Updated July 2026.
The IBA Bloody Mary is 45 ml vodka, 90 ml tomato juice, 15 ml fresh lemon, Worcestershire, and spices. That 45 ml of 40% vodka is one NIAAA standard drink (14 grams). A common 2-ounce bar pour is 1.33 drinks. “Best vodka” is a 40% unflavored bottle that disappears under tomato and pepper — not a 2023 top-ten tasting. Tomato juice is not ethanol.
US vodka must be ≥40% ABV (27 CFR 5.142). Peppered or “Bloody Mary seasoning” vodkas are a different class — read that proof. Related: vodka guide, vodka mixers, vodka drinks.
What the mixing glass actually needs
| Job | Typical bottles | Why |
|---|---|---|
| IBA 40% vodka | Tito’s, Ketel One, Smirnoff No. 21, Absolut — unflavored | Same 1.00 drink per 45 ml at 40% |
| Budget that still works | Any labeled 80-proof vodka | Tomato covers grain stories |
| Skip for this drink | Essences / 30% botanicals; whipped-cream vodka | Wrong class; sugar on spice |
| Mixer | Tomato + lemon + Worcestershire + hot sauce | IBA spices “up to taste” |
Four IBA Bloodys are four drinks from the vodka. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. Brunch hours to buy the bottle are state law, not a restaurant clock. No 2026 MSRP. Celery is garnish, not a chaser that cancels ethanol.
Sources
- IBA Bloody Mary (fetched): 45 ml vodka, 90 ml tomato, 15 ml lemon, 2 dashes Worcestershire, Tabasco/celery salt/pepper to taste.
- TTB 27 CFR 5.142. USDA ~97 kcal / 1.5 oz 80-proof (the vodka only).
- NIAAA standard drink (December 2025). No invented ranking.