While no one tells the exact same story, most historians agree that French bartender Fernand Petiot is responsible for creating the Bloody Mary. He first served a variation of the iconic drink at Harry's Bar in Paris around 1920. He later came to the United States and started slinging drinks at New York's St. Regis Bar. In 1933, he added Tabasco to his already-popular combination of vodka and tomato juice and a brunch specialty was born. These days, there are endless variations on the original Bloody Mary, but most recipes include salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish and a celery stalk or two. One of my favorite Philadelphia bars, National Mechanics, has a weekend Bloody Mary Bar at which they allow patrons to add their own mix-ins, which allows for vast customization (if you're brave, opt for the house-made Bacon Vodka).
For those of you who are Bloody Mary lovers, what's your favorite twist on the classic?
12-01-2008 @3:09PM Samme said... I like a dash of lemon juice in mine for the extra acidity. Bloody Marty's are probably my favorite mixed drink because I am not a fan of very sweet drinks. I only drink ones I make though, never order them: I am always afraid they will use some "bloody mary mix" from a plastic bottle that is loaded with sulfites.
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12-01-2008 @3:25PM Kat Kinsman said... Prune in NYC has a Southwest with tequila and smoked peppers, and I also love their version of a Chicago Matchbox with pretty much an entire pickled garden floating in it. Their Green Lake boasts wasabi and a beef jerky swizzle. I just enjoy saying "jerky swizzle."
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12-01-2008 @4:32PM Kenboy said... I like to make mine with gin instead of vodka.
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12-02-2008 @12:58AM Shawn Tripp said... I prefer the Canadian version, the Bloody Caesar, using Clamato (yup, just like it sounds) instead of straight tomato juice. As well, a dollop of horseradish to replace the tobasco gives a nice different kick.
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12-02-2008 @2:57AM Tom Simonton said... Honestly! I thought the drink Bloody Mary was named after the character in James Michener's book and theatre and movie musical about World War II, "South Pacific." This is a revelation to me because I am 76-years-old and should know better. We are never too old to learn.
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12-02-2008 @3:12AM Ardis said... Am I the only one that noticed the math error? If it's 75 years old, then it was invented in 1933, NOT 1934...sheesh.
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12-02-2008 @3:15AM Ardis said... So, Happy 74th Bloody Mary!
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12-02-2008 @7:40AM robin said... In the one pic are there 2 chicken wings hanging on the side of the glass? I like using V-8 juice (spicy or reg)add some horseradish, worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and of course Old Bay seasoning in the drink and on the rim of the glass. In Md. we use it in just about everything.
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12-02-2008 @2:57PM Patrick said... Definitely add Old Bay. And carrot juice (just a little) freshens up the taste.
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