnish of choice.
To make a larger batch, you can first prepare the best bloody mary mix by combining all the ingredients, with the exception of the vodka, by using a cocktail shaker or a vigorous stir.
Your new favorite bloody mary mix, with the added horseradish, will keep in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to serve, simply pour into glasses over ice and add vodka.
And if you just want to enjoy a horseradish-y bloody mary without the hassle of shopping and then mixing all the ingredients, you can simply buy a pre-made bloody mary mix that already has the ingredient inside.
FAQs
How many Scoville units is horseradish?
Horseradish, arugula, wasabi, radish, and mustards don’t have their heat measured using the Scoville Scale. They contain a compound called allyl isothiocyanate, and the Scoville scale is used to measure the concentration of capsaicinoids, which are present in chilis.
Is horseradish spicier than wasabi?
Wasabi is significantly hotter than horseradish. The heat of wasabi comes on quickly and dissipates quickly, while the heat of horseradish lingers a little longer.
What is a good garnish for a Bloody Mary?
Garnish ideas include olives, celery, cucumber, dill, basil, parsley, dill pickles, pickled green beans, asparagus, cheese cubes, and crispy bacon. You could also add a splash of pickle juice or olive juice to your drink for extra flavor in your bloody mary.
What is Worcestershire sauce made from?
The UK sauce works perfectly in a bloody mary recipe, and the main ingredients include malt vinegar, spirit vinegar, anchovies, tamarind, garlic, onions, molasses, sugar, salt, spices, and flavorings.
Key Takeaways
- For tweaking your bloody mary recipe and adding an extra layer of spice, horseradish is it.
- Be careful when buying your horseradish, and remember to avoid sauce with mayonnaise.
- When using fresh root, don’t grate it too far ahead of time for fear of losing that extra kick.
- If you are making your cocktails from scratch, the freshest ingredients will ensure the best possible taste.
- Garnish your glass with a rim of celery salt and black pepper or Old Bay seasoning.
