Last weekend, when I was shopping at Ray’s Wine & Spirits, I came across Benny’s Bloody Mary Beef Straws. Yes, that’s right, a beef stick hollowed out into a glass-to-mouth transportation device. The straws retail for $7.99/package of 5 at Ray’s; you can also buy them online via the company’s website.
I tweeted about the straws and the next thing I knew, two packages arrived from Benny (Ben Hirko) himself.
A little background on the origin of this genius product, from Benny, via the company’s website:
During my 15+ years in the restaurant/bar business I’ve always loved trying new things to make people smile. One evening while bartending I was chatting with 2 customers. They had brought beef snack sticks with them to enjoy while having a couple of beers. Always hungry, I asked for one. While snacking on the stick, I thought to myself these would taste fantastic in a bloody mary! I began thinking of the best way to use it, and immediately thought it should be a straw instead of just a stick. As a straw, the bloody mary would be able to soak into the beef and be a juicy snack all the way through. Armed with this new idea, I started making them at home for my friends and family. Everyone loved them, and after some research I thought I should make these available for everyone. I hope my idea can add a bit of fun, and great taste to your bloody marys for years to come.
After receiving the straws, I was anxious to make myself a bloody. I finally had the chance yesterday, then sat down to enjoy.
It took me back to the days of my youth, using a Twizzlers to drink soda and add a bit of cherry flavor. In a more grown-up version, Benny’s straws absorbed the Bloody Mary goodness from the inside out as well as the outside in.
My friend Reba did the same. “I’m afraid the straw won’t make it through the entire drink, #yummy,” Reba tweeted.
I had to agree. I can’t believe that it’s taken so long for me to cross paths with this awesome product; bars everywhere should be snapping up these straws!
Thanks, Benny!
Out For Bloodies 