Bloody Mary: History of a Classic Cocktail

Known as the “hangover cure”, the Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail most often consumed in the morning, brunch, or lunch time hours. This classic combination of tomato juice and vodka has many variations— but where did it come from? How did it get its name? We break down everything you need to know about the Bloody Mary in this latest edition of the history of a classic cocktail.

Where did the Bloody Mary Come From?

Like most classic cocktails, the origin story of the Bloody Mary is disputed. However, most trace the history back to a young bartender named Fernand “Pete” Petiot at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris in 1921.

Paris in the 1920s was a popular destination for many US expats, including Earnest Hemingway and other members of the “lost generation.”

Paris was also popular for Russians who were escaping the revolution and wars in Russia. The Russians brought plenty of vodka from their homeland, while the Americans brought canned tomato juice to the city.

It is said that Fernand “Pete” Petiot took the Russian vodka and American tomato juice, mixed in some spices, lemon juice and seasoning and the Bloody Mary was born.

The cocktail grew in popularity in Paris in the 1920s, as stars like Humphrey Bogart and Rita Hayworth visited bars like Harry’s New York Bar for the familiarity of an American style bar in the days of prohibition.

After Prohibition, Petiot brought the drink to Manhattan when he presided over the dapper King Cole Bar at the St. Regis Hotel.

How did Bloody Mary Get its Name?

The origin of the name “Bloody Mary” is also disputed. When Petiot first brought the cocktail to America, it was given the name “The Red Snapper”, which gained popularity for a time. But the cocktail was renamed later to Bloody Mary.

Some stories suggest that it was named after a server named Mary who worked at a saloon bar called The Bucket of Blood in Chicago. A 1934 ad, noted by Esquire, states that entertainer George Jessel named the drink after a friend, Mary Geraghty.

However, most people claim it was named after Queen Mary Tudor of England for her particularly bloody reign over England in the 16th century.

How do you Make a Bloody Mary?

The Bloody Mary is a unique cocktail, not just because it is typically consumed in the morning, but because the tomato juice and vodka form a blank canvas on which bartenders can add anything they like. Horseradish, black pepper, clam juice, and a variety of spices can all show up in a bartender’s unique take on this classic cocktail.

Brunch restaurants today often serve the Bloody Mary with a wide selection of garnishes – everything ranging from basic celery and olives to bacon, cheeses, shrimp, fruit and assorted meats. Today the Bloody Mary is a cocktail, appetizer and meal all in one!

You can try our take at our Sunday brunch!

Cheers!