Canned Chipotles Are Waiting To Revolutionize Your Bloody Mary

Canned chipotles in adobo sauce are one of those secret ingredients that can elevate a dish. From sauces to stews to marinades and glazes, not only do the peppers kick up the Scoville heat level, but the adobo sauce in and of itself adds smoky notes to a recipe without the need to fire up the grill.

But how often do you really use a whole can for a single recipe? Don't even think about throwing out the opened can. Instead, use the leftovers to elevate your favorite hair of the dog to new heights.

Whether you make the Bloody Mary mix from scratch or opt for a store-bought concoction, simple tomato juice isn't going to cut it. In fact, a standard Bloody Mary recipe usually calls for a blend of spices and typically includes a dash or two of hot sauce. It's that spicy kick you're looking for. 

That's why the chipotles, which are typically made from rehydrated jalapeños, are a fantastic addition to your Bloody Mary, as is the adobo sauce they come in. Bring on the revolution, because your next batch of Bloody Marys is just begging for a proper introduction to the deep smoky notes of these canned peppers. 

The level of smoke and spice you prefer will determine how much of the can of peppers and sauce you'll use. You can eyeball it, but around ¼ cup should be enough for an eight-serving batch of Bloody Marys.  

If you're mixing or shaking to make the cocktail, you can strain out the peppers and just include the sauce as a slightly zesty addition. Or you can use a blender if you want to bring out the big guns. It's as easy as puréeing the chipotles with the adobo sauce and tomato juice and combining this mixture with other Bloody Mary ingredients like horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, celery seeds, and vodka. 

You can serve this batch right away, but for deeper flavors, let it hang out in the refrigerator for a bit. The mix can last up to three weeks as long as it's tightly sealed in the refrigerator. For the best results, just omit the vodka until you're ready to serve.

And when it comes to garnishes, the sky's the limit. The adobo sauce can be used instead of lemon juice to rim the glass. You can also easily turn your liquid brunch into an entire meal with anything from shrimp to fried chicken. But a wedge of lemon and perhaps an adobo-smothered chipotle are all you need to upgrade your go-to Bloody Mary recipe with a kick.