Get Your Fix with a Local Mix

The origin and name of the tomato-juice-and-vodka cocktail remain shrouded in mystery. The earliest creation claim arose in the 1920s from Harry’s New York Bar, a Paris hangout for Ernest Hemingway and other American expats. U.S. creation claims begin post Prohibition with New York’s 21 Club.

The inspiration for the name could be Queen Mary I of England, who earned that sobriquet from the slew of religious executions she ordered, or other female inspirations. Another tale promotes the name as a mispronunciation of Vladimir, because Vladimir Smirnov (yes, of Smirnoff vodka fame) hung out at the bar that claims the origin story.

Because of its hair-of-the-dog reputation, a Bloody Mary pops up on many a breakfast and brunch menu. (The hearty tomato base and addition of salt supposedly combat a hangover, though nothing helps like temporary abstinence.)

The cocktail’s tomato juice foundation allows for a bounty of flavorful modifications. Common additions include salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, lime juice, molasses, beef bouillon, clam juice and horseradish. The cocktail boasts an ever-growing roster of garnishes, including celery sticks, bacon, olives, cheese cubes, dill pickle spears, shrimp and smoked fish.

With so many potential ingredients making the perfect Bloody Mary, a quality mix promises all the enjoyment without all the fuss. Fortunately, Richmonders can pick up Virginia mixes (also tasty in virgin format). For the perfect local concoction, mix with a Richmond spirit, such as Cirrus Vodka, Virago Spirits rum or gin (for a Red Snapper), or Reservoir Distillery whiskey.

• Backpocket Provisions works with farmers across Virginia to turn delicious-but-ugly fruits and vegetables into delicious Bloody Mary mixes to support local food systems Besides its flagship Bloody Brilliant mix, Backpocket offers options like Bloody Baja (using corn, jalapeños, and smoky spices), and Bloody Blue Ridge (a vegan option with habanero, sorghum, ghost pepper hot sauce and miso and tamari Worcestershire. Available online and at local markets. BackpocketProvisions.com
• Richmond’s spicy Texas Beach is as saucy as its namesake on the banks of the James River. A rich, robust tomato base fairly bursts with complex flavors and warming spices. Available at many area markets and bars. TexasBeachBloodyMary.com
• T.C. Trotter’s Moose Mix was born in T.C. Trotter’s Restaurant and Bar in Lynchburg more than 30 years ago. The restaurant has passed, but the bold and spicy mix is available at Virginia ABC stores. TCTrotters.com
• The mild, slightly sweet Huntsman, based on an old family recipe, was served at foxhunts before the Goochland couple went commercial. Available at miscellaneous markets and online. HuntsmanPremiumBloodyMaryMix.com
• Phantastic Poe’s celebrates the Master of the Phantastic who made his home in Richmond, Virginia for a taste that is out of this world. Available at Virginia ABC stores. PhantasticPoes.com

UPDATED Feb. 2, 2024