National Bloody Mary Day, observed every January 1st, is a special occasion devoted to an iconic cocktail loved by many - the Bloody Mary. Acknowledged globally as a favorite remedy for hangovers, the Bloody Mary is a delightful blend of flavors that many look forward to after a lively New Year’s Eve.
The day provides an opportunity for both seasoned aficionados and novices alike to delve into the intriguing history of this remarkable cocktail and try their hand at concocting the perfect Bloody Mary.
History of National Bloody Mary Day
National Bloody Mary Day is a tradition that is observed every year on the first day of January. Interestingly enough, there is no concrete historical event that led to the establishment of this national day. What is certain, though, is that it fits perfectly with the common practice of consuming Bloody Mary on New Year’s Day, for its alleged recuperative properties after New Year’s Eve festivities.
Most people agree that Fernand “Pete” Petiot is the original creator of the Bloody Mary, during his time in the early 1920s at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, a favorite watering hole for American expatriates, including celebrated personalities like Ernest Hemingway amongst other artists. Here, Petiot came up with a drink recipe that combined vodka and tomato juice, which are the main components of what we now call a Bloody Mary.
When Petiot relocated to New York City after the prohibition in the 1930s, he introduced this drink in the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis Hotel. It was also in this place where the drink supposedly got its name, although there exist different stories about the naming, with some sources indicating it was initially referred to as a “Red Snapper” before earning the title “Bloody Mary.”
Over the years, numerous variants of this classic Bloody Mary cocktail have emerged. However, the fundamental ingredients remain vodka, tomato juice followed by a variety of spices, and other flavor boosters like Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, celery, salt, pepper, lemon juice, horseradish, and celery salt.
Recognized on National Bloody Mary Day, this well-loved cocktail forms an essential part of New Year’s Day traditions, giving a formal nod to people to relish a Bloody Mary as they commence the New Year. The positioning of this day on January 1st coincides with the widespread theory that this cocktail is a sure cure for hangovers. It also pairs well with a New Year’s Day brunch, another popular custom in numerous households.
National Bloody Mary Day Timeline
Creation of the Bloody Mary
Fernand Petiot allegedly created the vodka and tomato juice concoction in his bar in Paris. The name, however, was not yet born.
Bloody Mary Reaches America
Fernand Petiot brought the drink recipe with him to New York. He started serving it at the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis Hotel, where it became very popular.
Introduction of Additional Ingredients
Petiot enhanced the drink by adding lemon, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce to the mix. The customers loved the new taste profile.
Naming of the Bloody Mary
There are many theories about how the drink got its name. Some ascribe it to Queen Mary I of England, while others claim it was after a customer named Mary.
Introduction of Celery Stick
The tradition of garnishing the Bloody Mary with a celery stick began at Chicago’s Ambassador East Hotel when an improvised swizzle stick was needed.
Popularization of the Bloody Mary
During the 60's and 70's, the drink became popular as a hangover cure, often consumed at brunch or in the morning.
Variations on the Classic Bloody Mary
In the 80s, variations such as the Bloody Caesar and the Virgin Mary (non-alcoholic) started to appear in bars across the globe.
Ideas to Celebrate National Bloody Mary Day
Bloody Mary Brunch Party
You could have a fun mid-morning celebration with friends, featuring various styles of Bloody Mary drinks. A variety of ingredients such as celery, lemon, olives, and an assortment of hot sauces could be provided to allow guests to craft their own bespoke Bloody Mary.
Online Bloody Mary Making Class
Considering hosting or participating in an online cocktail crafting class, where a skilled bartender will guide you through the process of making the perfect Bloody Mary.
Bartender Competition
How about sparking some friendly rivalry by challenging your friends or colleagues to a Bloody Mary showdown?
Trying a New Recipe
Celebrate this special day by stepping off your regular path and giving a new Bloody Mary recipe a whirl. You can add an interesting spin by introducing unconventional ingredients like bacon, shrimp or a flavored vodka.
Bloody Mary Bar Crawl
If your location allows it, consider marking the day with a bar-hopping tour. It could be an exciting way to sample varied spins on the traditional Bloody Mary. Do remember to adhere to any local health guidelines.
Bloody Mary Tasting Night
Turn this day into an excuse to host or attend a tasting event featuring this favorite cocktail. You can include classic Bloody Marys or a range of creative variants. To make the evening more memorable, pair your drinks with some well-chosen nibbles.
Bloody Mary & Food Pairing Dinner
Imagine a special dinner menu where every dish is perfectly paired with a unique style of a Bloody Mary. It could turn into a delightful experiment discovering combinations that complement both the meal and the cocktail.
5 Interesting Facts About Bloody Mary (drink)
Three Name Contenders
The term Bloody Mary is linked to a number of historical characters, with Queen Mary I of England being the most prominent. However, there's also a popular belief that the name was derived from a barmaid named Mary who served at a Chicago tavern known as the Bucket of Blood.
More than One Recipe
While a standard Bloody Mary generally incorporates vodka, tomato juice, hot sauce, and a mix of other spices, a variety of regional and personalized versions exist that add unique twists to the classic recipe.
A Morning-after Drink
Bloody Mary is often enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon, making it a common sight at brunch tables. It's also widely recognized as a remedy for hangovers.
Tomato Juice's Popularity
The love for the Bloody Mary played a key role in making tomato juice a popular beverage option. Before this cocktail caught on, tomato juice wasn't really favored as a standalone drink.
Pioneer of Strange Garnishes
One of the hallmarks of a Bloody Mary is its extravagant garnish. It could be as simple as celery stalks, olives, and onions or as lavish as bacon, shrimp, and even mini burgers!
National Bloody Mary Day FAQs
Next National Bloody Mary Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 1st | Sunday |
| 2024 | January 1st | Monday |
| 2025 | January 1st | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January 1st | Thursday |
| 2027 | January 1st | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | Every January 1st | |
National Bloody Mary Day Word Search
- Celery
- Cocktail
- Tabasco
- Vodka
- Spicy
- Savory