by Whitney Scoggin

Created on: August 25, 2008

The Bloody Mary cocktail is definately not for everyone, but if you like them then this is a classic recipe that is sure to have your taste buds screaming for more. You can easily find many other Bloody Mary recipes out there with subtle differences, but this is the original and the best tasting recipe. As with many other recipes there are no lack of theories about the origins of this fabulous tasting cocktail. The truth is that it was invented by an ex patriot named Fernand Petiot, at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. It was thought to be around the early 1920's that he developed this recipe, making it one of the oldest cocktails out there. He originally combined equal parts of vodka and tomato juice. George Jessel developed the drink from this original formula, in the late 1930's, into the Bloody Mary that we know today. It was originally called the "Red Snapper," but the name "Bloody Mary" eventually won popularity. This cocktail is comprised of many different ingredients, but do not let that deter you from making it. It will be well worth it. Just watch out later on in the night, as you may notice your Bloody Mary getting stronger and stronger. Here are the ingredients that you need to make one serving.

2 1/2 oz. vodka
5 oz. tomato juice
1/2 oz. lemon juice
1/8 tsp of black pepper
1/8 tsp of celery salt
3 dashes of Worstershire Sauce
1 dash of Tabasco
Old Fashioned glass
ice
straw
celery stalk
shaker

First, fill the shaker with ice.
Next, add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, black pepper, celery salt, and Worstershire Sauce to the shaker, and shake well.
Strain your concoction into a glass filled with ice cubes.
Add a dash of Tabasco.
Finally, garnish with celery stick, and serve with a straw. More vodka can be added, according to your taste. This drink, like most other cocktails, is best with top shelf liquor and name brand products. It can also be poured over ice and stirred, instead of shaken. One of my favorite variations to this drink is the "Bloody Pirate," in which the vodka is replaced by rum. The rumor is that the Bloody Mary will cure your hangover blues. I guess that it may be possible, but I can not, in good concience, tell you that it is absolutely true. The Bloody Mary is a great brunch or cold weather drink, though. Have fun making this king of cocktails, and remember to drink responsibly. Feel free to ask questions and leave comments.

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