There’s something bold and comforting about the Bloody Bull-it’s like your favorite brunch dish and cocktail all in one glass. With savory beef broth, bright tomato juice, and a kick of spice, this drink is rich, zesty, and surprisingly satisfying. I’ve made this drink countless times-especially after a late night-and here’s a tip: always use fresh lemon juice. It makes all the difference.
Bloody Bull
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball or pint glass
Ingredients
– Vodka: 1.5 oz (45 ml)
– Tomato juice: 3 oz (90 ml)
– Beef broth: 3 oz (90 ml) – *low-sodium preferred*
– Fresh lemon juice: 1 oz (30 ml)
– Worcestershire sauce: 2-3 dashes
– Hot sauce (like Tabasco): 2-3 dashes (adjust to taste)
– Salt: pinch
– Freshly ground black pepper: pinch
– Ice: for serving
– Optional garnish: lemon wedge, celery stalk, or crispy bacon strip
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, tomato juice, beef broth, and lemon juice.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper.
- Shake gently for about 10 seconds-just enough to mix and chill everything.
- Fill a highball or pint glass with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge, celery stalk, or even a slice of bacon if you’re feeling indulgent.
Tips for Success
- Use chilled ingredients if you want to skip the ice and keep things cold.
- Taste before serving: Some tomato juices are saltier than others. Adjust salt and spice after shaking.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap in a rich vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Mushroom broth works great too.
- Spice it up or down: Add more hot sauce for heat, or skip it if you’re spice-sensitive.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix everything but the vodka ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just pour over ice with vodka and garnish. It’s a great way to prep for brunch with friends.
Storage
Store the pre-mixed (non-alcoholic) Bloody Bull base in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 2 days. Once mixed with vodka, enjoy it right away for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I love pairing it with brunch favorites. Here are a few ideas:
Perfect Pairings
– Loaded Omelette: Cheesy, veggie-packed omelettes balance the drink’s tang and spice.
– Grilled Steak: A slice of medium-rare steak echoes the beefy base and adds serious brunch vibes.
– Spicy Shrimp: Grilled or sautéed shrimp with Cajun seasoning match the cocktail’s heat beautifully.
This has been my go-to cocktail for lazy weekend brunches. It’s bold enough to wake you up, but smooth enough to sip slowly.
Variations to Try
Sometimes you want to switch things up. Here are a few fun riffs on the Bloody Bull:
Bloody Maria
– Replace vodka with tequila for a south-of-the-border spin.
Bloody Caesar
– Use Clamato juice instead of tomato juice for a briny, Canadian twist.
Smoky Bloody Bull
– Add a splash (about ¼ tsp) of liquid smoke for a campfire vibe.
Virgin Bloody Bull
– Skip the vodka. Mix tomato juice, beef (or veggie) broth, lemon juice, and seasonings. Serve over ice with your favorite garnish.
Common Questions
Can I make this without ice?
Yes-just chill all the ingredients ahead of time and serve in a cold glass.
What’s the best vodka to use?
Any clean, neutral vodka works well. No need to splurge-just choose one you like the taste of.
Is this really a brunch drink?
Absolutely, but don’t let that stop you. It’s great in the afternoon or even as a savory pre-dinner cocktail.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can sub in soy sauce for a similar umami kick, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Can I batch this for a crowd?
Totally. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, mix everything except vodka and ice, and chill. Stir in vodka just before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Bloody Bull is one of those cocktails that surprises people-in the best way. It’s rich, savory, and full of flavor, but still refreshing. Whether you’re nursing a hangover, hosting brunch, or just craving something different, this drink delivers. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite.
