June 14, 2012
Bloody Mary Story
The Bloody Mary— some say it’s named after a bartender in Paris who decided to mix tomato juice and vodka, bless his heart. Others say it’s named after Mary Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII, former Queen of England, half sister of Queen Elizabeth I, and vodka drinker. Just kidding. Truthfully, Mary was most famous for killing her protestant adversaries, or having them killed, hence the name—Bloody Mary. Not exactly the Arnold Palmer or Shirley Temple approach to having a drink named after you, but it sure did stick.
Despite the unfortunate origins of its name, the Bloody Mary is one of the most popular drinks of our day.  There are as many recipes as there are bars. The key ingredient, in my vodka drinking opinion, is a little TLC. If you see a bartender treating your Bloody Mary like he or she is handling an artifact, you know it’s going to be good.
Besides an ice-cold beer, a Bloody Mary is the only drink I look forward to as much as I do…say…a cut and a color…or a pedicure…or sunshine…or rainbows…or ponies…
…And I would drink them on a barge!
And I would drink them with my friend Marge…
And I will drink them in the sand.
And I will drink them with one hand.
And during class, and after Mass.
They are so good so good you see!
So I will drink them on a stool.
And I will drink them with a fool.
And I will drink them a couch.
And I will…maybe…become a slouch.
And I will drink them here and there.
Say! I will drink them ANYWHERE!
In addition to ANYWHERE, here are a few of my favorite Milwaukee Bloody Mary spots (note: not in order of deliciousness—they’re all delicious—in order of most recent consumption):
Thank you, Dr. Seuss. Thank you, Mary Tudor. Thank you, guy from Paris.
