The history of Bloody Mary cocktails dates back to the early 20th century, with its exact origins shrouded in various claims and legends. One popular story credits a bartender named Fernand Petiot for inventing the drink in 1921 at the New York Bar in Paris, later known as Harry’s New York Bar. Initially, the concoction consisted of equal parts tomato juice and vodka, seasoned with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Over the years, the recipe evolved, and additional ingredients such as hot sauce, horseradish, and celery salt were introduced, giving the drink its distinctive spicy kick.
The flavor profile of a Bloody Mary is complex and savory, combining the richness of tomato juice with the boldness of vodka and a medley of complementary seasonings. The tomato juice provides a refreshing and slightly tangy base, while the vodka adds a subtle bite and helps to balance the flavors. The Worcestershire sauce contributes a savory umami note, while the hot sauce adds heat and depth. Horseradish imparts a pungent and zesty kick, while the addition of lemon juice brightens the overall taste. The final touch of celery salt brings a subtle hint of earthiness to the mix. The overall flavor profile can be adjusted to individual preferences, allowing for variations in spiciness and intensity.
Bloody Marys are typically served in a highball or pint glass, filled with ice. The drink is built directly in the glass, starting with the addition of vodka and tomato juice. The remaining ingredients, such as Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and lemon juice, are then added, followed by a gentle stir to combine everything. The final garnishes are an essential part of the presentation, often including a stalk of celery, a lemon wedge, and sometimes additional items like olives, pickles, or even bacon. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also offer additional flavors and textures that can be enjoyed alongside the drink. Some variations of the Bloody Mary also incorporate rimming the glass with spices like celery salt or Old Bay seasoning, further enhancing the overall experience.
Bloody Mary
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Oz vodka
- 4 Oz tomato juice
- ½ Oz lemon juice
- ½ Oz fresh lime juice
- 2 Dash Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Dash hot sauce e.g., Tabasco
- ½ Tsp horseradish
- ¼ Tsp celery salt
- ¼ Tsp black pepper
- Pinch of smoked paprika optional, for added depth
- Ice cubes
- Garnishes: celery stalk lemon wedge, lime wedge, and/or pickled vegetables (e.g., olives, pickle spear, cocktail onion)
Instructions
- In a shaker or mixing glass, combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, celery salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well to combine and allow the flavors to meld.
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the Bloody Mary mixture over the ice.
- Using a long spoon, stir the drink gently to mix the ingredients and chill the cocktail.
- Garnish your Bloody Mary with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, lime wedge, and/or pickled vegetables. Feel free to get creative with the garnishes and customize them to your liking.
- Optionally, rim the glass with celery salt or smoked paprika before pouring the cocktail for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve and enjoy your award-winning Bloody Mary!
