Ranch Bloody Mary Recipe

Name: Ranch Bloody Mary
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon dry ranch dressing mix, divided; 4 oz tomato juice; 2 oz vodka; 1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lime juice; 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce; 2 dashes hot sauce, such as Tabasco®; 1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon dry ranch dressing mix, divided
4 fluid ounces tomato juice
2 fluid ounces vodka
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes hot sauce, such as Tabasco
1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish

Directions:

Place 1/2 teaspoon of dry ranch dressing mix on a plate.
Run a piece of lime around the rim of your glass.
Dip the rim into the ranch dressing mix, coating it evenly. Set the glass aside.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
To the shaker, add the tomato juice, vodka, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of dry ranch mix.
Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels frosty, about 30 seconds.
Pour the mixture into the prepared glass.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	163	-
Total Fat	0g	1%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	626mg	27%
Total Carbohydrate	7g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1g	3%
Total Sugars	4g	-
Protein	2g	4%
Vitamin C	88mg	98%
Calcium	31mg	2%
Iron	1mg	4%
Potassium	328mg	7%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Ranch Bloody Mary is a delightful variation of the classic Bloody Mary, adding an extra layer of flavor with the tangy richness of ranch dressing. This cocktail stands out for its unique preparation, which includes a dry ranch dressing mix both in the drink itself and as a rim garnish. It's a refreshing, savory drink that appeals to those who enjoy bold, zesty flavors in their beverages.

History and Origins of the Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary is believed to have originated in the 1920s or 1930s, with its first appearance in bars in Paris or New York, depending on the account. Its exact origin is somewhat disputed, but it is widely credited to bartender Fernand Petiot, who is said to have invented it at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. The drink's original recipe included vodka, tomato juice, lemon, and seasonings, with the name "Bloody Mary" likely being a reference to Queen Mary I of England, known for her bloody reign.

Regional Variations and the Ranch Twist

Bloody Marys are often customized depending on regional tastes. In the United States, it's common to see variations involving different spices, garnishes, and alcohols. Some regions add unique ingredients like clam juice, horseradish, or celery salt, and it is often served with an elaborate garnish featuring anything from olives and pickles to shrimp. The Ranch Bloody Mary is a distinctly American take on this classic, particularly popular in the Midwest, where ranch dressing is a beloved condiment. The addition of ranch dressing mix, both inside the drink and on the rim, gives it a creamy, savory depth that sets it apart from the original version.

What Sets the Ranch Bloody Mary Apart

What makes the Ranch Bloody Mary stand out is its incorporation of ranch dressing flavors into the mix. While a traditional Bloody Mary relies on a blend of spices and seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, and hot sauce, the Ranch Bloody Mary adds a distinctive creaminess with the ranch dressing mix. This gives the drink a smoother texture and a rich, tangy taste that complements the spiciness of the tomato juice and the heat from the hot sauce. Additionally, the glass rimmed with ranch seasoning adds another layer of flavor right from the first sip, creating a multi-dimensional drinking experience.

Where to Enjoy the Ranch Bloody Mary

The Ranch Bloody Mary is commonly served at brunches, especially in American diners and bars where Bloody Marys are a popular choice for weekend cocktails. It's the perfect drink to enjoy with breakfast or a light lunch, as its savory profile pairs well with rich foods like eggs, bacon, and avocado toast. You can often find it as a specialty cocktail on brunch menus, particularly in regions where ranch dressing is a local favorite. The drink is also a fun choice for gatherings, with its quirky ranch twist making it a conversation starter at parties.

Fun Facts about the Ranch Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary has been referred to as "the perfect hangover cure" due to its combination of alcohol and electrolytes from the tomato juice.
Ranch dressing, which originated in the 1950s in California, is one of the most popular salad dressings in the United States, making it a fitting addition to this cocktail.
Some variations of the Bloody Mary include toppings like bacon, shrimp, and even entire meals, making it a cocktail that doubles as a snack!
The spicy, tangy flavor of a Ranch Bloody Mary is said to complement the effects of alcohol by stimulating appetite and enhancing the drinker's taste buds.

Conclusion

Whether you're a Bloody Mary aficionado or just looking for a fun twist on the classic, the Ranch Bloody Mary offers a creamy, savory alternative that's both refreshing and satisfying. Its unique blend of flavors, from the tangy ranch dressing to the zesty spices, creates a cocktail that's perfect for brunch or any casual gathering. If you're looking to try something new, this cocktail is sure to impress and delight!

FAQ about Ranch Bloody Mary Recipe

If you have leftover Ranch Bloody Mary, it's best to store the liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the rimming of the glass with ranch dressing mix may lose its crispness after a few hours. Re-rim the glass with ranch dressing mix before serving for the best experience.

You can prepare the liquid mixture (tomato juice, vodka, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and ranch dressing mix) ahead of time and refrigerate it. However, it’s best to add the ice and rim the glass just before serving to maintain the texture and freshness.

Yes, you can use any brand of ranch dressing mix you prefer. The flavor profile may vary slightly depending on the brand, but it will still work well for this recipe.

If you prefer not to use vodka, you can substitute it with tequila or gin for a different flavor twist. Keep in mind, this will change the overall taste of the cocktail, but it will still maintain the essence of a Bloody Mary.

Yes, you can use fresh grated horseradish instead of prepared horseradish. Start with a small amount and taste, as fresh horseradish can be more potent.

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a combination of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of sugar. While it won't be exactly the same, it will provide a similar depth of flavor.

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce (such as Tabasco®) to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder drink, start with one dash and taste before adding more.

Serve the Ranch Bloody Mary in a highball or pint glass. Garnish with a lime wedge, celery stick, or even a skewer of pickled vegetables or olives for extra flavor and decoration.

Yes, you can easily scale the recipe to make a larger batch. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Be sure to mix the ingredients well, and adjust the ranch dressing mix according to taste.

Once opened, dry ranch dressing mix typically lasts for about 6 months if stored in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed. Check the expiration date on the packaging for the most accurate information.