The Bloody Mary cocktail and its many variations have been popular for decades. A simple mix of vodka, tomato juice, lemon and spices are something of an epitome of brunch cocktails. Unfortunately, many venues let themselves down with their choice of tomato juice. Too much sugar, too many additives, not enough real tomato, texture is too thick… the list goes on. But what if I told you I have found THE BEST tomato juice to complement the drink?!
History of Bloody Mary
It all started when a bartender named Fernand Petiot added vodka into tomato juice when working at New York bar (today known as Harry’s Bar) in Paris in 1921. Although there are a few other bartenders who also claim ownership of the original recipe. Somewhere along the way, some black pepper, cayenne, lemon juice and ice were added to create a more layered recipe. When the drink made its way to America, it was made with gin as this was readily available. Eventually vodka took its drink back and still remains the most common base spirit for Bloody Mary.
It is believed that the name Bloody Mary is a dark joke based on Queen Mary, who had over 300 protestants killed during her reign in 16th-century England. George Jessel, who claimed to have invented the recipe in 1939, said the name was based on his friend Mary, who managed to spill the red drink all over her white dress. Jessel’s Bloody Mary was made with a shaker and the recipe included tomato juice, spices, vodka, lemon and Worcestershire sauce.
Bloody Mary Variations
There’s a saying in Finland ‘Rakkaalla lapsella on monta nimeä’, which translates as ‘A dear child has many names.’ The same applies to Bloody Mary.
Bloody Mary – made with vodka
Bloody Bishop – equal measures of sherry and vodka
Red Snapper – made with gin
Bloody Maria – made with tequila
Bloody Scotchman – made with scotch whisky
Bloody Molly – made with Irish whiskey
Virgin Mary – alcohol-free recipe
Bloody Caesar – added clam juice
Michelada – made with beer, tomato juice optional
Green Mary – made with green tomatoes
Why Longbottom & Co is the best
I want to start with a disclaimer. Yes, this post is sponsored by Longbottom & Co, but I actually discovered (and fell in love with) the brand long before they reached out and asked me to collaborate.
I’m a huge fan of adding spices to a tomato juice even before you even think about adding any alcohol to it. I find it refreshing and it works as a great pick-me-up drink, hangover or not. Of course, adding a double shot of vodka works well too, but only on certain occasions.
What makes Longbottom & Co tomato drinks the best is the ingredients used and the flavour balance. They are made with real tomatoes, without artificial ingredients, it’s GMO-free and certified vegan. They are never made from concentrate. The range includes a gently spiced tomato juice, Virgin Mary, and premixed Bloody Mary (6.1% ABV). The Virgin Mary and Bloody Mary have all the garnish blended in with the tomatoes. The recipe includes olives, horseradish, capers, lemon, black pepper, chilli, celery, salt, onion and peppers. The Worcestershire sauce used is vegan.
Stock these in the fridge and you can create any variation of the classic in no time!
Try these
Simple Bloody Mary
50ml vodka (or replace with a spirit of your choice)
250ml Longbottom & Co Virgin Mary
Extra Tabasco (optional)
Spice mix rim (optional)
Shake well with ice if you can be bothered. Or simply build directly into an ice-filled glass.
‘Build Your Own’ Bloody Mary
50ml Vodka
125ml Longbottom & Co Tomato Juice (gently spiced)
30ml Guinness
Fresh lemon juice
Fresh lime juice
Celery salt
Black pepper
4 Dashes of Worcestershire sauce
3 Dashes of Tabasco
Horseradish sauce (optional)
I also add some extra chilli sauce depending on what is available. I like it spicy!
Measure all the ingredients into the glass part of a cocktail shaker and stir well with ice.
Fill the glass with ice and strain the mix in. It is up to you how much you want to impress with the garnish. Garnish ideas: celery stalk, mini gherkins, pickled onion, lemon slice, crispy bacon, cucumber slice, cherry tomatoes etc. etc. You can also make a larger batch in a jug an hour before you serve, just add ice and give it a good stir before serving.
Lager Mary
25ml vodka
250ml Longbottom & Co Virgin Mary
Lager of your choice
Shake all but lager with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass. Top up with lager. Choose your garnish.
Overall
Bloody Mary is the ultimate brunch drink and a hangover cure (drink responsibly!). It simply is timeless. Longbottom & Co tomato drinks will upgrade the classic serve and simplify your brunch routine. Don’t just take my word for it, try it yourself.
Buy here.
Have you tried Longbottom & Co tomato drinks? Which Bloody Mary variations have you tried?
Disclaimer: This post has been created in collaboration with Longbottom & Co.
