If You're A Bloody Mary Fan And Vodka Isn't Your Thing, Order A Bloody Maria

There's a delicate art to assembling the Bloody Mary. The beloved brunch cocktail may contain a dish's worth of savory ingredients, but it meshes them in a way that beckons another sip. So to make the best Bloody Mary, you'll need to balance umami, spice, and intriguing seasonings, all blended into a tomato-based juice. Traditionally, such mouthwatering ingredients get stirred with vodka, but if this spirit isn't your thing, don't stress; other clear liquors work, too.

One especially celebrated spin is the Bloody Maria, which swaps in tequila. It's a natural pairing, with the agave liquor's herbaceous, earthy, and slightly spicy palate perfectly melding with the other ingredients. This rendition can be as straightforward as asking the bartender to pour in the agave spirit instead of vodka, or it can be an opportunity to build a whole new set of flavors. Regardless, know that tequila functions as a more aromatic spirit base, lending your Bloody Maria an extra boost of flavor.

As one of the most popular cocktails of all time, the Bloody Mary is no stranger to creative interpretations. Accordingly, this version also opens the door to exciting new directions. However, before picking out ingredient pairings, you'll need to consider the booze itself. Young spirits that haven't spent time in a barrel are the preferred option for this cocktail. As a result, you'll want to go for a blanco, which is also the best tequila for palomas. Such an expression bursts with vibrant vegetal flavors that delectably align with the other additions.

The sky's the limit with non-alcoholic Bloody Maria additions. To meld with the drink's Mexican palate, consider using Tapatio and Tabasco hot sauce. While lemon is utilized in the classic recipe, add some lime into the mix to pair with the agave palate. You can garnish the drink with pickled jalapenos, which will delightfully mingle with the tequila. And take a note from the similar Michelada beer cocktail and cover the glass rim with chamoy, cementing the Bloody Maria's unique quality. Assemble carefully, sip, and enjoy — it'll offer a different experience from the classic.