How Did The Bloody Mary Come To Be?
The New Year is finally upon us, and if you’re like most, you recover from an evening out with a delicious brunch packed with good food and even better drinks. And when it comes to the hair of the dog, the cocktail that never lets us down is none other than the iconic Bloody Mary. In fact, so many people rely on her to treat a hangover that January 1st is recognized as National Bloody Mary Day! While this cocktail is probably a staple at your brunch gatherings and enjoyed at parties year-round, how much do you really know about where it all started? Get to know the cocktail that’s been curing your hangovers for over 100 years.
History of the Bloody Mary
In 1921, inspired mixologist Fernand Petiot discovered the iconic cocktail when he combined equal parts tomato juice and vodka at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, France. Little did he know this concoction would go on to become the world-famous "Bloody Mary" that we know and love today. Later, in 1934, Petiot moved to the King Cole Bar located at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City and brought the recipe with him, thus introducing the famous cocktail to the states. However, many New Yorkers were unimpressed with the tomato-infused concoction and called it 'quite bland.' So, Petiot took the critique to heart and spiced up the drink by adding in black pepper, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, lemon and, for those who wanted more spice, a generous splash of Tabasco sauce. Thus, the Bloody Mary was born.
Why Mary?
The origins of how this iconic cocktail first got its name are somewhat unclear, though there are many suggestions as to how Bloody Mary was decided. Perhaps the most popular belief is that the beverage was named "Bloody Mary" after Queen Mary Tudor and her particularly violent reign over England back in the 16th century. While others believe American entertainer Roy Barton suggested the name during the drinks conception back in 1921 when he told bartender, Petiot, that the drink reminded him of a Chicago nightclub nicknamed 'Bucket of Blood' and suggested they name it after his favorite waitress, Mary. Both are entirely plausible suggestions, and one thing is for sure, whoever it's named after, this drink is delicious either way.
Present Day Versions
Since its rise to fame, the Bloody Mary has become known worldwide as the perfect hangover cure and the premier cocktail to enjoy before 5pm. Thanks to the combination of alcohol, tomato juice and over-the-top garnishes, this drink has earned a status as the premier ‘daytime cocktail.' Now, over 100 years after its creation, the Bloody Mary is a pivotal part of society, providing an array of variations customizable to everyone's palate while also giving loved ones a reason to raise a glass at daytime gatherings. Here are a few present day versions:
Classic Bloody Mary ~ The Bloody Mary and its many variations are modeled after the classic cocktail, crafted with equal parts vodka and tomato juice alongside Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, celery salt, Tabasco sauce and lemon juice.
Bloody Maria ~ Often enjoyed by those down South, the Bloody Maria is inspired by the Bloody Mary but swaps the vodka for tequila or mezcal and is often celebrated as a spicier variation with the addition of jalapeños, hot sauce and an extra kick of horseradish.
Bloody Caesar ~ Crafted back in 1969, the Bloody Caesar is Canada’s take on the Bloody Mary. Crafted with the traditional vodka and tomato juice, this cocktail adds something from the sea into the mix with clam juice, or Clamato, a blend of clam broth and tomato juice for a more robust flavor.
Green Mary ~ This variation may sound like a healthy green juice, but we promise it's a Bloody Mary all the same. The Green Mary is named after adding green tomatoes or tomatillos in place of regular tomatoes in the base mix. Often, this drink will include additional green twists such as cucumbers, cilantro and green chile peppers.
Brunch Mary ~ All Bloody Mary's are known to have a garnish or two. However, the overwhelmingly large Brunch Mary is known to be accompanied by enormous ‘garnishes' ranging from hamburgers and pizza slices to shrimp cocktail and even a lobster tail. After all, who wouldn't want their lunch served on the rim of their glass?
Bloody Maria Cocktail
Spice things up with this Southern-inspired variation. Just don’t forget the garnishes!
Ingredients:
2 oz. Northside American Agave
Bloody Mary mix
Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce
Horseradish
Garnish: Pickles, green olives, grape tomatoes, lemon wedge and lime wedge
Instructions: Combine Northside American Agave, Bloody Mary mix, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and horseradish to a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake vigorously until mixed. Pour into a pint glass or Collins glass over fresh ice and garnish with pickles, green olives, grape tomatoes, lemon wedge and lime wedge. Enjoy!
