Archive for November, 2025

West Allis, WI: Natty Oaks

Posted: November 30, 2025 in Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , ,
0

If you’re looking for a no-frills, classic-style Bloody Mary, the version at Natty Oaks fits the bill—but doesn’t do much more. Served with a simple garnish lineup of a pickle, olive, lemon, and lime, it’s as basic as they come. The salted rim is a nice touch and adds a little extra flavor, but beyond that, there isn’t much to set this one apart.

The mix itself is straightforward and drinkable, but nothing memorable. No beer chaser was offered, which feels like a missed opportunity in Wisconsin, where a chaser is pretty much a state tradition. I wasn’t able to confirm the price, but based on the presentation and experience, this is a standard, bare-bones Bloody that gets the job done but won’t top any must-try lists.

If you’re already at Natty Oaks for food or drinks, it’s a fine option. But if you’re on the hunt for a standout or creative Bloody Mary, you’ll want to keep looking.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Classic, love a salted rim!

• Fixin’s: Olive, Pickle, Lime, Lemon

• Chaser: None

• Presentation: Simple, functional, cruise-perfect

• Price: Unsure

Norwegian Cruise Lines: Aboard the Joy for The Hallmark Christmas Cruise

Posted: November 21, 2025 in Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
0

There’s something magical about sipping a Bloody Mary while floating in the ocean. I should know. Thanks to the drink package, I had several over the four days I sailed from Miami to Cozumel on the Hallmark Christmas Cruise aboard the Norwegian Joy. I bopped around to many of the ship’s bars and restaurants, including poolside, a pub, and a fine dining spot to test ‘em out.

These Bloodies were plain, simple, and consistent across the ship, but that’s all I needed. They had the perfect balance of flavor, olives, and lime, with just enough garnishing. My mom even discovered she enjoyed Virgin Bloody Marys, which was a fun twist.

Obviously, they tasted better when served in a glass, but even in disposable cups at the pool, they hit the mark. I’m not sure what mix Norwegian Cruise Lines uses, but it was decent, and these bloodies served their purpose perfectly on a trip full of holiday fun.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Classic, smooth, consistent

• Fixin’s: Olives, lime

• Chaser: None, but I had the drink package so I could’ve ordered one easily.

• Presentation: Simple, functional, cruise-perfect

• Price: Included in drink package

A cruise essential—these Bloody Marys weren’t fancy, but they were reliable, tasty, and exactly what you want at sea.

Catch of the Day: Miami, FL

Posted: November 21, 2025 in Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , ,
0

Miami, sun, and Bloody Marys—it’s the perfect trio. I stopped at Catch of the Day Seafood Bar & Grill for lunch and a Bloody Mary while soaking up some patio vibes.

This Bloody is made with Zing Zang mix and comes garnished with a jumbo shrimp, celery, olives, a wedge of lime, and supposedly a beef jerky straw. I didn’t get the jerky straw this time (a personal disappointment because those are amazing), but the carrot and celery were a nice substitute. The salted rim was a definite plus. Flavor-wise, it was solid, perfectly balanced, and refreshing under the Miami sun.

Price-wise, at $16.99, it’s on the higher side—but you’re paying for the view, atmosphere, and quality seafood lunch too. No chaser was offered, which isn’t surprising given the location. Overall, a very good Bloody Mary and a perfect companion to a sunny patio lunch.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Good, balanced, Zing Zang base

• Fixin’s: Jumbo shrimp, carrot, celery, lime, olives

• Chaser: None

• Presentation: Classic, patio-perfect

• Price: $16.99

If you’re in Miami and want a solid, classic Bloody Mary with a seafood twist, this is a great stop.