Embark on a culinary journey to Flavortown without leaving your home with this incredible recipe for the Carnival Cruise Line’s Pig & Anchor Bloody Mary. Carnival Cruise Line, renowned for its vibrant onboard experiences and diverse dining options, joined forces with the iconic culinary superstar Guy Fieri to bring authentic, smoky flavors to the high seas. This dynamic partnership culminated in the creation of Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, a highly acclaimed dining and drinking spot that has become a fan-favorite on several Carnival ships. Today, we’re thrilled to share the exact recipe for one of their most celebrated libations: the Pig & Anchor Bloody Mary.
Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Bloody Mary: A Taste of Flavortown at Sea
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of stepping into a Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, you’ll instantly recognize that their menu isn’t just about sensational BBQ; their cocktail creations are equally legendary. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill drinks; they are crafted with the same bold, imaginative spirit that defines Guy Fieri’s culinary empire. Last year, we proudly unveiled their irresistible Bacon Manhattan, which quickly became a staple for many of our readers seeking unique cocktail experiences. Now, prepare to elevate your brunch game or evening unwinding with a drink that perfectly encapsulates the robust spirit of Guy Fieri and the boundless fun of a Carnival cruise: the Pig & Anchor Bloody Mary.
We are incredibly excited and genuinely grateful that Carnival Cruise Line was willing to share the official recipe for this remarkable Bloody Mary. It’s truly a game-changer when bacon, that crispy, savory delight, becomes an integral and celebrated part of a cocktail. This isn’t just any Bloody Mary; it’s an experience, a masterful blend of traditional zest with a unique smoky, savory twist that only a culinary visionary like Guy Fieri could conceive. Its complex flavor profile makes it a standout, offering a refreshing yet hearty beverage perfect for any occasion.
The Unforgettable Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Experience on Carnival Ships
The Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse is more than just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant culinary highlight on various Carnival ships, offering guests an authentic taste of slow-smoked barbecue in a lively, casual atmosphere. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a world of rich, smoky aromas and mouth-watering dishes. You can currently savor the distinctive flavors of Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse on popular vessels such as the Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama. This celebrated venue also graces the decks of the magnificent Carnival Mardi Gras, and is a beloved fixture on the newer Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, among other ships. These venues aren’t just dining spots; they are genuine destinations themselves, often featuring live music, exceptional food crafted with Guy Fieri’s signature flair, and, of course, an unparalleled drink menu that keeps guests coming back.
Our personal voyages have often found us irresistibly drawn back to this establishment. The Pig & Anchor Smokehouse on the Carnival Panorama, for instance, left an unforgettable impression, becoming a highlight of our cruise. My companion, John, still enthusiastically raves about the “Trash Can Nachos” – a magnificent mountain of tortilla chips piled high with tender smoked meats, rich melted cheese, and all the classic fixings, truly an engineering feat of flavor. And let’s not even begin to describe the “Pig & Anchor Melt,” a sandwich masterpiece overflowing with succulent pulled pork, tender sliced brisket, a generous portion of double pork belly, rich smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, homemade pickles, and Guy’s legendary “Donkey Sauce.” These dishes perfectly exemplify the hearty, flavor-packed ethos that defines the Smokehouse, making it the ideal setting for a robust, flavor-forward cocktail like the Bloody Mary.
One of the most appealing and fun aspects of enjoying this particular Bloody Mary onboard is the option to “hog size” your drink. Imagine the sheer delight of sipping on a generous 32-ounce concoction, artfully served in a giant mason jar, as you gently cruise the open waters. This indulgent and visually striking presentation is an integral part of the fun and flair that Guy Fieri brings to everything he touches, ensuring that every single sip is as memorable and exciting as the entire culinary experience. It transforms a simple drink into a photo-worthy moment and a true taste of vacation indulgence.
Crafting Your Perfect Pig & Anchor Bloody Mary at Home
Recreating this iconic cruise cocktail in the comfort of your own home means you gain complete control over every aspect of its preparation, from adjusting the spice level to orchestrating the most extravagant garnishes. The fundamental secret to this unique Bloody Mary lies in its specially prepared vodka base. Forget the mundane and embrace the extraordinary; the Pig & Anchor version elevates the classic with a vibrant, intensely flavorful veggie-infused spirit.
The Secret Ingredient: Veggie-Infused Tito’s Vodka
The journey to the perfect Pig & Anchor Bloody Mary truly begins with crafting a batch of homemade veggie-infused Tito’s Vodka. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is an exceptionally excellent choice for infusions due to its remarkably smooth and clean profile. This allows the natural, fresh flavors of the vegetables to shine through brilliantly, without any competitive or overpowering alcohol notes. To prepare this profoundly flavorful base, you will need a clean, airtight liter container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Carefully add a thoughtful selection of fresh, aromatic vegetables to your container: finely minced garlic, an array of colorful chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange not only for visual appeal but also for their subtle sweetness), thinly sliced onions, and crisp carrots. For an additional layer of complexity and delightful briny notes, generously toss in some olives. If you’re a true fan of a fiery kick, sliced jalapeños are a fantastic and highly recommended addition; however, remember to remove the seeds if you wish to manage and temper the heat level to your personal preference. Once your chosen vegetables are perfectly nestled in the container, pour in 750 ml of Tito’s vodka, ensuring that all the veggies are completely submerged. This crucial step prevents spoilage and maximizes the efficient extraction of their vibrant flavors.
Seal the container tightly and allow the mixture to infuse. For optimal and deeply developed flavor, leave it on your kitchen counter at room temperature for a period of two to three days. The precise infusion time can vary slightly based on your desired intensity, but generally, this timeframe should yield a wonderfully aromatic and intensely flavorful vodka. After the infusion period is complete, meticulously strain the vodka to remove all solid vegetable matter, and you will be left with a beautifully customized, richly flavored spirit, perfectly ready to form the heart and soul of your Pig & Anchor Bloody Mary.
One of the most appealing aspects of enjoying the Pig & Anchor Bloody Mary experience on Carnival ships is the ability to customize each drink to the customer’s exact liking. This thoughtful personalization ensures that every single guest receives a cocktail perfectly tailored to their unique palate. When you make this exceptional recipe at home, you are granted the very same creative freedom. Whether you’re mixing a single glass for a quiet, relaxing morning or meticulously preparing a large pitcher for a vibrant brunch party, this recipe scales beautifully and effortlessly. It’s an ideal choice for entertaining a crowd, offering the convenience of prepping the infused vodka and all your garnishes well ahead of time, allowing you to focus on enjoying your guests and the festive atmosphere.
Essential Ingredients for the Pig & Anchor Bloody Mary
Beyond the uniquely infused vodka, a truly classic Bloody Mary relies on a harmonious, balanced blend of savory, spicy, and tangy elements to achieve its iconic flavor profile. Here are the core ingredients you’ll need to complete your Pig & Anchor masterpiece, ensuring an authentic taste:
- Veggie-Infused Tito’s Vodka: The distinctive and flavorful foundation we just discussed, setting this Bloody Mary apart.
- Premium Tomato Juice: Opt for a high-quality, rich, and flavorful tomato juice as it forms the substantial bulk and body of your drink. Its quality significantly impacts the final taste.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Absolutely essential for its deep, umami-rich, savory notes that add an irreplaceable layer of complexity and depth to the cocktail.
- Tabasco Sauce: Provides that signature spicy kick that Bloody Mary enthusiasts adore. Adjust the number of dashes to perfectly match your desired heat preference.
- Fresh Lime Juice: A generous squeeze of fresh lime brightens the entire cocktail, introducing a crucial tart balance that cuts through the richness of the tomato and other savory elements.
- Salt: A mere pinch of salt enhances and brings out all the individual flavors, harmonizing the entire concoction.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle, aromatic warmth and a sophisticated touch of spice, contributing to the drink’s overall complexity.
The Art of Garnishing: Fieri’s Over-the-Top Style
A Bloody Mary, especially one bearing Guy Fieri’s stamp, simply isn’t complete without an impressive and often extravagant garnish. The Pig & Anchor takes this art form to a whole new level, transforming each drink into a miniature culinary spectacle. Onboard Carnival ships, they go all out with creative and delicious additions. The recommended garnishes at Pig & Anchor typically include:
- Crispy Bacon Strip: A direct nod to the smokehouse theme, adding incredible savory depth, a delightful crunch, and a visually appealing element.
- Pineapple Wedge: An unexpected yet brilliant tropical twist that offers a surprising hint of sweetness and acidity, beautifully balancing the savory and spicy elements of the drink.
- Green Olives: A timeless and classic Bloody Mary garnish, providing essential briny, salty notes that complement the tomato base perfectly.
- Maraschino Cherry or Pickled Cherry: Another surprising and innovative touch, adding a sweet-tart burst of flavor and a pop of color.
- Lemon and Lime Slices/Wedges: Absolutely essential for a fresh citrus aroma and the option for a final, refreshing squeeze of tang into the drink.
- Celery Stalk: The traditional stirrer and a refreshing, crunchy vegetable snack, adding both texture and a subtle earthy flavor.
When making your Bloody Mary at home, we strongly encourage you not to shy away from unleashing your creativity with your garnishes. Think boldly and go beyond the ordinary: consider additions like pickled okra, spicy green beans, grilled shrimp, savory cheese cubes, or even mini skewers of perfectly grilled vegetables. Each addition can transform your drink into a personalized masterpiece, reflecting your unique taste. The key is to wholeheartedly embrace the “more is more” philosophy that Guy Fieri champions, making every Bloody Mary a true feast for the senses!
The “Rolling” Technique: The Secret to a Perfect Bloody Mary Texture
Here’s a crucial and often overlooked tip directly from the professionals for crafting an exceptional Bloody Mary: resist the natural urge to vigorously shake or stir your drink. While shaking works wonders for thoroughly chilling and blending many types of cocktails, it can inadvertently aerate and dilute tomato juice too much, thereby compromising its desired thick, rich, and velvety texture. Instead, the seasoned experts at Pig & Anchor, and indeed many top mixologists, utilize a superior technique known as “rolling.”
To “roll” your Bloody Mary, simply combine all your ingredients in one cocktail shaker or pint glass, then gently pour the entire mixture back and forth between two shakers or two pint glasses several times. This gentle yet effective method thoroughly mixes all the ingredients together without introducing excessive air bubbles or unnecessarily diluting the drink with melted ice. Rolling ensures that the tomato juice retains its smooth, luxurious body and vibrant color, resulting in a perfectly blended and delightfully textured Bloody Mary that truly stands out from the crowd. This technique is key to achieving that signature Pig & Anchor quality.
Exploring Bloody Mary Adaptations and Delicious Variations
Once you’ve mastered the quintessential Pig & Anchor Bloody Mary, you might feel inspired to explore the vast and delicious world of other variations of this incredibly versatile cocktail. The realm of Bloody Marys is expansive, welcoming to creative experimentation, and offers endless possibilities for customization:
- Bloody Maria: For a delightful, Latin-inspired twist that brings a new depth of flavor, simply substitute the traditional vodka with a smooth Patron Reposado Tequila. The aged tequila imparts a beautiful depth and subtle oakiness that wonderfully complements the savory tomato base, creating a truly unique flavor profile.
- Bloody Caesar: If you’re a connoisseur of Canadian cocktails, or simply seeking an intriguing change, try making a Bloody Caesar by replacing the tomato juice with savory Clamato juice. Combine this unique base with your custom veggie-infused Tito’s Vodka for an extraordinary umami-rich drink that carries a distinct hint of clam broth.
- Red Snapper: For a sophisticated gin-based version, swap out the vodka for your favorite dry gin. The complex botanicals inherent in gin add a fragrant and herbaceous complexity that is surprisingly refreshing and invigorating, offering a completely different dimension to the classic.
- Smoky Bloody Mary: To further amplify the already present smoky notes, or to introduce them to a non-Pig & Anchor version, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or incorporating smoked paprika into your seasoning blend. A charred lemon garnish can also significantly contribute to this enticing smoky profile.
These diverse adaptations beautifully demonstrate the incredible flexibility of the Bloody Mary, allowing you to effortlessly tailor it to different palates, specific dietary preferences, and various special occasions. Don’t hesitate to experiment boldly with different types of spices, a variety of hot sauces, or even other infused spirits to ultimately create your truly signature version. The journey of Bloody Mary discovery is a delicious one!
For those who love to recreate their favorite cruise memories and bring the vacation vibe home, don’t miss our comprehensive collection of other fantastic Carnival Cruise Cocktails, which includes many popular and sophisticated selections from the refined Alchemy Bar. And if you find yourself particularly partial to vibrant, richly colored beverages, be sure to thoroughly explore all our red cocktails for even more colorful and inspiring drink ideas!
Craving more culinary adventures and delicious recipes? Dive into our extensive and growing library of copycat recipes to effortlessly bring your favorite restaurant dishes right into your own kitchen. Satisfy your sweet tooth with our delightful collection of dessert recipes, or simplify your mealtime routine with our incredibly convenient and delicious Crock Pot Recipes.
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Carnival Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Bloody Mary Recipe
How to make a delicious Carnival Cruise Line Pig & Anchor Bloody Mary at home, featuring a unique veggie-infused vodka base for a truly authentic taste of Flavortown.
Print Recipe
5 minutes
5 minutes (plus 2-3 days for vodka infusion)
1 serving
155 kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
For the Veggie-Infused Tito’s Vodka (Yields 750ml)
- 750 ml Tito’s Vodka
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers (assorted colors)
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup sliced carrots
- ¼ cup olives (green or black, sliced)
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed for less heat, optional)
- 1-liter container for infusion
For One Pig & Anchor Bloody Mary:
- 2 ounces Veggie-infused Tito’s Vodka
- 4 ounces Tomato Juice
- 2 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 dashes Tabasco Sauce (or to taste)
- ½ ounce Fresh Lime Juice
- pinch Salt
- grind or two of fresh Black Pepper
Recommended Garnishes:
- Crispy Bacon Strip
- Pineapple Wedge
- Green Olives
- Maraschino Cherry or Pickled Cherry
- Lemon & Lime Wedges
- Celery Stalk
- Additional creative garnishes (pickled okra, shrimp, etc.)
Instructions
Prepare Veggie-Infused Vodka: In a 1-liter container, combine Tito’s Vodka with minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, onion, carrots, olives, and optional jalapeño slices. Ensure vegetables are fully submerged. Seal and let infuse at room temperature for 2-3 days for optimal flavor. Strain before use and store in the refrigerator.
Assemble the Drink: Fill a cocktail shaker or pint glass with ice. Add the veggie-infused Tito’s Vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
“Roll” the Cocktail: Instead of shaking, “roll” the mixture by pouring it back and forth between two shakers or glasses several times. This technique blends the ingredients thoroughly without over-diluting or aerating the tomato juice, preserving its rich texture.
Serve and Garnish: Pour the perfectly blended Bloody Mary into a fresh glass filled with ice. Adorn generously with your chosen garnishes, such as a crispy bacon strip, pineapple wedge, olives, cherry, lemon and lime wedges, and a celery stalk. Serve immediately and enjoy your taste of Flavortown!
Kitchen Tools
- Cocktail Shaker (or two pint glasses for rolling)
- Pint Glass (for serving)
- 1-Liter Glass Container (for infusion)
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories from Fat 9
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Bloody Mary photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line. My photo was not pretty! LOL