For every brilliant Bloody Mary variation we’ve tried, there have been 10 others that have made us cringe. It’s entirely too easy for this cocktail to jump the shark; the garnish game alone can resemble a salad bar in the wrong hands.
One of the easiest ways to experiment within the confines of simplicity, however, is to try your bloody mary with different chili sources: instead of Tabasco, try Sriracha or harissa, then match the condiments accordingly. Here are some of our favorite flavor variations.
- Harissa and preserved lemon (garnished with Moroccan olives)
- Sriracha and lime with a brown sugar rim
- Gojuchang (garnished with kimchee)