The Missing Umami-Packed Liquid Your Bloody Mary Is Calling Out For

Few cocktails are more beguiling than the bloody mary. Not only one of the few savory-flavored classics, it's also a breakfast cocktail that packs in a malleable makeup. While traditionally composed of vodka and tomato juice flavored with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon, and salt, the sky's the limit for creative riffs. After all, unlike the sparse three to four-ingredient builds of other drinks, it's easy to slip in an intriguing spice or sauce twist and an especially flavorful candidate is fish sauce. 

Offering a complex savory, salty, and slightly sweet taste, as little as half a teaspoon per drink imbues a delicious character. Don't worry, the bloody mary won't be fishy; instead, the sauce elevates the drink's umami and sweetness. Plus, fish sauce melds well with other components, so there's no need to rewrite the assembly. After all, the condiment does bear a strong resemblance to Worcestershire sauce — this cornerstone ingredient also contains anchovies and a light touch of sugar. So throw in the pantry staple, and you'll get a surprisingly delicious bloody mary rendition as a result.

While you could simply add some fish sauce and enjoy a new take on your bloody mary, the ingredient is also a canvas for creative riffs. With the condiment's frequent use in Asian cuisine, integrate more of the continent's flavors into the mix. For the spice element, consider a dash of sambal, and substitute the lemon with lime; both will meld well with the fish sauce's palate. You could consider also adding soy sauce instead of Worcestershire for the salty backbone. And to really commit to a theme, craft a Thai-inspired tom yum bloody mary, using the namesake paste in the mix.

Alternatively, fish sauce's dense umami spins the drink in other unexpected directions. For one, the condiment's strong flavor means it'll make for a delicious mocktail that nonetheless packs complexity. Alternatively, the sauce lets you change up the spirit base — it'll hold with a gin-based bloody mary. And with the lightly sweet composition, throw in a bit of sweet syrup, and the cocktail won't lean too fruity. Just don't forget to complement your bloody mary mix with fresh ingredients, and you'll surely be impressed with the result.