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Charred Chile bloody Maria cocktails on a tablecloth
Kate Ramos

Charred Chile Bloody Maria

This isn’t just another “Bloody Maria vs Bloody Mary” debate. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s pure magic: the Charred Chile Bloody Maria. With fresh tomato juice, smoky chile-infused tequila, and lots of fresh lime juice. This is the best brunch cocktail.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Infusion Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Course: cocktail
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 241

Ingredients
  

For the Charred Chile-Infused Tequila:
For the Fresh Tomato Juice:
For the Bloody Maria:

Method
 

  1. Char the jalapeño over a gas flame on the stove, in a dry cast iron pan, under the broiler, or on a grill unit blackened all over. Cut in half, lengthwise.
  2. To make the tequila, place charred chile into 1 1/2 cups tequila and let sit at least 1 hour or up to a week depending on how spicy you'd like it. The longer it sits, the spicier it gets.
  3. To make the tomato juice, put 2 pounds tomatoes, 1 stalk celery, 1/4 cup parsley, and 1/4 small red onion through a juicer. If you don't have a juicer, combine everything in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Makes about 1 quart.
  4. Combine tequila (save the jalapeño for garnish), tomato juice, 1/2 cup lime juice, 2 tablespoons horseradish, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (depending on how spicy you'd like it), 1 teaspoon sal de gusano, and a heavy pinch of black pepper in a pitcher. Stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This can be made up to a day in advance.
  5. To serve: Line a small dish with more sal de gusano, Tajín, or regular kosher salt then add a few good pinches of celery salt and combine. Rub a lime wedge over the lip of a rocks glass then gently tap the top of the glass into the salt mixture to rim the glass with the spices. Fill glass with ice. Give the Bloody Maria a good stir, then fill glass with the cocktail. Skewer a lime wedge, orange wedge, and a piece of the charred jalapeño on a cocktail skewer. Place on top and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 241kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSodium: 772mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10g

Video

Notes

    1. Make Ahead: Both the chile-infused tequila and the fresh tomato juice can be made in advance. The finished Bloody Maria mix keeps well in the fridge for up to a day, making it perfect for easy brunch entertaining.
    2. Flavor Boosters: Swap mezcal for the tequila for smoky depth, or a dash of Maggi seasoning for extra umami.
    3. Sal de Gusano: This Oaxacan worm salt adds a unique, earthy savoriness that’s traditional in Mexican cocktails. Most markets don't carry it, so you'll need to order in online. If you can’t find it, regular kosher salt or Tajín are great substitutes.
    4. Infusion Timing: The longer you infuse the tequila, the spicier and smokier it gets. One hour is mild and approachable; a full day (or up to a week) brings bold, fiery heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, check the flavor after 30 minutes.

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