Spicy Bloody Mary Recipe

Solve a Mystery and Sip a Spicy Bloody Mary! Originally posted on FUONLYKNEW for my virtual book tour.

When you board a cruise ship, you expect a few things: good food, warm sun, fruity drinks, and maybe a little harmless adventure. You don’t usually expect murder. But that’s exactly what Taryn O’Kelly faces in Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses. My latest mystery features amateur sleuthing, unexpected twists, and just enough danger to keep you guessing until the very last chapter.

While Taryn navigates suspicious deaths, secret agendas, and a few heart-pounding surprises, she also manages to enjoy one of cruising’s greatest traditions: the cocktail hour. And let me tell you, no drink captures the spirit of danger and vacation shenanigans quite like a Spicy Bloody Mary.

In fact, here’s a little sneak peek from Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses that shows just how important the right cocktail can be. Even when you’re investigating a murder:

“The guest service guy gave me a different number than the one he shared with Sara,” I said, sipping my Spicy Bloody Mary.“These Bloody Marys are good,” I gushed. “I need this recipe!”

“It’s spicy V8 and Sriracha vodka that makes these so good,” Robert pointed out, taking a sip of his.

“How do you know?” I questioned.

“One, I have very refined taste buds, and two, I asked the first morning I was here,” he grinned.

I started to punch him, but controlled myself. He was a turd. Instead, I smiled, because turd or not, he was funny and sometimes cute.

Inspired by that scene (and a few personal adventures), I’m sharing a cocktail recipe that’s become a family tradition for me during our annual trips to Lake Powell. Every year, my husband’s family and I gather on the lake, and the Spicy Bloody Mary is the drink that gets things started. It’s become a ritual, a little spicy, a little savory, and the perfect way to toast to a new adventure.

Serves: 1

This Bloody Mary isn’t your standard Sunday brunch fare. It’s bold, spicy, and just a little bit mysterious. Perfect for chasing clues or relaxing with a good book.

Ingredients:

2 oz Sriracha vodka
4 oz Clamato juice or Spicy V8
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes hot sauce (like Tabasco)
Pinch of lemon pepper
Pinch of garlic salt
Pinch of regular salt
Pinch of black pepper
Pinch of celery salt
Ice cubes

Garnishes:

Lime wedge
Green olives

Instructions:

Fill a shaker with ice.
Add the Sriracha vodka, Clamato juice, fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon pepper, garlic salt, regular salt, black pepper, and celery salt.
Shake gently to mix all the flavors without over-diluting.
Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge and green olives.

Trust me, after one sip, you’ll understand why Taryn couldn’t resist asking for the recipe. Even while untangling lies, secrets, and danger.

Why the Spicy Bloody Mary?

Choosing the Spicy Bloody Mary for Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses wasn’t random. This drink has a history. It’s classic yet endlessly customizable, much like the mysteries I love writing. It’s spicy, savory, and carries just a hint of danger. Will it be too hot to handle? Will you need another round to settle your nerves after a shocking twist?

Plus, Bloody Marys are practically a cruise tradition. There’s something about salty sea air, deck chairs, and a tall glass of spicy goodness that sets the stage for fun… or maybe a little bit of trouble. Taryn certainly finds a little of both.

A Toast to Adventure (and Murder)

So next time you’re looking for your next read and your next cocktail, consider this a sign. Mix up a Spicy Bloody Mary, curl up somewhere comfortable (preferably with a view of the water, but a backyard chair works just as well), and dive into the high-seas mystery of Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses. Because let’s be honest, everything’s better with a good drink, a juicy murder, and just a little bit of sass.

Cheers to adventures that don’t always go as planned, cocktails that might be a little too delicious and mysteries that keep you guessing long past the last sip!

Like it bold, spicy, and just a little bit dangerous? 🌶️ Try my family’s signature Bloody Mary and let your tastebuds take the lead.
👉 Want more recipes with bite (and a side of murder)? Sign up for my newsletter and get cocktail fun and cozy crime straight to your inbox!

“If life gives you lemons, make a Spicy Bloody Mary and add hot sauce.” – Salty Inspirstions

As always, thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations!