Looking for the ultimate Bloody Mary recipe? Well, it’s time you read this article. Being a lover of good cocktails and of course, anything with a kick of chilli, I’ve put together a fun twist on this classic drink called the ‘Brummie Mary’. But before we delve into how to make it, we must first find out a little more about the origins of the OG, the Bloody Mary.
Where Did The Bloody Mary Come From?
It is iconic as the Bull Ring…Ok, maybe a bit more so. The bloody mary is one of the world’s most famous drinks, but its origins are surrounded by a cocktail mix of legend and fact. It is believed that the first Bloody Mary was created in the 1920s or 1930s by American bartender Fernand ‘Pete’ Petiot in Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. The place at the time was popular with ex-pats and creative types...a bit like Kings Heath I guess, for my Brummie readers!
The original Bloody Mary was a simple mix of vodka and tomato juice because ingredients were pretty limited at the time due to the war. Petiot later moved to the King Cole Bar in the New York Regis Hotel and upgraded the recipe by adding spices including Worcestershire sauce and pepper.
But where did the actual name come from? That is up for a lot of debate. Some reckon it is inspired by Queen Mary I of good old Blighty, who was nicknamed ‘Bloody Mary’ for her persecution of Protestants. Others say it was named after a waitress at the Chicago bar, or even the Hollywood actress Mary Pickford.
Those suggestions aside, the Bloody Mary quickly gained popularity due to its unique savouriness and spicy flavours and for also known as the ultimate hangover cure! Making it a ‘socially acceptable’ morning cocktail…yes please!
Today the Bloody Mary is still globally loved, with so many different variations. So if you are ready to give the Brummie twist a try and really level up your cocktail game, read on for a proper spicy treat!
How to Make a ‘Brummie Mary’
Everyone loves a Bloody Mary, am I right bab? So there’s no way to improve on one is there?…well, you're wrong! A ‘Brummie Mary’ is like a Bloody Mary but turned up to 11! This local spin on the all-time classic packs a proper punch and includes flavours as familiar but as bold as Brum itself (It’s vegan-friendly too!).
I have sourced locally acclaimed and highly recommended ingredients to make the ultimate cocktail. It’s perfect for brunches, hangover cures (hair of the dog and all that!) or just because it’s so bloody tasty! Watch the video and try out the recipe below, both are slightly different so find out which is your fav!
(Psst - Want that Bloody Mary flavour minus the hangover? Check out our Bloody Mary Hot Sauce!)
Ingredients:
- 50ml Spirit of Birmingham Vodka (Award-winning & bloody lovely!)
- 150ml tomato juice
- 1 tsp Henderson’s Relish
- 1 dash of Spanish sherry or port
- 1 squeeze of fresh lime juice
- 2 dashes Pip’s Nagatropolis Hot Sauce (or more…if you dare!)
- A pinch of celery salt
- A pinch of White Pepper
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: Celery stick, cucumber, or your favourite Brummie twist (a green Balti chilli, anyone?)
What are the steps of a Brummie (Bloody) Mary?:
- Fill a shaker or mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Add 50ml Spirit of Birmingham vodka.
- Pour 150ml tomato juice, followed by a dash of Spanish sherry or port
- Squeeze in some lime juice for zing, then add a generous dash of Pip’s Nagatropolis hot sauce (obvs the heat we need).
- Season with a pinch of celery salt and white pepper.
- Finish with a teaspoon of Henderson’s Relish for that perfect savoury kick.
- Stir it all together gently but thoroughly—no need to shake this one.
- Pour into a tall glass filled with fresh ice, and garnish with a celery stick, cucumber slice, or anything that screams “Brum vibes.”
How to Make a Brummie Mary with Bar Opus and Pip's Hot Sauce from BVU Ltd on Vimeo.
Enjoy Your Brummie Mary!
This isn’t just any Bloody Mary, it’s a proper Brummie upgrade. Perfectly balanced with spice, savoury goodness, and a dash of Birmingham’s best ingredients. Pair it with your next brunch or serve it up to impress your mates. Cheers, Bab!