“It’s a Bloody Mary morning,
baby left me without warning,
sometime in the night…”
“It’s a Bloody Mary morning,
I woke up and I was yawning/
and the curtains they need drawing/
the rain it was still pouring,”
etc…etc…
Let’s face it, you don’t need a reason you need an attitude. It’s seen as a slightly indulgent, louche type of beverage, drunk by equally indulgent, louche individuals. It’s a stylish, classy drink, not on a par with a martini you understand, but in a class all of its own. A breakfast cocktail no less, now that’s hardcore. Daiquiris and Pina Coladas should hang their heads in shame, this is a drink to be reckoned with.
Willie Nelson rates it and I could definitely see Jeffrey Barnard and Peter O’Toole downing a few at the Coach and Horses in Soho whilst trying to remember the what’s, whys and wherefores of the previous evening. A hell raisers drink no less.
It is my favourite cocktail on a par with a Negroni. It’s an easy choice between the two though, my rule is: only drink Bloody Marys whilst there is still daylight and after sundown it’s Negronis all the way. Often all the way to all kinds of misadventures and I’ve ended up with some interesting tales to tell and some that are best forgotten.
It’s also seen as a civilised way to start your Sunday brunch and cure your hangover all in one tall drink. That being said there are some bloody awful Bloody Marys around and there really is nothing more disgusting than a glass of tepid tomato juice with some vodka and a few desultory drips of Lea and Perrins sinking through the goo.
These are the components of a good Bloody Mary:
- Freshly grated horseradish
- Fresh lemon juice
- Good vodka
- Freshly milled black pepper
- Tomato juice
- Celery salt
- Lea & Perrins
- Ice
The combination of these elements produces a drink that engages all of our senses full on.
BEHOLD the highball glass filled with a drink the colour of bull’s blood sporting an even taller stick of celery with a fat wedge of bright green lime languishing on top.
PICK IT UP and feel the chill and the condensation on the frosted glass.
INHALE the aromas of horseradish, always a winner for clearing the sinuses, mingling with fresh pepper and spices.
HEAR the crunch of that first bite of celery and the clink of the ice.
TASTE it, that first mouthful, spicy tomato juice and horseradish shot through with the sharpness of fresh lemon and pepper and of course the hit of the vodka…delicious!
You can keep your Bellinis and Buck’s Fizz, for me, if you’re going to drink Champagne for, breakfast, then drink it, don’t dilute it. Personally there’s no contest, if you’re drinking before lunch, maybe even before your morning coffee, then it has to be Bloody Marys all the way.
