Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire | Salsa Mezcal Bloody Mary Recipe

This cocktail recipe is brought to you in partnership with Drizly.

“What if you blended Pace salsa into a Bloody Mary?” my mother asked.

I didn’t really know what to say. I don’t order Bloody Marys—I’m a Bellini gal at brunch—so I wasn’t entirely sure what they should taste like. I guess it could be like salsa? And she had been a bartender for years. We were chatting about my upcoming sponsored posts and I mentioned Drizly had asked me to create a unique recipe using mezcal. Somehow my mother’s mind instantly went to salsa.

“I think it could be really good. Pace already has a lot of the flavors you’d want in a Bloody Mary, and I bet the smoky flavor of Mezcal would balance it out nicely.”

I wasn’t sold. The whole thing sounded too simple. And to be honest, my mother is so quick to jump to Pace that I wasn’t sure if it was a real recipe idea or a fan-girl moment. (When she moved to the Midwest in the 1980s, Pace wasn’t available at her new grocery store so she wrote letters until it was. You’re welcome for her contribution to your taco night, central Illinois shoppers.) I told her I’d give it a shot and make a margarita instead if it didn’t work out. But in case you haven’t guessed it, the sweet and sour mix hasn’t left the liquor cabinet. It turns out, you can make a damn good Bloody Mary from salsa and mezcal is the perfect pairing. As always, mom was right. How do they do that?

Maybe you have a Bloody Mary mix you already adore. I’m sure mezcal would work well there too. For those of us without a favorite pre-made mix, let me recommend this easy concoction. The addition of tomato juice keeps it from being too thick while all the flavors in the salsa (and juice, if you pick the right one) add the savory heat you crave. Mezcal’s signature smoke is the cherry on top. Or should I say cherry tomato on top!

Here’s how to make it.

Salsa Mezcal Bloody Mary Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz. Mezcal (I went for the budget friendly Monte Alban)
  • 3/4 C Pace Salsa
  • 3/4 C V8 Spicy Hot Tomato Juice
  • Ice
  • Celery
  • Black pepper

Salsa Mezcal Bloody Mary Directions

  • Blend Pace Salsa, V8, and Mezcal until smooth
  • Pour over ice
  • Add black pepper to taste
  • Garnish with a celery stick and enjoy

I served mine in a fun vintage glass with my favorite vintage cocktail napkin, but if you don’t obsessively shop weird bar accessories at garage sales any old cup will obviously do.

What are you making with mezcal? I’m excited to try this delicious liquor in more recipes soon. Need a bottle? I’ve been using Drizly’s alcohol delivery service since its first weekend in St. Louis. Stay home and let the drinks come to you!

Thank you for sponsoring this post, Drizly. All opinions are my own.

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