Give a twist and twirl to your Bloody Mary
Bloody Mary is quite an ironical drink: an alcohol-based cocktail that is known to to be sure shot cure for a hangover. With a splash of vodka and mix of tomato juice, lemon juice, Tabasco and other spices, Bloody Mary seemed to have come out of nowhere. Although the cocktail has no relation to Queen Mary I of England, its origin is quite uncertain.
One claim is that the cocktail was discovered by Fernand Petiot, a bartender at the New York Bar in Paris. The bar later changed its name to Harry’s New York Bar. Another claim is that Bloody Mary was first served in the Hemingway Bar at The Ritz Paris. Despite two conflicting stories, one thing is certain. The racy vodka-tomato based cocktail originated in the glamorous world of Paris. Also, it is related to Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway was a frequent patron at the New York Bar. It is quite interesting that a cure for hangover was concocted in a bar frequented by a writer who was known to be a chronic alcoholic.
Also known as Red Snapper, the Bloody Mary can be given several twists and twirls by adding different ingredients. Here are four quirky twists to make Bloody Mary.
- Green Bloody Mary: This gives a complete 180 degree twist to the classic Bloody Mary. Red tomatoes are not required for this one. In a pitcher, mix tequila, tomatillo juice, green bell pepper juice, cucumber juice, celery juice, lime juice, salt, white pepper, celery salt, white balsamic vinegar, horseradish, green Tabasco sauce. Chill the mix in the refrigerator for a couple hours.
- Asian Bloody Mary: This one uses the super-hot Sriracha. Mix vodka, tomato juice, sriracha (just little bit, you don’t want to set your mouth and head on fire), wasabi, salt and pepper. Refrigerate the the combination. Serve with a garnish of a celery stalk.
- Smoky Mary: This one gives a smoky twist to your conventional Bloody Mary. Combine together mezcal, fresh tomato juice, lime juice, cucumber juice, celery juice, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, Tabasco, chopped cilantro, a bit of liquid smoke and salt. Keep the pitcher in which you have mixed everything in the refrigerator. Serve with a garnish of pepperoncini, radish and olive on a skewer.
- Caprese Mary: This salad in a glass version of Bloody Mary is quite popular in a Chicago-based pizzeria. In a pitcher, mix together gin, basil-lime syrup, and lime juice, Shake all the ingredients together. Wrap a cherry tomato with a basil leaf. Garnish your Caprese Mary with skewer laden with the basil-wrapped tomato and a piece mozzarella cheese.