Flavor Your Ice For A More Robust Bloody Mary

It's hard to imagine ways to further improve a Bloody Mary. It's a masterpiece in savory cocktails that can be enjoyed as an aperitif before dinner or, with the right toppings, can give brunch a filling boost. But amidst all the discussion about the best boosters or garnishes to add to it, there's one element that's been overlooked: the ice. 

Frozen tomato juice is a great way to keep your drink cool without diluting it with melted water. You can also try your Bloody Mary with carrot juice by freezing some ahead of time to introduce an extra dose of a new vegetable. Savory liquids such as pickle brines, juice from preserved peppers, and hot sauce add new layers of taste as your ice melts, steadily transforming your cocktail's flavor profile in delightful ways. You can even mince some of your garnishes and add them to the ice tray to ensure your Bloody Mary is completely saturated with their deliciousness. 

There's nothing wrong with freezing ingredients that are already present in your cocktail, but keep in mind that too much of any one ingredient may create an imbalance of flavors, one of the of ways many people make their Bloody Mary all wrong. A little planning ahead goes along way with this drink, so consider your options carefully and don't be afraid to experiment. There's a plethora of ingredients you can add to a Bloody Mary's ice cubes in order to improve it's taste and presentation.

In addition to the range of flavors you can introduce that boost your Bloody Mary, there are plenty of ingredients that also add a touch of style. Much like balancing your mixers and booze, another key element of any high-quality Bloody Mary is a balance between its flavors and presentation. 

Herbs like basil, sage, bay leaves, and rosemary in ice cubes are as beautiful as they are delicious. If you want them to impart more flavor, heat up the water you plan to freeze and soak the herbs as the water cools. Seasonings like Tajin, cayenne, and cumin add plenty of flavor while the ice melts and add specks of color that play beautifully against frozen vegetable juice, hot sauce, and brines. Zested citrus rinds and horseradish are all excellent choices if you're looking for potent flavor and powerful colors that turn your cocktail into a beautiful display. 

There's also nothing wrong with freezing vegetables like sliced celery and carrots or savory fruits like whole olives. Try adding a teaspoon (or more depending on the size of the cubes) of minced veggies and fruits to each ice cube to increase the amount of flavor they impart while maintaining a lovely presentation.