John Willard’s Bloody Mary Seasoning – Wisconsin

Posted: October 27, 2025 in Uncategorized
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Sometimes, a Bloody Mary isn’t a drink—it’s the secret weapon behind one. I discovered John Willard’s Bloody Mary Seasoning at the Brat Haus Golf Outing at Wanaki Golf Course, and it’s officially earned a spot in my home bar.

This isn’t your typical Bloody Mary review because, well… it’s a seasoning. But trust me, this little 10-ounce bottle packs punch. Made in Wisconsin, gluten-free, and “waking up friends since 1972,” it’s versatile enough to turn any vodka-and-tomato combo into a proper Bloody Mary masterpiece. Bonus: it also makes a killer steak rub, elevates grilled dishes, and can sneak into your cooking routine in so many ways. The flavor is robust, savory, and perfectly balanced. I left the outing with a bottle in hand, and it’s already becoming a staple.

The Bloody Mary (from a bottle!)

  • Spices/Flavor: Bold, savory, versatile
  • Fixin’s: Up to you—seasoning allows full creativity
  • Chaser: None required; your drink is only limited by imagination
  • Presentation: DIY perfection
  • Price: $14 for 10 oz from the company website; you can also find it select local grocery stores.

A great addition to any Bloody Mary lover’s arsenal. Consider it your secret weapon.

Brookfield, WI: Elbow Room

Posted: September 14, 2025 in Uncategorized
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I’d been meaning to check out Elbow Room in Brookfield for awhile after hearing good things about their Bloody Marys. With downtown Brookfield finally growing—shoutout to the new Vennture Brewing—I figured it was the perfect Saturday to make it happen.

We kicked things off at Vennture’s Pickle Palooza (fun, but I was disappointed there wasn’t a Bloody Mary element—missed opportunity, if you ask me). After a pickle marg, we walked down the street to Elbow Room.

No Bloody Mary was listed on the menu, but they happily made one when I asked—served with any tap chaser (a nice touch). Garnishes included a pickle, olive, cheese curd, and a tiny piece of beef stick. Not quite the over-the-top garnishes I’d seen in some online photos, but good enough. Flavor-wise, it was decent, though nothing particularly memorable. Price wasn’t listed, but I’d estimate around $9.

It was a nice spot for a casual patio drink, though the Bloody Mary itself didn’t quite live up to the hype I’d heard.

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Decent, but nothing special
  • Fixin’s: Pickle, olive, cheese curd, tiny beef stick
  • Chaser: Any tap beer
  • Presentation: Simple, pared down
  • Price: Estimated $9

Elbow Room is worth a stop if you’re nearby, but don’t expect the kind of show-stopping Bloody Mary you might have seen in photos.

West Allis, WI: Wisconsin State Fair – Badger Mary Funnel Cake

Posted: September 9, 2025 in Uncategorized
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🎉 Post #500! 🎉 I can’t believe I’ve written 500 Bloody Mary reviews—but here we are. And what better way to celebrate than with something outrageous, ridiculous, and 100% Wisconsin State Fair?

Ah, the Wisconsin State Fair—a beloved annual tradition of outrageous eats, Sporkie Awards, and food on a stick. This year, Badger Bites at the Tap Yard brought us the Badger Mary Funnel Cake, a “wild Wisconsin twist” on the classic Bloody Mary.

Here’s the deal: deep-fried mozzarella whips in Bloody Mary-infused batter, loaded with bacon, pickles, Bloody Mary aioli, celery salt, and shredded cheese. Sounds intriguing, right? Well… maybe in theory.

For me personally, this one didn’t work. The savory funnel cake was off-putting, the aioli overpowered everything, and the Bloody Mary flavor was basically nonexistent. It was heavy, salty, and just didn’t hit the mark. At $14, it was a unique experience, but I wouldn’t get it again—and I don’t recommend it.

Sometimes, fair food is fun because it’s outrageous, not because it’s delicious. The Badger Mary Funnel Cake falls squarely in the “interesting, but skip it” category.

The Bloody Mary Twist

  • Spices/Flavor: Overpowered by aioli, no noticeable Bloody Mary (or tomato) flavor
  • Fixin’s: Deep-fried mozzarella, bacon, pickles, aioli, celery salt, shredded cheese
  • Chaser: None
  • Presentation: Funnel cake format—shareable
  • Price: $14

Consider this a cautionary tale of Bloody Mary creativity gone a little too far.

Roseville, MN (Minneapolis area): Pizza Luce

Posted: September 9, 2025 in Uncategorized
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Pizza Luce is famous for their pizza (their website boasts “Minnesota’s best pizza”), and rightfully so—it’s fantastic. But on weekends, this small Minnesota chain also lets you take your Bloody Mary game seriously with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.

I loaded mine up with cheese, meat, olives, and pepperoncinis. You can also add horseradish, celery, and all kinds of pickled veggies. Want a chaser? They’ve got you covered. At $14 for a fully loaded custom drink, it’s a steal, and it’s worth lingering to craft the perfect combination for your taste buds.

The Pizza Luce Bloody Mary experience is casual, fun, and perfect if you want to go all out—or just try something unique with friends. Pair it with a pizza (or two) and you’ve got a weekend brunch to remember.

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Customizable, fun
  • Fixin’s: Whatever you want—cheese, meat, olives, pepperoncinis, pickled veggies, horseradish, celery
  • Chaser: Optional
  • Presentation: Your creation!
  • Price: $14

If you’re in the Minneapolis area and a Bloody Mary enthusiast, Pizza Luce is a must-visit for the weekend build-your-own bar.

Williams Bay, WI (Lake Geneva): Pier 290

Posted: September 9, 2025 in Uncategorized
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Sometimes you stumble across a Bloody Mary that surprises you—not because it’s the best you’ve ever had, but because it exists at all. That was the case at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, just off Lake Geneva. We visited via boat on a perfect summer Saturday morning and were amused to find that the Bloody Mary isn’t actually on their menu—but they made one for us anyway. (I mean, really, what type of establishment in Wisconsin doesn’t serve one?!?

The drink came with three cheese curds, a beef stick, an olive, and both a lemon and lime. Flavorful and fine, but nothing mind-blowing. No chaser was offered. Price? Probably around $15. The real charm was the pier and the lake views—sometimes that’s all you need.

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Good, standard
  • Fixin’s: 3 cheese curds, beef stick, olive, lemon, lime
  • Chaser: None
  • Presentation: Casual, lakeside
  • Price: Around $15

If you’re boating around Lake Geneva, Pier 290 is worth a stop for a drink and a view—but don’t come expecting a show-stopping Bloody Mary.

Wauwatosa, WI: Crafty Cow

Posted: September 9, 2025 in Uncategorized
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If you’re on the hunt for bottomless brunch bliss in Wauwatosa, Crafty Cow is your new best friend. With unlimited mimosas, house Bloody Marys, coffee, and OJ, it’s a 90-minute feast of endless sipping—just bring your appetite and make an entrée purchase.

I ordered the bottomless Bloody Mary, and wow, this one is a keeper. (It should be noted that the restaurant has made great strides in its Bloody Mary game since we last reviewed them!) The garnishes are a little showstopper: a cheese curd, a pickled mushroom, two olives, a lemon lime, and a tiny modolito “sidecar” chaser in a cute little bottle. It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to linger, and paired with a brunch Sammy ($15.25) of eggs, bacon, breakfast sausage, American cheese, and cheesy potatoes, it was heaven on a plate. My dining companion’s Cali breakfast burrito—eggs, smoked cheddar, avocado, corn and poblano, cilantro crema, pickled red onion—was equally delicious, and we couldn’t resist some pancake-battered white cheddar curds with syrup for good measure.

The bottomless Bloody Mary experience at Crafty Cow is well-kept secret magic. If you’re a brunch lover in the Milwaukee area, this spot deserves a weekend stop—your taste buds will thank you.

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Delicious, house classic
  • Fixin’s: Cheese curd, pickled mushroom, 2 olives, lemon-lime
  • Chaser: Tiny Modelito sidecar bottle
  • Presentation: Cute, thoughtful, brunch-ready
  • Price: $18–BOTTOMLESS!

If you’ve been sleeping on Crafty Cow, now’s the time to wake up and smell the bottomless Bloody Marys.

Tierra Verde, FL: Billy’s Stone Crab

Posted: April 15, 2025 in Uncategorized
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When you’re on vacation and meet a couple in the hot tub who have clearly lived their best lives, you take their advice seriously. That’s how we ended up at Billy’s Stone Crab in Tierra Verde—a tucked-away spot near St. Pete that feels like a true Florida classic.

Billy’s is an old-school waterfront gem, known for its prime rib, fresh local grouper, and unbeatable sunset views. It’s not fancy, but it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger—cold drink in hand, sea breeze in your hair.

Naturally, I ordered a Bloody Mary. It came garnished simply with a lime and olive. No chaser offered, and the price wasn’t listed. The drink itself? Just okay. Nothing particularly memorable, but like I always say—Bloody Marys and seafood are a match made in heaven, and this one worked well alongside our lunch.

While the Bloody wasn’t the highlight, the overall experience—hot tub recommendations and all—made it one to remember.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Basic and unremarkable
• Fixin’s: Lime, olive
• Chaser: None offered
• Presentation: No frills
• Price: Unknown

If you’re exploring the St. Pete area and looking for an authentic Florida waterfront meal, Billy’s is a solid stop. Just don’t expect a showstopping Bloody—unless you count the one that led you there in the first place.

St. Pete Beach, FL: La Croisette

Posted: April 15, 2025 in Uncategorized
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While visiting Florida’s west coast, I stopped by La Croisette, a beloved breakfast spot known for its beachy charm and mouthwatering morning fare. Naturally, I had to sample their Bloody Mary—and while the food stole the show, the drink held its own as a solid sidekick.

Priced at $10.40, this Bloody is made with Zing Zang mix and vodka, and comes garnished with crispy bacon, a sturdy stalk of celery, and a fresh lime wedge. It’s a no-frills take on the classic, without a chaser option, but it fits the laid-back, Florida-coast vibe of the restaurant.

The flavor was classic Zing Zang—savory, a little spicy, and reliably tasty—though not particularly bold or unique. Still, it paired well with the rich and flavorful breakfast dishes the spot is known for. (Pro tip: come hungry!)

Whether you’re fueling up for a day at St. Pete Beach, or just soaking in the vacation vibes, La Croisette is definitely worth a stop. While the Bloody isn’t the star of the show here, it plays a solid supporting role in a delicious brunch experience.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Classic Zing Zang mix—savory and slightly spicy
• Fixin’s: Bacon, celery, lime
• Chaser: None offered
• Presentation: Simple and unfussy
• Price: $10.40

If you’re brunching in Tampa and craving a comforting Bloody to kick off your day, La Croisette offers just that—with a side of sunshine and great eats.

Fore Craft Cocktails Bloody Mary Review

Posted: February 15, 2025 in Uncategorized
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As the name of our blog suggests, Out for Bloodies, and if you’re a loyal reader, you already know—we typically like to go out for Bloodies. Whether it’s finding the best ones in our city or discovering new favorites while traveling, the thrill of the hunt is part of the fun. However, there are definitely times when we want to enjoy a quick one at home or on the go. That’s where Fore Craft Cocktails’ Bloody Mary comes in.

Fore Craft Cocktails lets you bring your Bloodies out and about.

Fore Craft Cocktails, known for their golf-inspired canned cocktails, has taken on the classic Bloody Mary, offering a convenient, ready-to-drink version for golfers, travelers, and anyone who loves a good Bloody without the hassle of mixing one up. At $45 for a 12-pack on their website or approximately $12.99 for a 4-pack if you find them in your local store, these cans are an easy option to keep stocked for those early tee times, tailgates, or brunches at home.

Now, if you know me, you know I have very high standards when it comes to Bloody Marys. I’ve had more than my fair share, and I take my Bloodies seriously. So, how does Fore Craft Cocktails’ version stack up?

Taste Test

Fore Craft’s Bloody Mary is artfully crafted from natural flavors and premium vodka, promising a “deliciously consistent taste no matter where you tee it up.” The flavor is bold, with a noticeable tang from the spices, making it a solid option for those who like their Bloodies flavorful, though I wouldn’t quite label this as spicy by any means. The vodka is well-balanced, and the tomato juice has a smooth texture—neither too thick nor too watered down, though I would recommend pouring it over ice if you can.

While you won’t get the extravagant garnishes or custom spice blends that come with a handcrafted Bloody from your favorite bar (unless you add your own like I did!), this canned version delivers a satisfying, peppery, and slightly tangy sip that gets the job done. If you’re on the course, at a tailgate, or just looking for an easy option at home, it’s a convenient way to enjoy a Bloody Mary without any prep.

Final Verdict

Would I trade a trip to my favorite Bloody Mary bar for a can of Fore Craft’s version? Probably not. But would I keep a few of these on hand for a quick and easy Bloody in a pinch? Absolutely. It’s a solid choice for a no-fuss option when you’re short on time or on the move.

Have you tried Fore Craft Cocktails’ Bloody Mary? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Cheers to smooth swings and tasty sips.

Waukesha, Wisconsin: Tally’s Tap

Posted: January 2, 2025 in Uncategorized
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After a long day of Black Friday shopping, I made my way to Tally’s Tap in Waukesha, and their Bloody Mary was the perfect way to wind down. Served in an adorable mason jar, this $10 cocktail was both charming and delicious—a great reward after braving the holiday crowds.

The drink is made with Zing Zang mix and Absolut Vodka, with the rim dusted in Forest Floor Salt, adding an earthy depth to every sip. The flavor was bold and well-balanced, striking just the right mix of spice and smoothness.

The garnishes were impressive and plentiful: lemon, lime, asparagus, green bean, mushroom, olive, pickle, beef stick, and cheese. It was essentially a full snack tray in a glass! To top it off, you get a chaser of your choice, and I opted for a Spotted Cow, which paired perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of the Bloody.

The presentation in the mason jar added a fun, rustic touch, making the drink as Instagram-worthy as it was delicious. Tally’s Tap’s cozy atmosphere and attention to detail made this a stop I’ll be eager to repeat.

After a long day of Black Friday shopping, I made my way to Tally’s Tap in Waukesha, and their Bloody Mary was the perfect way to wind down. Served in an adorable mason jar, this $10 cocktail was both charming and delicious—a great reward after braving the holiday crowds.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Zing Zang mix with a bold, earthy kick from Forest Floor Salt

• Fixin’s: Lemon, lime, asparagus, green bean, mushroom, olive, pickle, beef stick, cheese

• Chaser: Your choice (I went with Spotted Cow!)

• Presentation: Served in a cute mason jar

• Price: $10

If you’re in the Waukesha area and craving a classic Wisconsin Bloody Mary with a fun twist, Tally’s Tap is a must-visit. It was the perfect end to a busy day of shopping!

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