Bloody Mary Cocktail Burger
Inspired by the bold flavors of a classic Bloody Mary, this burger packs a punch with dry-aged beef, tangy steak sauce, and an irresistible "Impossible Secret Sauce." Topped with marinated heirloom tomatoes, thick-cut bacon, and served alongside briny pickled onions, this burger is a showstopper for any BBQ or special gathering. The secret sauce and cocktail onions add a playful twist reminiscent of the iconic cocktail, making this burger perfect for adventurous eaters who crave layers of bold, savory flavors. It's a burger experience that feels both familiar and surprising—guaranteed to impress.
EQUIPMENT
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 Food Processor
- 1 Grill (or grill pan)
INGREDIENTS
Burger Patties
- 2 lb ground beef (dry-aged )
- 2 tsp thyme (chopped)
- 2 tsp rosemary (chopped)
- 8 slices smoked bacon (thick-cut applewood)
- 8 slices heirloom tomato
- 1 tsp vinegar (Banyuls)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 4 brioche buns
- black pepper (Freshly ground)
- celery for garnish
Impossible Secret Sauce
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup golden raisins
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar (aged )
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ cup Dijon mustard (divided)
- 1 pinch cayene pepper
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (cut in half)
- 2 tbsp onion (chopped)
- ½ tsp celery seed
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ½ orange (cut in half)
- ¼ cup green olives
- ¼ cup capers
- 1 cup aioli
Cocktail Onions
- 1 lb onions (Cippolini onions, peeled)
- 1 tsp coriander seed
- 1 tsp juniper berries
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- ½ orange peel
- ½ lemon peel
- 2 sprigs thyme (fresh)
- 12 oz white vinegar
- 8 oz water
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup dry vermouth
- ½ cup vodka
INSTRUCTIONS
Impossible Secret Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine water, golden raisins, balsamic vinegar, worcestershire sauce, ketchup, dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic, onion, celery seed, and kosher salt. Squeeze in the orange juice and drop in the peels.
- Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce starts to thicken, (about 20 minutes), pull out the orange rinds and allow the sauce to cool slightly. Blend in a food processor until smooth, add aioli, chopped green olives, capers, remaining 1/4 cup Dijon mustard and gently pulse until combined.
Pickle the "Cocktail" Onions
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, spices, peels, and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and pour over cippolini onions. Allow to cool completely then add vermouth and vodka to the onions and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Burger Patties and tomatoes
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Shape into 4 patties. Set aside.
- Marinate the tomato slices in olive oil, Banyuls vinegar, and sea salt. Set aside.
Grill and Assemble Burgers
- Grill the patties over medium-high heat for approx 3 minutes per side, brushing with steak sauce as they cook. Toast the brioche buns on the grill for 45 seconds, brushing with steak sauce and "secret" sauce. Layer each bun with bacon, marinated tomatoes, the grilled patty, and extra sauce.
- Serve each burger with a pickled "cocktail" onion and fresh young celery for garnish.
NOTES
- The “Impossible Secret Sauce” burger adds a bold, tangy twist, perfect for BBQ lovers.
- The cocktail onions are boozy, if serving kids omit onions.
- Great for summer cookouts and casual gatherings!
Tried this recipe?Mention @nyeshajoyce or tag #nyeshaarrington!
