Bloody alternatives: To create a more layered bloody mary, leave the vodka behind

In the realm of bloody marys, vodka reigns.

But by definition, vodka is a flavorless, odorless spirit, and that leaves the average bloody mary as little more than a glass of spicy tomato juice with a Sunday morning buzz.

The simple solution for creating a more layered beverage is to leave the vodka behind, and replace it with a more complex spirit. The possibilities are wide. One of the most beloved is the bloody maria, which substitutes tequila and results in a brighter, zestier beverage with a little welcome funk.

Downtown Cocktail Room in Las Vegas is well known for its Downtown Dill Bloody Mary, notable mostly for its use of Plymouth gin. Though the drink hasn’t been on the menu for about four years, it established a deep fan base and remains one of the bar’s biggest sellers.

Because of its neutrality, “vodka is always the easiest way around things when it comes to making cocktails,” said Downtown Cocktail Room owner Michael Cornthwaite.

“We always look to feature the sprit and balance the cocktail rather than hide the spirit,” he said. “People always say it’s the best bloody mary they’ve ever had.”