When it comes to Bloody Marys, everyone has their favorite. Mix that is. Seriously, you need to buy like 37 ingredients to make the perfect Bloody Mary. While on spring break this year, we all decided to put several mixes to the test to determine what is the best Bloody Mary mix.
In years past, I have sort of lived on Mimosas each morning of spring break. This year, I didn't even crack a bottle of bubbly. I know. It is tragic. But, I really can't complain. I think each morning, I changed it up a little bit.
What is the best Bloody Mary Mix?
Ok, folk, we tried three mixes this week.
It quickly became a two-horse race when it came to the best bloody mary mix race. The first mix to take the third spot actually just got dumped out.
Sorry, Tabasco. It hurt us to do this. We love Tabasco at our house. Love it. But the Tabasco Bloody Mary mix just left us feeling blah. Ok, not really since there was still vodka in it, but it was blah compared to the Zing Zang and the Charleston.
The most difficult part of making a Bloody Mary with a mix isn't the vodka to Bloody Mary Mix ratio. It seems to be with what to garnish the Bloody Mary. A stick of celery is a given. We all need to stir up the vodka! I, of course, loved mine with bacon, shrimp, and olives. But other wanted the pepperoncini in their drink.
Once the Bloody Mary's were made, we could start focusing on which was the best Bloody Mary mix.
Let's break it down...
Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix was an instant favorite. Full of flavor - celery, pepper, just enough salt with a nice texture that wasn't too smooth but not too much texture. It was a well rounded with just enough kick it didn't leave me grabbing the hot sauce bottle.
Charleston Bloody Mary mix had a similar texture and hit you with some bold, spicy flavors. At first, a few of us were not sure what we were tasting, but the more we drank the more it grew on us. The strong flavors from Worcestershire sauce rang through the herb flavors which were also much stronger than in the Zing Zang.
At the end of the glass, neither needed much doctoring besides are chosen garnish. Both mixes left quite a bit of sediment behind, in the cup when the glass was finished, but I can't complain about it since it was what gave both mixes so much flavor.
What is your favorite Bloody Mary Mix?
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Sarah
I am a zing zang lover but okoboji lighthouse is excellent as well!
Leah Beyer
Oh, now I have another one to try!!
Jl
V8 bloody Mary mix is my favorite. It has no MSG, and only 40 calls.
Mollie
I just came across this and was intrigued because I love a good Bloody Mary! I will agree that Zing Zang is really tasty, but if you get the chance, check out Jimmy Luvs. It is SO tasty, especially the spicy version if you like your Bloody Mary more on the spicy side.
Lynne
Personally, I like Zing Zang best. Have never found Charleston in the Phoenix or Vegas area.
TJ
Mcclure's Bloody Mary mix is great. Surprised it was tested.
Ashley C
Dimitri’s is my favorite because they have several different recipes and they are, basically, concentrates. So you add a small amount of the mix to tomato juice, V8, or my all-time fave, Clamato. Mmmmmm! I like thugs spicy, so I go with the Chilies & Peppers variety. The Chipotle Habanero will blow your hair back, it’s SPICY!
Karmen Hafner
I have to say I have tried MANY mixes and I always go back to Calvin & Cleo's horseradish bloody mary mix. It is thicker and has chunks of horseradish for just the right amount of heat.
Bari Newcombe
I am a Zing Zang fan. I also add climate juice, it's a great combo!
Bari Newcombe
Clamato juice
Margie
I do like Zing Zang but my favorite is Old Bay. Not sure if you can get it in stores outside of the Baltimore area, but you can order online.
Leah Beyer
Will give it a try! Going to look for it online.
Linda Bell
I have just recently become addicted to the Charleston Bloody Mary Mix. I mostly drink it without the vodka because I’m drinking it everyday, two or more glasses. Of course I do add Tito’s occasionally. I am going to try the Zing Zang today!! Thanks for the article.