Fever Tree Bloody Mary

Fever-Tree's Bloody Mary is a ready-to-pour mixer, so the work of balancing a savory tomato base is already done. You add the spirit. Mixers in this style usually combine tomato with a savory-spicy seasoning (expect a peppery heat, some acidity and a salty, umami backbone). Check the label for the exact ingredient list and heat level. The producer's details here don't specify a measured flavor profile or ABV, and the mixer itself is non-alcoholic until you add a spirit. The classic build is vodka over ice. Pour 50 ml of vodka into a tall glass filled with cubes, top with about 120 to 150 ml of mixer, and stir gently for a few seconds so the ice doesn't dilute it too quickly. Chill the mixer in the fridge beforehand and keep the vodka in the freezer. A cold mixer stays thicker and tastes fresher than one poured at room temperature. Shake the bottle before opening, since tomato-based mixers tend to settle. For a drink with more texture, roll the cocktail between two shakers instead of shaking it hard, which keeps it from going frothy. The base also takes other spirits well. Tequila or mezcal makes a Bloody Maria, and the smoke in mezcal suits the tomato. Gin gives a Red Snapper with a more herbal edge. Aquavit works too, because its caraway notes suit savory drinks. Because the seasoning is already in the bottle, you can use it as is or add a dash of hot sauce, Worcestershire, a squeeze of lemon or lime, or a pinch of celery salt to adjust it. A salted or celery-salt rim is optional. If you plan to build several drinks, mix a small test portion first to see how much extra seasoning you want. Serve it in a highball or a Collins glass, which holds plenty of ice and leaves room for garnishes. A celery stick is traditional, and olives, a lemon wedge or a pickled vegetable skewer all work. This is a brunch-style drink, and it pairs well with eggs in most forms, smoked salmon, bacon, and fried or roasted potatoes. Because the mixer is non-alcoholic on its own, you can also serve it over ice with lemon and pepper as a savory tomato drink without any spirit.