Low-Carb Bloody Mary co*cktail Recipe With Less Sugar (2024)

A Bloody Mary is a great high-flavor co*cktail, but it can be loaded with sugar and sodium, especially if you use a pre-made Bloody Mary mix. If you make your own, however, you can have a nice brunch co*cktail and get a serving of vegetables at the same time!

Tomato juice, the primary ingredient in a Bloody Mary, is rich in lycopene. This antioxidant is the main reason why tomato juice boasts many benefits for physical activity, and has been found to reduce fatigue caused by exercise, lower oxidative stress, and repair damaged muscles post workout.

Plus, this low-carb co*cktail recipe is sure to help you keep your sugar intake in check while you enjoy this classic alcoholic beverage.Because this recipe is a healthier version, though, you have to be careful not to add more alcohol or tomato juice than the recipe calls for.

Ingredients

• 1 jigger/3 tablespoons vodka
• 6 ouncestomato juice (or see note)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/8 teaspoon celery salt
• 2 to 3 drops hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
• 2 to 3 drops Worcestershire sauce
• 1 dash pepper
• Optional: 1 small dollop horseradish
• Optional garnishes: lemon wedge, celery stalk, olives, co*cktail shrimp

1. In a tall glass, such as a highball, mix vodka, tomato juice, and ​lemon juice. Mix in the seasonings, adjusting to taste.

2. Add ice cubes, and garnish with a lemon wedge, celery stalk, olives, or co*cktail shrimp, if desired.

Variations and Substitutions

An ounce of tomato juice has slightly over one gram of carbohydrate. Most recipes for Bloody Marys have anywhere from 3 to 6 ounces oftomato juice, so you can cut the 6 ounces in half and still be faithful to the Bloody Mary tradition.

To reduce the sodium content, you might consider a lower sodium tomato juice or even low sodium V8. You can also reduce or eliminate the alcohol.

Cooking and Serving Tips

• Because of the ingredient list, the Bloody Mary has been called one of the most complex co*cktails to make. Getting the flavor right requires skill,and depending on your taste buds, a balancing act toget it just right. It is key you're working with fresh ingredients, and some believe that you need to add the ingredients in a certain order, suggesting the spices—such as salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce—are added before the lemon and tomato juices. And finishing with the alcohol is the best way to perfect the Bloody Mary.
• Something else to consider when perfecting your Bloody Mary drink-making skills is whether or not you want it spicy. While this recipe does incorporate Tabasco, you may addcayenne pepperor a little more Tabasco if you prefer more heat. (This will not add carbs, so it's perfectly safe to do.)

By Team Verywell Fit
At Verywell Fit, we are dedicated to empowering you with the best answers to your most pressing questions, from healthy eating to exercise and everything in between.