Holiday Bloody Marys
Forget the eggnog. Forget the tired mulled wine. This year, let’s give your holiday gatherings a backbone with a Christmas Bloody Mary!
Introducing the Stu’s Holiday Christmas Bloody ‘Merry’—a cold-weather twist on the classic, perfect for lazy Christmas brunches, snowy afternoons by the fire, or that first cocktail after surviving the family gift exchange.
At Stu’s, we believe in ritual. In making the moment yours. And nothing says “I own this holiday” like mixing a Bloody Mary designed to surprise and delight.
Here’s how to do Christmas Bloody Mary right.
Christmas Bloody Mary Ingredients
- 2 oz. Stu’s This Is Bloody Mary Mix (No filler. No shortcuts. The ritual starts here.)
- 6 oz. high-quality tomato juice
- 1 oz. Aquavit (This Scandinavian spirit brings caraway and warm spice notes for a seasonal kick.)
- Ice
- Garnish: Fresh rosemary sprig (think edible Christmas tree)
Christmas Bloody Mary Directions
- Fill a pint glass with ice.
- Pour in Stu’s This Is Bloody Mary Mix, tomato juice, and Aquavit.
- Stir gently but thoroughly to integrate all those savory layers.
- Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
Pro tip: Gently rub the rosemary between your palms before adding it. It’ll release those piney aromatics…like a Christmas tree in your glass.
Why Aquavit?
For our Christmas Bloody Mary…We chose Aquavit for a reason. Its herbal backbone and warming spices transform the Bloody Mary into a holiday-ready ritual. Caraway, dill, and other botanicals make every sip feel seasonally appropriate without being cloying or sweet.
Because we don’t do sugar-bomb drinks masquerading as “festive.” We do authentic flavor here.
Holiday Hosting Pro Tips
If you’re going to make a signature cocktail for your holiday gathering, you might as well do it right. Here’s how to make sure your Bloody ‘Merry’ is the talk of the party:
1. Batch It Like a Pro
Don’t chain yourself to the bar. Make a pitcher in advance: just scale the ingredients, stir in a large mixing vessel, and keep it chilled until serving time. When guests arrive, all you need to do is pour over ice and garnish.
2. Build a Garnish Bar
People love customizing their drinks. Set out a spread of garnishes—candied bacon, pickled veggies, skewered shrimp, cheese cubes, even mini holiday cookies for the adventurous. The garnish board becomes part of the entertainment.
3. Choose Your Glassware Wisely
Yes, it matters. A tall, clear glass shows off the deep holiday-red hue and lets the rosemary sprig peek out like a piece of edible décor. If you want to go extra festive, rim the glass with a mix of kosher salt and crushed pink peppercorns.
4. Offer a Spirit Swap
While Aquavit is our hero ingredient here, you can keep a bottle of vodka, gin, or even smoky mezcal on hand for guests who want to mix it up. This keeps everyone happy without compromising your signature holiday vibe.
Make It Yours
Want to really own the moment? Customize your garnish board:
- Pickled green beans or asparagus
- Candied bacon for a sweet-savory contrast
- Cheese cubes or smoked meats
- Even a mini grilled cheese on a skewer—don’t hold back
Remember: Your Bloody Mary should never look like everyone else’s.
The Ritual of the Holiday Bloody Mary
This drink isn’t just about flavor—it’s about setting a tone. The holidays can be chaotic. There’s cooking, hosting, gift wrapping, kids hopped up on sugar, and that one relative who still wants to debate politics at the dinner table.
The Holiday Bloody ‘Merry’ is a pause button. It’s you, standing by the fire or the kitchen island, taking a slow sip of something complex and deeply satisfying. The rosemary aroma hits you first—clean, woodsy, and unmistakably festive. Then the tomato, spice, and Aquavit heat settle in. It’s not loud. It’s not trying too hard. It’s just… perfect.
And that’s why it works.
Our Closing Toast…
So here’s our challenge to you: skip the predictable this year. Leave the sugar cookies to the kids and the mulled wine to your aunt who still wears reindeer sweaters unironically.
Make a cocktail that feels like you. Bold. Balanced. A little unexpected.
Raise your glass and wish your guests a Very Bloody Merry Christmas. And when they ask for the recipe, (and they will) just smile and say:
“It’s a Stu’s thing.”
Cheers,
Stu’s – This Is Not a Mix. This Is Bloody Mary.Stu’s – This Is Not a Mix. This Is Bloody Mary.