The Bloody Mary is a legendary cocktail. Its name is variously attributed to Queen Mary the First of England, Mary Pickford or a bartender named Mary that worked at the Bucket of Blood Bar in Chicago.

This cocktail changes ingredients like a chameleon changes colors, so I give little credence to any claim of creation. Instead, this cocktail is re-invented every time it’s made.

The Search for a Great Cocktail

There are no two alike and a lifetime of exploration has failed to find more than a few palatable examples. The failures fall into three basic categories, Thin and watery, burning hot and those with one dimensional flavor.

A huge pour of vodka sounds appealing, but makes a thin, alcoholic cocktail. Bartenders compete to see who can make the hottest, fiery and peppery drink that quickly leads to burnout and a cry of “no mas”. Flavorless cocktails, with only tomato juice and vodka round out our list of losers.

I love spicy things, but poorly conceived drinks like these turned me away from a cocktail I should enjoy. A great bloody mary requires balance, so you can enjoy the layered, mouth filling flavors of all the components.

What Makes My Mix, Bloody Fabulous

We start with 100% tomato juice, then add V-8 for body and depth of flavor. We build on that with orange juice and grenadine you won’t consciously taste, but your mind will know is there. Next we add our secret Mexican ingredients. Salsa inglesa and jugo sazonador seasoning sauce contribute umami flavor that take this mix to another level. Finally, we add the heat with black pepper, horseradish and hot sauces. I aim for the perfect heat, where you immediately recognize it, but it’s not overpowering. As it lingers in the aftertaste, it persuades you to take another sip.

The Vodka

Smithworks of course, because their corn mash yields a soft, smooth distilled spirit.  It’s made with clean, clear water from the Boston Mountains, tempered and bottled by my local friends at Pernod Ricard. You can buy far more expensive vodka, domestic and imported, but you can’t beat the value and taste.

The Garnish

When it comes to garnish, some enjoy a virtual salad bar and others prefer a more restrained approach. It’s a matter of personal taste, so load it up to your heart’s content!

The Videos

The Full length Tutorial

The Smithworks Vodka Contest Entry

This is big batch mixology, so recruit some friends and enjoy!