Some may consider mimosas the official drinks of brunch, but a strong Bloody Mary makes a compelling case for the title. Savory instead of sweet, the full-bodied tomato juice is a much more substantial base to alleviate a hangover from the previous night. Factor in a bold punch of spice, and that classic combination can instantly jolt you straight out of any lingering lethargy.
Let’s zoom in on that subtle heat for a minute. What if we replaced standard-issue Tabasco with something more complex? The American staple is fine for a gentle burn, but let’s be honest: It’s a one-note flavor, without depth or nuance. Kimchi, on the other hand, delivers a wide range of tasting notes, working in harmony to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. Funky, briny, salty, sweet, umami, pungent, and yes, spicy, it’s one of my favorite condiments and meal starters.
Add a shot of vodka and now we’re talking. Inspired by another cocktail from Neighborhood Goods, their original kimchi cocktail takes advantage of luxe liquid kimchi, crafted with all the elements of everyone’s favorite ferment, minus the cabbage. My take doesn’t stray too far but offers a cheap shortcut that includes the vegetables and all. Now you can call it a superfood, right?
Do not skip on the salted rim. Despite the fact that we’re essentially added blended pickles into the mix, it still needs that final high note of pure saline for balance.
How To Make A Perfect Salt Rim
Applying a delicate ring of salt round your glass isn’t rocket surgery, but it does take a certain finesse.
- Take a lime wedge and run the slice around the rim of your glass.
- Place coarse or flaky salt in a shallow dish.
- Dip the rim of your glass in the salt. Roll it around gently to make sure it’s fully coated.
- Fill with ice and pour in your cocktail. Enjoy!
Let’s Talk Liquor
Traditionally, a Bloody Mary calls for vodka. Neutral, smooth, and inoffensive, it’s an easy go-to that always plays well with others. If you wanted to switch up the routine to match with this Asian inspiration, soju is your new best friend. Comparable on many fronts, it’s clear, colorless, and has a high ABV that can reach upwards of 50% for some bottles. What sets it apart is a mild sweetness that can offset the fiery kimchi beautifully. There’s a wide range of options for soju, many of which have added sugar and fruity flavors, which are fun for drinking solo or mixing into sweeter cocktails, but should be avoided in this case.
A proper Bloody Mary is almost like a meal in a glass, even without a wild garnish that includes the entire contents of you fridge and pantry. You can start your day with this invigorating eye-opener any day of the week by simply replacing the alcohol with mushroom stock or vegetable broth, too. Now that’s what I’d call bloody good.
Kimchi Bloody Mary
Kimchi is an eye-opening addition to the classic Bloody Mary. Beyond pure heat, it adds funky, savory, salty, and subtly sweet flavors into the mix.
Ingredients
Kimchi Bloody Mary:
- 1/4 Cup Vegan Kimchi
- 3 Ounces (Generous 1/3 Cup) Bloody Mary Mix
- 4 Ounces (1/2 Cup) Vodka or Unflavored Soju
To Serve:
- Coarse Salt
- Lime Wedges
- Ice
Instructions
- Place the kimchi and bloody mary mix in your blender and puree on high speed. Blend until completely smooth before transferring to a cocktail shaker.
- Add the vodka or soju to the shaker along with a handful of ice. Shake vigorously until chilled; about 10 - 20 seconds.
- Run a lime wedge around the rims of two Collins glasses. Place the salt in a shallow dish and dip the glasses in, coating the edges thoroughly.
- Add ice to each glass and divide the cocktail evenly between the two. Enjoy!
Notes
To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka or soju with low-sodium mushroom stock or vegetable broth.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 45Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 386mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g
All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimations.
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