Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Best Ever Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary's were created in 1921 at Harry's New York Bar in Paris.   Over the years, bartenders have taken liberties with the original recipe.   We've grown accustomed to Bloodies being served with celery, a wedge of lemon, lime, or both, and in the DC area, they often come with Old Bay on the rim of the glass. But the original contained none of those accessories.

What:  Best Ever Bloody Mary, a proper one that comes with a spicy dill pickle, not celery.  

Where: Columbia Firehouse, in Old Town Alexandria.  Columbia's drink menu includes Historic Cocktails, favorites like Margaritas, Daiquiris, as well as, obscure drinks like The Avenue (circa 1938), and the Moscow Mule (Cock'n Bull Bar, California).  One thing is apparent from the menu...the roaring 20's were clearly the heyday of the highball.

Why It's the Best: It's the original recipe...and it's damn good.  Plenty of real horseradish, not hot sauce for the zip, and Tito's Vodka, not some overly marketed fad.  Also, try their onion rings.  The best we've had this side of Bermuda.

How We Know:  If you like the modern day version, you'll love the original.  Sometimes new isn't better, and less is more...this is one of those occasions.

Craving Level:  at least once a weekend.

Directions & Reviews:  Yelp, Open TableDirections