Does Bloody Mary Mix Go Bad? (And How Long Does It Last)

Bloody Mary mix is a pre-made non-alcoholic mixture that you combine with your choice of alcohol and ice to make a quick Bloody Mary cocktail. With Bloody Mary mix, you don’t have to buy all the individual ingredients needed to make a Bloody Mary cocktail, which typically include tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, lemons/limes, black pepper, and celery salt. So if you came across a bottle of forgotten Bloody Mary mix that you once bought, made a few drinks, and stored away the rest, you may be asking yourself, “does Bloody Mary mix go bad?”

Bloody Mary mix does go bad if it’s not stored properly. If unopened and stored at room temperature, Bloody Mary mix will remain at best quality for about 12-18 months, and still be safe to drink after that but with possible changes in quality. If opened and continuously refrigerated, Bloody Mary mix will remain at best quality for 3-4 weeks.

In this article, we will go over whether Bloody Mary mix goes bad and how to properly store it. We will also review some alternatives to Bloody Mary mix in case you want to try something new next time you’re in the mood for a savory drink.

Does Bloody Mary Mix Go Bad Over Time?

Because Bloody Mary mix has high salt content, it will keep for a long time, but it will go bad over time. If unopened and stored properly in a cool, dark, and dry place, it will maintain best quality about 12-18 months. It will usually remain safe to drink beyond that time. If opened, it will maintain best quality about 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.

Bloody Mary mix typically has a best-by date, not an expiration date. That means it will still be safe to consume beyond the time frames listed above if it is stored properly and there are no signs of spoilage. The best-by date is an estimate provided by the manufacturer on the time it will maintain best flavor and quality.

Does Bloody Mary Mix Need To Be Refrigerated?

If unopened, Bloody Mary mix does not need to be refrigerated. It can be stored at room temperature and maintain best quality for about 12-18 months. If opened, refrigerate Bloody Mary mix continuously. It will keep at best quality in the refrigerator for about 3-4 weeks.

How Can You Tell If Bloody Mary Mix Has Gone Bad?

When checking if Bloody Mary mix has gone bad, check the odor, appearance, and taste. Also check if the bottle has been damaged. If you know your Bloody Mary mix was stored properly and does not smell or look spoiled, it will still be safe to consume, but it may not taste the same.

It might make your drinks taste mild, bland, and not very flavorful. If you experience this, you may want to throw it away for lack of quality flavor. However, if you do see any changes in odor or appearance, or the bottle shows any sign of damage, throw it away.

How To Properly Store Bloody Mary Mix

How to Store Unopened Bloody Mary Mix:

Check to make sure the original seal is still secure.
Place it in a cool, dark, and dry place such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet.
Keep it away from heat and direct sunlight.
Stored properly, it will maintain best quality for about 12-18 months.

How to Store Opened Bloody Mary Mix:

Check to make sure the cap is tightly closed.
Place it in the refrigerator.
Stored properly, it will maintain best quality for about 3-4 weeks.

Does Bloody Mary Mix Go Bad After Opening?

If opened, Bloody Mary mix will maintain best quality about 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.

It will still be safe to consume beyond this time frame if it was stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage. Keep in mind it might not taste the same as it did when the bottle was first opened.

Can You Get Sick From Drinking Old Bloody Mary Mix?

Drinking old Bloody Mary Mix should not make you sick if it was stored properly, it shows no signs of spoilage, and the bottle is not damaged.

If you did consume Bloody Mary mix that was not stored properly, showed signs of spoilage, or the bottle was damaged, you may experience signs of food poisoning, which include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

However, keep in mind some people have reported diarrhea after consuming Bloody Marys because of their spiciness. Spicy foods contain a chemical called capsaicin that can irritate digestive tissues, causing diarrhea. So if you consumed Bloody Mary mix that did not show signs of spoilage, but you still got diarrhea, it might be because it was spicy and should resolve quickly.

How Long Does Homemade Bloody Mary Mix Last?

Continuously refrigerated and tightly closed, homemade Bloody Mary mix should last about 2-3 weeks. Shake before drinking, as the seasonings will settle to the bottom.

Why Is Bloody Mary Good For Hangovers?

The Bloody Mary has a well-known reputation for being a cure for hangovers. The reason for that has less to do with the alcohol content, and more to do with the other ingredients in the Bloody Mary. The alcohol basically dulls the pain of the alcohol-induced headache that people sometimes experience after a night of drinking.

The other ingredients in a Bloody Mary, however, deliver up electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, antioxidants in the form of vitamin C, lycopene, and vitamin B6, all of which might help with a hangover and help you feel better. To really take advantage of a Bloody Mary to help you feel better after a night of drinking, opt for a Virgin Mary, which is a Bloody Mary without the alcohol.

Alternatives To Bloody Mary Mix

Agalima Organic Bloody Mary Mix

Made with all organic ingredients, Agalima Organic Bloody Mary Mix is an all-natural and flavorful option for Bloody Marys. It is made with Roma tomatoes, smoky chipotle peppers, hot horseradish, and house-made Worcestershire – all of which make it distinctively spicy, salty, and sweet. It is made with 75% juice, it is low in carbohydrates and sugar, and is vegan-friendly.

Toma Original Bloody Mary Craft Cocktail Mixer

For a good-for-you option that is gluten-free, vegan, keto-friendly, lower in sodium, with no added preservatives, Toma Original Bloody Mary Cocktail Mixer is the way to go. It is crafted with Sriracha and chipotle-tomatillo sauce instead of traditional hot sauce, and it has a peppery, savory, slightly smoky flavor with just the right amount of heat.

Unlike other Bloody Mary mixers, this mixer does not contain artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, or MSG. Just shake, add ice with your alcohol of choice, and enjoy.

LAVA Authentic Michelada Mix

For a Mexican inspired Bloody Mary, LAVA Authentic Michelada Mix is a refreshing alternative to regular Bloody Mary mix. Instead of vodka, add an ice-cold beer to this mix and enjoy. It is made with San Marzano tomatoes, ancho chile peppers, and tamarind premium spices that give this mix a fresh, savory, tangy, salty, sour, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor. It is also keto-friendly, vegan, gluten-free, all natural, with no added sugar, no preservatives, and no high fructose corn syrup.

Sangrita Artesanal Castiza

Known as a customary partner to a shot of tequila, Sangrita Artesanal Castiza is another deliciously spicy Mexican alternative to regular Bloody Mary mix. It is made with natural ingredients such as tomatoes, chili peppers and citrus from oranges, grapefruit, and limes. It is also 100% vegan. Mix it with tequila, beer, or vodka if you like.

Walter Craft Caesar Mix

An artisanal drink mix from our Northern neighbors in Canada, Walter Craft Caesar Mix is another similar savory alternative to Bloody Mary mix. The Caesar cocktail was created and primarily consumed in Canada that is made with Clamato juice, which is tomato juice flavored with clam broth.

It is made with all natural ingredients, no artificial MSG added, and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is also gluten-free and contains no high fructose corn syrup. It has a clean and fresh taste, and is usually mixed with vodka.