Bloody Mary cocktails: Five ways to sip to the New Year

Bloody Mary cocktails are more than just a brunch favorite. These five versions of the favorite cocktail can be the perfect way to toast the New Year.

Bloody Mary cocktails are considered a classic cocktail. While the exact creator of the cocktail does have a little controversy, the drinkability of the cocktail has made it popular with generations. Today, the cocktail comes in numerous varieties and can be customized for almost any preference.

Many people believe that Ferdinand “Pete” Petiot created this tomato juice cocktail. His version was originally called the Red Snapper. Over the years, the first version was modified to include some lemon juice, cayenne and Worcestershire.

With regards to the name, there are several stories that can be believed. Some people think that the name is a reference to Queen Mary Tudor. Still, there are various other stories behind the name, like the cocktail being split on Mary’s white dress.

National Bloody Mary Day is celebrated on January 1 every year. Many people enjoy a tasty Bloody Mary the morning after an evening of celebratory cocktails. It could be the hair of the dog or maybe that tomato juice just helps to combat that tinge of a headache. Since the tomato juice often masks the taste of the alcohol in these cocktails, it be best to sip wisely.

Today, many Bloody Mark cocktails come with several garnishes. The traditional celery and olive can be displaced with bacon, shrimp and even a whole chicken at one restaurant. Ordering one cocktail could be like ordering a meal.

If you are looking to mix one of these classic cocktails, here are five versions that are FoodSided approved. Whether you prefer a clean, classic approach or a bolder option, at least one of these cocktails should appeal to your thirst.

Cheers to Bloody Mary cocktails!

Tito’s Bloody Mary – classic

If you are looking to enjoy the classic Bloody Mary cocktail, this version is one to know. Featuring the always tasty Tito’s Handmade Vodka, this cocktail can go great with brunch just an afternoon sipper.

Tito’s Bloody Mary, photo provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka

"Tito’s Bloody MaryIngredients• 1.5 oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka• 3-4 oz your favorite Bloody Mary mix• Garnish such as celery, olives, dill pickles, bacon and/or smoked sausage• IceMethod• Combine Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Bloody Mary mix and ice in a cocktail shaker• Shake well and pour everything into a glass• Add your favorite garnishes• Enjoy!"

Trail’s End Bacon Mary – bourbon fan’s dream

Who said that a Bloody Mary has to be made with vodka? This version includes bourbon and bacon. How could you pass on this update of the classic?

"Trail’s End Bacon MaryIngredients• Celery salt• 1 ½ oz Trail’s End Bourbon• 2 dashes Hot Sauce• 2 dashes Worcestershire Sauce• 1 teaspoon Wasabi (more to taste)• Tomato Juice• Lime wedge and black pepper for garnish• Celery stalk and bacon stripMethodRun the lime wedge around the rim of a mason jar. Sprinkle the rim with black pepper. Fill with ice. Add all ingredients, stir and garnish with a celery stick and strip of crispy bacon."

Harvest Tomato Cooler, photo provided by American Harvest Vodka

Harvest Tomato Cooler – fresh and clean

This version of the classic Bloody Mary skips the pre-made mixer for freshly squeezed juice. With the addition of fresh herbs and a splash of hot sauce, this cocktail is a flavor explosion.

"Harvest Tomato CoolerIngredients• 1 slice lemon• 3 to 4 purple basil leaves• 3 ounces fresh squeezed tomato juice (about 4 small to medium tomatoes)• 2 ounces American Harvest Organic Vodka• Splash of hot sauce• Ice• Purple basil to garnishMethodAdd the lemon to a cocktail shaker. Tear the basil and add it with the lemon. Muddle the two together.Strain the tomato juice to remove seeds and add it to the cocktail shaker. Add the American Harvest Vodka and hot sauce, and then add a handful of ice. Cover and shake until well chilled.Fill a short cocktail glass with ice, strain the cocktail into the glass, and garnish with basil."

Lucid Bloody Oyster Shooters, photo provided by Lucid Absinthe

Bloody Oyster Shooters – cocktail with a side

For a new flavor twist on the classic, try a little absinthe in the Bloody Mary cocktail. The anise adds a nuanced flavor. Plus, oysters and absinthe are always tasty.

"Bloody Oyster ShootersIngredients• 1 oz. Lucid Absinthe• 4 oz. spicy Bloody Mary mix• 4 dashes of Worcestershire sauce,• 1 teaspoon horseradish• 4 oysters• Ground pepper, garlic salt, celery salt to tasteMethodIn a pint glass add ice, Lucid Absinthe, Bloody Mary mix, Worcestershire sauce, and other spices. Shake and strain into shot glasses. Garnish with a fresh oyster and sprinkle with sea salt."

Mutti Bloody Mary, photo provided by Mutti

The Mutti®Mary Mix – tomato forward

If you love tomatoes, this Bloody Mary cocktail is all about the tomatoes. With the tomato puree, the tomato flavor is front and center. If you like it a little spicy, add a hunt more horseradish to the mix.

"The Mutti®Mary Mix• 3oz. Mutti® Tomato Puree (Passata) or Mutti®Finely Chopped Tomatoes (Polpa)• 1 oz. olive juice• 2 teaspoons grated horseradish• 1 tablespoon lemon juice• ¼ teaspoon pesto (optional)• Pinch salt• Pinch black pepper• 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce• 2 oz. vodkaGarnish• 1 green olive• 1 stalk of celery• 1 wedge lemon• 2 leaves basilMix all the non-­‐alcoholic “Mutti®Mary Mix” ingredients together in a small pitcher or cocktail shaker. Fill a highball or stem glass with ice. Pour half the vodka over the ice then add the Mutti®Mary mixture. Place the celery stick in the glass and drizzle in remaining vodka, garnish with olives, lemon, basil, and serve. Enjoy! Makes 1 cocktail."

What are in your favorite Bloody Mary cocktails? Do you know a great place to enjoy one? Share your thoughts in the comments section or tag your photo with #FoodSided.