Description
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Ice
- Garnish (e.g. celery stalk, lemon wedge, olives)
Instructions:
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper to the glass.
- Stir until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with celery stalk, lemon wedge, olives, or other garnishes of your choice.
- Serve and enjoy!
Note: You can adjust the spiciness of the Bloody Mary by adding more or less hot sauce. You can also customize the garnish to your liking – some popular options include bacon, pickles, shrimp, or even a small burger slider!
The Origin of the Bloody Mary Cocktail
The exact origin of the Bloody Mary cocktail is uncertain, and there are several theories about its creation. One theory suggests that it was first created in the early 1920s by Fernand Petiot, a bartender at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. According to Petiot, the original recipe was made with equal parts of tomato juice and vodka, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper.
Another theory suggests that the Bloody Mary was first created in the United States in the 1930s or 1940s. Some sources credit comedian and actor George Jessel with inventing the drink in the early 1930s, while others claim that it was invented by a bartender named Henry Zbikiewicz at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City in the 1930s.
Regardless of its origin, the Bloody Mary quickly became a popular drink, particularly as a hangover cure due to its savory flavor and use of tomato juice, which was believed to have restorative properties. Over time, variations of the drink have emerged, with different garnishes and additional ingredients such as horseradish, celery salt, and Worcestershire sauce.
Bloody Mary Cocktail Traditions
The Bloody Mary cocktail is typically served as a morning or brunch drink, and is often associated with hangover cures due to its savory and spicy flavor profile. It is also a popular choice for breakfast or brunch menus at restaurants and bars.
In some traditions, the Bloody Mary is served with a celery stalk as a garnish, which can be used to stir the drink and add additional flavor. Some variations of the cocktail also include other garnishes such as olives, pickles, shrimp, or bacon.
The Bloody Mary is also sometimes referred to as a “hangover cure” cocktail, and is said to have originated as such. It is believed to have been first created in the 1920s or 1930s, and has since become a classic cocktail enjoyed around the world.
5 Bloody Mary Variations
- Michelada: A popular variation of the Bloody Mary in Mexico, the Michelada is made by mixing tomato juice, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beer. It is typically served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass and garnished with a lime wedge.
- Bloody Caesar: Similar to the Bloody Mary, the Bloody Caesar is a popular Canadian cocktail made with clam juice, vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. It is typically served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass and garnished with a celery stick.
- Bloody Maria: A popular variation of the Bloody Mary in Mexico, the Bloody Maria is made by replacing vodka with tequila or mezcal. It is typically served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass and garnished with a lime wedge.
- Red Snapper: A popular variation of the Bloody Mary in Japan, the Red Snapper is made by replacing vodka with gin. It is typically served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass and garnished with a lemon wedge.
- Bloody Pirate: A spicier variation of the Bloody Mary, the Bloody Pirate is made by adding rum to the traditional Bloody Mary mix. It is typically served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass and garnished with a lime wedge.
Modern Bloody Mary Cocktail Trends
In recent years, there has been a trend towards creating unique and inventive variations of the classic Bloody Mary. Some modern trends in Bloody Mary cocktails include:
- Brunch cocktails: Bloody Marys are often a popular choice for brunch and are frequently served with a variety of brunch foods, such as eggs Benedict, waffles, and pancakes.
- Spicy variations: Many bartenders are experimenting with adding different levels of heat to the classic Bloody Mary by using hot sauce, chili peppers, and other spicy ingredients.
- Garnish extravagance: Some bars and restaurants are taking the garnish game to the next level, with over-the-top garnishes such as bacon, shrimp, cheeseburgers, and even whole slices of pizza.
- Healthier options: As people become more health-conscious, there has been a trend towards using fresh, organic, and locally-sourced ingredients in Bloody Marys. Additionally, some variations include vegetable juices, such as carrot, beet, and cucumber, to add more nutrients.
- Alternative bases: While vodka is the traditional base spirit for Bloody Marys, many bartenders are experimenting with other spirits, such as tequila, gin, whiskey, and even beer, to create new and interesting variations.
What are some tips for choosing the best vodka and coffee liqueur for a Bloody Mary cocktail?
When choosing a vodka for a Bloody Mary cocktail, it is best to select a high-quality vodka that is smooth and not too overpowering. Here are some tips for selecting the best vodka for your Bloody Mary:
- Look for a premium or super-premium vodka. These are typically distilled more times, which results in a smoother and more refined taste.
- Consider the flavor profile of the vodka. Some vodkas have a more neutral taste, while others may have a slight sweetness or spice. It’s best to choose a vodka that complements the other ingredients in the cocktail.
- Don’t choose a flavored vodka. While flavored vodkas can add interesting notes to a cocktail, they can be overpowering in a Bloody Mary.
- Choose a vodka that you enjoy drinking on its own. This way, you can be confident that it will work well in a cocktail.
- Consider the price. While expensive vodka can be high-quality, it’s not always necessary to spend a lot of money on vodka for a Bloody Mary. There are many mid-priced vodkas that will work just as well.