Are bloody marys a lot of calories? A deep dive into the classic cocktail's nutrition

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

While a standard Bloody Mary can contain between 120 and 200 calories, the total can fluctuate significantly depending on how it's prepared. This variation begs the question, are bloody marys a lot of calories? It all comes down to controlling the key ingredients and, more importantly, the often-extravagant garnishes.

Quick Summary

The total calories in a Bloody Mary are largely determined by the amount of vodka, the type of mix used, and the garnishes added. Although it can be a relatively low-calorie cocktail, choices like high-sodium mixes and excessive toppings can raise its nutritional impact. Opting for a virgin or 'skinny' version can significantly reduce calories.

Key Points

Vodka is a key calorie source: A 1.5 to 2 oz pour of vodka accounts for nearly half the calories in a standard Bloody Mary, with higher proof liquor containing more calories.
Garnishes make a difference: While a simple celery stick is low-calorie, extravagant additions like bacon, cheese, or fried foods can drastically increase the total calorie count.
Tomato juice adds nutrients: The tomato base provides vitamins A and C, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene, but store-bought mixes can be high in sodium.
Virgin options save calories: Removing the vodka for a Virgin Mary is the most effective way to reduce the cocktail's overall calorie and alcohol content, while retaining its flavor.
Bloody Mary is a moderate option: When compared to other mixed drinks like piña coladas or white Russians, a simple Bloody Mary is a relatively lower-calorie choice.
DIY mixes offer control: Making your own Bloody Mary mix from fresh tomatoes or low-sodium juice allows you to control the exact amount of calories, sodium, and other additives.

A Bloody Mary is a beloved cocktail, particularly popular during brunch. Known for its savory, complex flavor, it often gets a reputation as a 'healthier' option due to its vegetable-based tomato juice. However, the calorie content is not as straightforward as it seems. While the core ingredients are relatively benign, the add-ons can quickly turn it into a calorie-laden meal in a glass. Understanding what contributes to the final tally is key for anyone watching their intake.

The Calorie Breakdown: Core Ingredients

To understand the cocktail's nutritional profile, we must look at its basic components. The standard recipe typically includes vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, and a blend of spices like Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and horseradish.

Vodka

The alcohol in a Bloody Mary is the most significant source of calories. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories. Many recipes, especially at bars and restaurants, might call for a more generous pour of 2 ounces or more, which increases the calorie count to over 120 calories from the spirit alone. The proof of the vodka also plays a role, with higher proof varieties having more calories per ounce.

Tomato Juice

Tomato juice provides the body and nutritional benefits of the drink, but it also adds to the calorie and, notably, sodium content. A 6-ounce serving of standard tomato juice contains about 32 calories. While low in sugar compared to many fruit juices, pre-made mixes can have high sodium levels, which is something to consider for a healthy diet. Choosing a low-sodium or fresh tomato puree can significantly improve the drink's nutritional profile.

Mixers and Spices

The other ingredients contribute very few calories but are packed with flavor. Lemon juice, horseradish, and various spices add zest without significant caloric impact. However, some commercially available Bloody Mary mixes add sugar and preservatives, which can increase the calorie count. Making your own mix allows for complete control over all ingredients.

The Calorie Impact of Garnishes

What truly differentiates a moderate Bloody Mary from a calorie bomb is the garnish. While a simple celery stick is a nutritious and low-calorie choice, the trend of over-the-top, vertical buffet-style garnishes can turn the drink into a full meal.

Here’s a look at how different garnishes can add up:

Healthy additions: Celery sticks, pickles, olives, and lemon wedges add flavor and texture with minimal calories.
Higher-calorie toppings: The addition of foods like bacon strips, cheese cubes, or fried items like chicken wings can quickly add hundreds of extra calories and saturated fats.
The extreme example: The most indulgent Bloody Marys, garnished with sliders, onion rings, and other fried snacks, can pack the caloric equivalent of an entire meal.

A Low-Calorie Bloody Mary: How to Customize

For those who want to enjoy the flavor of a Bloody Mary without the high calorie count, several easy modifications can be made. This is particularly relevant for those following a weight-loss diet or just trying to reduce their alcohol intake.

Go virgin: Opting for a Virgin Mary removes the high-calorie vodka, leaving a nutrient-rich, flavorful mocktail. The Real Dill Bloody Mary Mix, for example, notes that a serving of their mix is just 25 calories.
Reduce the alcohol: Using a single 1.5-ounce shot of vodka instead of a larger pour keeps calories in check while still providing the boozy kick.
Choose the right mix: Use a low-sodium or homemade tomato juice to control the sodium and sugar content. Some brands offer healthier versions made with natural ingredients.
Prioritize healthy garnishes: Stick with simple, fresh vegetable garnishes like celery, cucumbers, or olives instead of heavy, fried toppings.

Bloody Mary vs. Other Popular Cocktails

To put the Bloody Mary's calorie content in perspective, it is useful to compare it to other common alcoholic beverages. In many cases, the Bloody Mary is a relatively moderate option, especially when compared to sweet or creamy alternatives.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Calorie Sources
Bloody Mary	4.5 oz (basic)	120-222+	Vodka, tomato juice, garnishes
Margarita	4 oz	168+	Tequila, sugary mixer
Mojito	6 oz	143+	Rum, sugar, mint, soda water
Piña Colada	7 oz	380+	Rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice
White Russian	8 oz	568+	Vodka, coffee liqueur, cream
Mimosa	4 oz	75+	Champagne, orange juice
Light Beer	12 oz	103+	Malted barley, hops, yeast
Vodka Soda	8 oz	104+	Vodka, soda water

Conclusion

So, are bloody marys a lot of calories? The answer is that their calorie count is highly customizable and varies greatly. While a simple, standard recipe is relatively moderate, the potential for high-calorie additions from both the mix and the garnishes means you should always be mindful of what goes into your glass. By being deliberate with your ingredients—opting for low-sodium mixers, a measured amount of vodka, and fresh vegetable garnishes—a Bloody Mary can be a delicious and balanced part of a nutritional diet. This allows you to enjoy the robust, savory flavor without sabotaging your health goals.

This article is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.

For more information on alcohol and calorie content, see the MedlinePlus guide to alcoholic beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions

An average Bloody Mary contains between 120 and 200 calories, but the exact amount depends on the quantity of vodka, the specific mix used, and the type of garnishes added.

The vodka is the largest source of calories in a Bloody Mary. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of vodka contains around 97 calories, and larger pours will increase the total calorie count significantly.

Yes, a Bloody Mary can be part of a diet, especially when modified. Opting for a Virgin Mary, using low-sodium tomato juice, and choosing simple garnishes like celery or olives can create a flavorful, lower-calorie drink.

A simple Bloody Mary is often lower in calories and sugar than many other popular cocktails, like piña coladas or margaritas, which use sugary mixers. The tomato juice also provides some nutritional benefits.

To reduce calories, limit the amount of vodka, use low-sodium tomato juice or a homemade mix, and stick to fresh, vegetable-based garnishes instead of high-fat items like bacon or cheese.

Thanks to the tomato juice, a Bloody Mary contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene. Spices like horseradish and hot sauce can also provide some health benefits.

While the calorie count in a mix itself is typically low, many pre-made Bloody Mary mixes are high in sodium. Reading the nutritional label is important, or you can make your own mix to control the ingredients.