In 1934, the renowned bartender Fernand Petiot revolutionized the cocktail scene by perfecting a recipe for a vodka and tomato juice drink at The St. Regis New York’s King Cole Bar. Originally named the “Bloody Mary,” it was later renamed the “Red Snapper” to cater to the refined clientele of the hotel. Over 80 years later, the iconic cocktail remains the signature drink of the St. Regis brand worldwide and a staple of New Year’s Day brunches. To celebrate National Bloody Mary Day, here are some unique recipes inspired by the classic drink that you can try at home.
The classic Bloody Mary recipe starts with a base of 1 oz (30 ml) premium vodka and 11 oz (325 ml) bloody mary mix. Squeeze a lemon wedge for garnish, and fill a 12 oz (½ L) bloody mary glass with ice. Add vodka, fill the glass with bloody mary mix, and garnish with lemon. This recipe makes 3 gallons (11 L) of the mix, which includes the juice of 3 lemons, 2 ½ #10 cans (2 ½ large) tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, black pepper, cayenne pepper, celery salt, and whole black peppercorns. Shake the ingredients well and strain the peppercorns before adding alcohol.
Inspired by the commercial and cultural heritage of the nearby Chesapeake Bay, this twist on the classic Bloody Mary features a gin base and incorporates signature spices from a classic Chesapeake Bay crab boil. The unique element of this cocktail is a bloody mary cart that arrives tableside during brunch, offering a variety of complementing garnishes such as olives, poached shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and more for guests to personalize their drinks. To make this drink, combine tomato juice, lemon juice, horseradish, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, premium gin, clam juice, Old Bay® Seasoning, and lemon juice. Shake well and pour into a wine glass filled with ice. Garnish with a tail-on shrimp and serve with oyster crackers.
Derived from La Isla del Encanto, a popular nickname for Puerto Rico, this Caribbean twist on the classic Bloody Mary adds a lively amount of heat with Puerto Rican ají picante, balanced by the sweetness of crushed plantain chips on the rim. Rub the rim of an 8 oz highball glass with a lime wedge and dip it into crushed crispy plantain chips. Fill the glass with ice, pour in vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, ají picante, celery salt, black peppercorn, lime juice, and stir. Garnish with a celery stalk and skewered olives.
This twist on the traditional Bloody Mary is inspired by the Southeast Asian menu and vibe of a Caribbean Mexican resort. The signature touch is the use of cucumber-infused 1533 Organic Vodka and a rim of salt blended with charred tortilla and dried avocado leaves, although any cucumber vodka and rim of choice can be used. Combine cucumber-infused vodka, tomato juice, bloody mary mix, lime juice, and finely chopped fresh ginger in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and pour over ice-rimmed highball glass. Garnish with charred baby corn, jicama, pickled chile, and add a few drops of habanero sauce for extra heat if desired.
The signature bloody mary at a certain Auberge Resorts Collection property combines the juice from in-house roasted tomatoes with local limón mandarina, a citrus hybrid widely grown in Central America. To recreate the flavor, use a mix of lemon and tangerine juice. Combine vodka, tomato juice made from roasted tomatoes, mandarin lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and Lea & Perrins in a shaker. Serve in a Collins glass with ice and garnish with celery, fresh lime, and olives.
Created at an Auberge Resorts Collection property’s restaurant, this version of the classic Bloody Mary incorporates extra flavor and spice with bitters, lime juice, spiced tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, and Tabasco sauce. Add all the ingredients into a pint glass, stir, and garnish with your choice of ingredients.
With these unique twists on the classic Bloody Mary, you can elevate your brunch or New Year’s Day celebration with a signature cocktail that reflects international flavors and culinary creativity. Experiment with different recipes and garnishes to find your perfect combination. Cheers to the evolution of the Bloody Mary!
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