Variety spices up that classic brunch beverage, the Bloody Mary
We could sit here and debate the beginnings of the Bloody Mary (sometimes credited to a waitress at Chicago's Bucket of Blood bar or bartenders in New York or Paris), but really, the more interesting debate is what goes into this iconic brunch cocktail.
What a delicious debate it is and one with no wrong answers.
The first recipe seemingly called for simply tomato juice and vodka; salt pepper and Worcestershire sauce were among the first additions to perk it up. By many standards Tabasco and horseradish are must-have ingredients as well.
Bartenders today use homemade infused vodka (like at Niche restaurant in Geneva), commercial vodka flavored with lemon or pepper and even freshly made tomato juice in their drinks.
Working with that base, almost anything goes. Pickle juice, lime juice, beef broth, red wine and beer might be stirred in.
At Duke's Ale House and Kitchen in Crystal Lake, bartender Bob Johnson says a splash of Guinness stout goes into their version.
"The Guinness gives it a smoky flavor," he says. The Bloody Marys at Duke's also start with mix from Glenview-based Zing Zang that Johnson kicks up with A1 Steak Sauce and Worcestershire.
Long ago a leafy celery stick was added to the glass so patrons could stir the drink and keep the heavy ingredients from separating and settling to the bottom. Today customers can take their pick of garnishes at the many restaurants and bars that offer Bloody Marys.
"Olives, cheese, peppers - we have a huge variety of garnishes, it's like building a salad," says Jeremy Donaker, general manager of Birch River Grill in Arlington Heights. "People really seem to like salami and cheese."
Let's just agree to disagree about what makes a great Bloody Mary and toast the soul who first mixed vodka and tomato juice together.
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<h1>Try these</h1>
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<h2>Recipes</h2>
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<li><a href="/story/?id=381302">Bella Marie </a></li>
<li><a href="/story/?id=381303">Classic Bloody Mary </a></li>
<li><a href="/story/?id=381301">Tomatillo Bloody Mary </a></li>
<li><a href="/story/?id=381300">Michelada Bloody Mary </a></li>
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