Spicy Bloody Mary with Panko Breaded Soft Crab
This Spicy Bloody Mary with Panko-Breaded Soft Crab amps up a classic brunch cocktail with crispy soft-shell crab resting atop a zesty, spiced tomato drink. It’s a bold twist that’s equal parts delicious and indulgent.
- For the Chili Lime Rim:
- Chili powder (smoked paprika can be substituted)
- Lime wedge
- Coarse sea salt
- For the Bloody Mary:
- 2 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces tomato juice
- 3 ounces vegetable juice (optional, for added depth)
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/4 ounce lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Few dashes of hot sauce (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon horseradish (prepared)
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Ice cubes
- Garnishes:
- 1-2 Handy Seafood Panko Breaded Soft Shell Crab Portions (cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 olive
- 1 cocktail pickle
- 1 lime wedge
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 red Fresno pepper (sliced or whole)
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Cook the panko-breaded soft-shell crab according to the package directions; keep it warm.
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Combine chili powder and coarse sea salt on a small plate. Rub a lime wedge along the rim of a tall glass, then dip the rim into the chili-lime mixture to coat.
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Fill the rimmed glass with ice.
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In a shaker, combine vodka, tomato juice, vegetable juice (if using), lemon and lime juices, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, celery seed, and black pepper. Shake well for about 30 seconds.
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Strain into the prepared glass over ice.
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Top the cocktail with the cooked soft-shell crab portion (or two, depending on size).
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Skewer the olive, cocktail pickle, lime wedge, celery stalk, and Fresno pepper together and place it on the rim. Serve immediately.

