Bloody Mary-Variations on a Classic

Legend has it that the venerable Bloody Mary made its debut in the early 1920s in Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France (although the history is far from settled). Since that time, the recipe has remained basically the same:

1.5 oz vodka
6 oz spicy tomato juice
Salt & pepper to taste
Serve over ice in a tall glass
Garnish with a celery stalk

While the classic version is perfectly serviceable, it leaves plenty of room for innovation. For example, you might celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with a Green Mary:

1.5 oz vodka
6 oz green tomato or tomatillo juice
A couple of dashes of Worchestershire sauce
A dash of Tabasco sauce
Serve over ice in a tall glass
Garnish with a cucumber slice

Or consider celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a Mezcal Mary:

1.5 oz mezcal
6 oz spicy tomato juice
A dash of jalapeno puree
A squeeze of lime
A pinch of chili powder
Serve over ice in a salt-rimmed glass
Garnish with a strip of crisp bacon

If you want the flavor of the French riviera without traveling half way across the world, mix up a Mediterranian Mary.

1.5 oz vodka
1 oz dry sherry
3 oz spicy tomato juice
A dash of Tabasco sauce
A dash of Worchestershire sauce
1 tsp of olive oil
A pinch of sea salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
A squeeze of lime
A squeeze of lemon
Rub the rim with the lemon a roll the rim in salt
Serve over ice
Garnish with olives and a pickle spear