Hot, spicy, and now herbaceous, the Gin Bloody Mary will help clear all the cobwebs away.
Some years back, the band I played guitar in took a little trip down to San Diego to play a showcase. For me, that was the first time I had been “on the road”, so to speak, playing music. We had to get a hotel, pile into a few cars with all of our amps and instruments, and when it was time to hit the stage, the golden California sun was blasting us right in our eyes. Ah, the life of a rock and roll band.
We took it fairly easy after our set, in terms of partying. But drinks were flowing and we were there for the night, so as we watched the other groups play, we imbibed and bopped along with everyone else in the crowd, feeling pretty good. The next morning, we all grabbed breakfast before heading back to Los Angeles, our heads a little fluffy from the night before. I treated myself to a vodka-coffee concoction called a Java the Hutt, but our drummer went for a few of tonight’s cocktail, the Gin Bloody Mary.
This sticks out to me because I’m used to seeing folks enjoy a vodka-based Bloody Mary, but the gin version I soon discovered isn’t just a random offshoot of the classic. Originally known as the Red Snapper during the Prohibition era, the Gin Bloody Mary came to be because of the availability of its base spirit over vodka in the United States. French barman Fernand Petiot, who invented the original vodka and tomato juice potion, adapted his mixture with gin when he came to the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. So, depending on what you prefer with your brunch, you now have a few Bloody beverages to choose from.
What Is The Best Gin To Use In A Gin Bloody Mary?
Bloody Mary cocktails have a lot going on in that red and spicy mixture. When choosing a gin to make this particular tipple with, you’ll need to ask yourself if you want more complexity or balance. A juniper-forward London Dry will add some extra peppy and herbaceous notes, while something like Old Tom will be sweeter. Beefeater is a very clean and balanced spirit, and works nicely in this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 3 ounces tomato juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- 1 pinch celery salt
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 1 celery stick for garnish
- 1 lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the gin, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, horseradish, celery salt, and black pepper.
- Cover the shaker tightly and shake well.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a celery stick and a lemon wedge. Enjoy!
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
A tall highball glass filled with ice is the ideal receptacle, garnished with a celery stalk, cherry tomatoes and a lemon wedge to complete the look.
CAN THIS BE PREPPED AS A NON-ALCOHOLIC RECIPE?
Yes. Simply skip adding the gin and continue mixing as you would.
Other Bloody Mary Variations Worth Trying
After a Gin Bloody Mary or two, you might be wondering what other spicy and savory sippers there are available that you can enjoy at your next brunch, or in case you awaken with a hangover. Twist & Toast has some delectable and memorable recipes that you can try out at home this weekend, or order the next time you’re out with friends.
- Sangrita – The hot and spicy companion to a peppery shot of tequila.
- Bloody Maria – Tequila blanco joins the Bloody cocktail party.
- Bloody Caesar – This Canadian version features Clamato.
- Michelada – Similar to a Bloody Mary, but with beer.
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