Hardly any drink radiates as much mysterious glamour as the Bloody Mary cocktail. It is considered a party legend and a culinary enigma. Join us on a journey through its history – from Florida to Paris and Chicago.
The Origin of the Bloody Mary Cocktail
As with many famous cocktails, the origin story of the Bloody Mary is not clearly documented. Numerous myths circulate behind the bars of the world, and they don't exactly become clearer after enjoying a few Bloody Marys. We take a look at the most common versions and trace the drink's journey in four stages.
Florida in 1927
We are in Palm Beach, Florida. It's eight in the morning, and the party from the night before is still going strong. Right in the middle of the hustle and bustle: George Jessel, actor, producer, host, and notorious party animal. During Prohibition, drinks are scarce. Some guests are already showing signs of fatigue, but the celebration must continue – after all, a volleyball game is scheduled for half past nine. A pick-me-up is needed. Jessel grabs the last open bottle of vodka.
At that time, the spirit was little known in the USA and often of poor quality. Jessel described the vodka as "sharp" with an "odor of old potatoes." To make it more palatable, he mixed vodka and tomato juice. A little later, Mary spilled the red drink on her white dress and exclaimed: Call me Bloody Mary. The foundation for the cocktail was laid.
Paris in the Twenties
At the same time, but on the other side of the Atlantic: In Paris, Fernand Petiot stood behind the bar at the famous Harry's New York Bar. Whether he invented the Bloody Mary or merely further developed it, he himself later couldn't say for sure. But he gave the drink its spice. He added salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and other spices to the mix of vodka and tomato juice.
The bar was a meeting place for many Americans escaping Prohibition in their home country. Writers like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, actors like Humphrey Bogart or Rita Hayworth – they all drank here and spread the Bloody Mary to the world. Hemingway even later claimed that by introducing the drink to Hong Kong in 1941, he contributed to the fall of the British Crown Colony.
New York in the Thirties
After Prohibition, Petiot moved to New York and took over the bar at the St. Regis Hotel. There, he perfected the recipe with cayenne pepper and Worcestershire sauce. However, the hotel owner found the name Bloody Mary too offensive. Therefore, the cocktail was served here as a Red Snapper. Despite the new name, the drink continued to spread and cemented its place in the bar scene.
Chicago in the Fifties
The last stop: Chicago. At Butch McGuire's Bar, the Bloody Mary was first served with a celery stick as garnish. This is how the drink finally came to be as we know it today: spicy, robust, unmistakable. The idea supposedly came about on a whim because no lemon slices were available. However, celery quickly proved to be the perfect accompaniment, as it supports the spicy aroma and visually enhances the drink. Since then, the celery stick has become the Bloody Mary's trademark and is indispensable to this day.
Why is the drink called Bloody Mary?
At least as many stories surround the name as they do its origin.
Mary I of England
Mary Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII, ruled England from 1553 to 1558. She violently enforced Catholicism and had numerous opponents executed. Her cruel reputation earned her the nickname Bloody Mary. Many therefore consider her to be the namesake.
Mary in the coffin
A somber legend tells of a young woman named Mary who was buried alive. Her father placed a bell in her coffin so she could signal. This story has little connection to the cocktail but repeatedly appears in explanations of the name.
Mary Worth
The story of Mary Worth comes from American folklore. She was executed during the Salem witch trials in the 17th century. Her ghost is said to appear if you call out the name Bloody Mary three times in front of a mirror. It is doubtful whether children ever had a cocktail in their hand during this dare.
Mary in the white dress
The anecdote from Florida is particularly well-known: Mary Brown Warburton, the department store heiress in the white dress, accidentally spilled the freshly invented drink on herself. Annoyed, she allegedly exclaimed: "Call me Bloody Mary." This version fits best with the creation myth.
Other possible namesakes
- Hollywood star Mary Pickford
- a waitress in the "Bucket of Blood" bar in Chicago
- the girlfriend of a Parisian bar patron who had the same nickname due to her appearances in a show
Bloody Mary Recipe
Ingredients:
- 5 cl Vodka
- 15 cl Tomato juice
- 1 cl Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tabasco
- Salt, pepper
- Celery and lime for garnish
Preparation:
Wash the celery and cut a stalk to size. Add all ingredients with eight ice cubes to a mixing glass and stir well. Strain the mix through a bar strainer into a highball glass, add the celery stick, and serve.
Virgin Mary (Alcohol-Free)
Ingredients:
- 15 cl Tomato juice
- 1 cl Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tabasco
- Salt, pepper
- Limes for garnish
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients with ice cubes in a mixing glass, stir well, and strain into a highball glass. Serve with a celery stick.
Bloody Mary with Tequila
Ingredients:
- 5 cl Tequila
- 15 cl Tomato juice
- 1 cl Lime juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tabasco
- Salt, pepper
- Celery and lime for garnish
Preparation:
Mix ingredients over ice in a mixing glass, strain into a highball glass, and garnish with celery or lime.
Conclusion
The Bloody Mary is far more than just a cocktail. It combines exciting myths, legendary stories, and an unmistakable flavor combination. From an improvised pick-me-up in Florida to a classic in the bars of Paris, New York, and Chicago – this drink has conquered a special place in cocktail culture.
Whether as a spicy start to the day, an accompaniment to brunch, or a lively aperitif in the evening: the Bloody Mary delights with its versatility. And with slight variations like the Virgin Mary or the Bloody Maria, everyone can find their personal favorite version. If you fancy mixing the drink yourself, you'll find a large selection of high-quality spirits at delicando with which you can write your own cocktail story.
FAQ – Questions and Answers
When do you drink a Bloody Mary?
Traditionally, the Bloody Mary is served in the morning or at brunch. It is considered a classic hangover cure but is also popular as a spicy aperitif.
Which spirit forms the base of the Bloody Mary?
In the classic version, vodka is used. Variations also use tequila or gin.
Is there an alcohol-free version of the Bloody Mary?
Yes, the Virgin Mary is the alcohol-free version and is prepared exclusively with tomato juice, spices, and herbs.
Which glass is suitable for a Bloody Mary?
The Bloody Mary is best served in a highball glass, as it offers enough space for ice, the drink, and garnish.
Where can I find the right ingredients for a Bloody Mary?
In addition to fresh tomato juice and spices, the choice of vodka is crucial. You can find a large selection of suitable spirits at delicando.
