History of the Cocktail
The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail with a history that’s a bit murky, but it’s generally believed to have been invented in the early 20th century. There are a few different origin stories, but one of the most widely accepted attributions is to a bartender named Fernand Petiot, who worked at the New York Bar in Paris (now known as Harry’s New York Bar) in the 1920s. According to Petiot, he created the drink by mixing vodka and tomato juice, and it quickly gained popularity among American expatriates.
The name “Bloody Mary” is thought to have been inspired by a variety of sources, including Queen Mary I of England, who was known for her harsh persecution of Protestants and earned the nickname “Bloody Mary,” and a Chicago socialite named Mary Brown Warburton, who claimed to have popularized the drink in the United States during the 1920s.
Over the years, the Bloody Mary has evolved, with countless variations and additions to the basic recipe. It has become a brunch staple and is celebrated for its bold and savoury flavours.
Here’s a Classic Recipe for this Iconic Cocktail:
Bloody Mary’s are known for their bold and complex flavours. They are usually savoury, with a tomato base, but the heat from hot sauce and the umami from Worcestershire sauce create a balanced and spicy taste.
Let’s Get to the Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
- 3 oz (90 ml) tomato juice
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 1 dash hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Celery salt, for rimming the glass (optional)
- Garnishes: celery stalk, lemon wedge, olives, pickles, and/or a strip of bacon
This is How you Can Mix it Up:
- Rim a highball or pint glass with celery salt, if desired. To do this, wet the rim with a lemon wedge and then dip it into a plate of celery salt.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, tomato juice, fresh lemon 7juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add more hot sauce if you like it spicier.
- Shake the mixture well until it’s thoroughly combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
- Garnish the Bloody Mary with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, olives, pickles, and/or bacon strip.
- Optionally, you can add extra seasonings like ground black pepper or additional hot sauce to taste.
- Serve and enjoy your classic Bloody Mary!
There are many variations of the Bloody Mary, including the Virgin Mary (without alcohol), the Caesar (a Canadian version made with Clamato juice), and creative spins with different spirits or unique ingredients.
Our Conclusion
Remember that the beauty of the Bloody Mary is its adaptability. You can adjust the ingredients, garnishes, and seasonings to suit your personal taste. Some people even like to get creative with garnishes, adding pickled asparagus, shrimp, or other items for a unique twist. Feel free to experiment and make it your own signature drink.
