If you’ve ever been in the mood for a classic Bloody Mary, you can’t go wrong with a recipe made with V8 vegetable juice. This simple and versatile drink has been around for more than seven decades and its popularity only seems to be increasing. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing brunch drink or a bold Bloody Mary to kick off a party, V8 can help you craft the perfect libation.

Traditional Bloody Mary

A traditional Bloody Mary recipe calls for a combination of vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and horseradish. However, with V8 as the base for your drink, you can skip the tomato juice and opt for a healthy blend of crisp vegetables. Simply mix two ounces of vodka with six ounces of V8, then add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and horseradish to taste. This basic recipe is perfect on its own, but feel free to add a pinch of celery salt, some freshly ground pepper or a splash of lemon or lime juice to kick up the flavor.

Spicy Tomato Vodka

For a spicier tomato-based version of the classic, try combining two ounces of vodka with six ounces of V8 Spicy Hot! Vegetable Juice. Then, take it up another notch by adding a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Finally, garnish with a lime wedge and a pinch of celery salt. This drink is sure to put some fire in your belly!

Garden Mary

If you’re looking to make a more complex Bloody Mary, try the Garden Mary. This recipe combines one ounce of vodka with six ounces of V8 Garden Herb Vegetable Juice. After that, add one teaspoon of lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish and hot sauce to taste. Finally, garnish with celery, cucumber, a lime wedge and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The mix of vegetables, herbs and cheese will make this a truly unique and delicious cocktail.

Skinny V8-tini

For a healthier version of the classic, try the Skinny V8-tini. This four-ingredient twist on the Bloody Mary starts with two ounces of vodka and four ounces of V8 Light Vegetable Juice. Then, add one ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice and a pinch of sea salt. The combination of light V8 and fresh lime packs just as much flavor as the standard recipe, but with fewer calories.

No matter how you make it, a Bloody Mary with V8 is always a delicious and refreshing way to start your day. Cheers!