Posts Tagged ‘bloody Mary’

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

On the Saturday morning before Christmas, I braved the holiday crowds and headed to Brunch Berry in New Berlin for breakfast and, of course, a Bloody Mary. This was my first time visiting, and it’s easy to see why this spot was so packed—there were endless menu options, and everything coming out of the kitchen looked amazing.

Their Bloody Mary stood out with its unique flavor profile. It had a smoky, barbecue-like taste that felt like a mesquite twist, making it wonderfully rich and savory. Garnishes included a pickle, olive, and a piece of cheese, all skewered with a festive mini Christmas tree decoration for some holiday flair. Unfortunately, no chaser was offered, but the flavor made up for it.

For breakfast, I opted for avocado toast while my dining companions went all-in with gorgeous Mimosa flights, omelettes and sides of pancakes. The whole experience was lively, festive, and definitely worth a return trip to explore more of the menu.

The Bloody Mary

Spices/Flavor: Smoky, mesquite-like, almost like barbecue sauce

Fixin’s: Cheese, pickle, olive

Chaser: None

Price: $11.50 (I think)

This weekend, I ventured to the east side of Milwaukee to visit Saint Bibiana, a cozy spot tucked away on Brady Street. It’s rare for me to get over to this area, but I’d heard great things about the food and drinks, so I couldn’t resist checking it out while in the area to pick up some essentials at Glorioso’s and Scortino’s Bakery.

Of course, I ordered their Bloody Mary, which was made with Zing Zang as the base and “doctored up” with various spices, per the bartender. The presentation was simple yet classic, with a garnish of pickle, olive, lemon, and lime. The cutest touch? A mini can of Lil Buddy beer served as the chaser. It was as delicious as it was charming.

For lunch, I paired my drink with the Ooey Gooey Brie Grilled Cheese sandwich, which felt like an elevated version of grilled cheese and tomato soup—a perfect companion to the Bloody Mary. The fries were crisp, well-seasoned, and just what I needed.

While I don’t make it to Brady Street often, Saint Bibiana might be worth the trip again. Its cozy vibe, great food, and expertly crafted Bloody Mary make it a spot I’d happily recommend.

The Bloody Mary

Spices/Flavor: Zing Zang mix, well-enhanced

Fixin’s: Pickle, olive, lemon, lime

Chaser: Lil Buddy beer (adorable mini can!)

Price: I believe this was $11.50

Oh— and if, like me, you’re wondering who Saint Bibiana is/was… she is the Patron Saint of Hangovers. This Bloody probably has something to do with that.

Recently, I played golf at Mayville Golf Course in Mayville, Wisconsin. I was particularly looking forward to this trip because of the restaurant’s 19th hole: The Meating Place and the specialty bloodies I had read about on their website.

It was a lovely, sunny fall day and the course was in great shape. The trees were in peak color and because the course was so hilly, there are great views for miles. There weren’t a lot of people playing, so we finished relatively quickly and headed to the bar, just in time to see a Packers victory in the final minutes of the game.

I ordered a Bloody Mary and was just a little disappointed when the bartender told me they didn’t have the special bloodies listed on the website. I wish they had special offerings, and considering the restaurant is called “The Meating Place,” you’d expect a beef stick, bacon, or something else fun as a fixin’. However, I couldn’t complain about the one I received, which, albeit standard was still very good, with a reasonable price.

It looked like the bar had supplied snacks at half-time and the crowd was lively inside the bar. It was a fun atmosphere to celebrate the win and count up our strokes.

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Zing Zang and regular vodka
  • Fixin’s: Pickle and Olive
  • Chaser: Yes, any tapper
  • Price: $6.50

Mayville is a bit of a haul for our group, so I’m not sure when we’ll next return, but it’s nice knowing they have a great bar and restaurant right on the property to enjoy a post-round beverage and catch a game.


Over the weekend, we stopped by the relatively new Biersal Tavern on 55th and Vliet, the former Wonder Bar, which closed in 2023. While we had never visited Wonder Bar, we checked out Biersal, which opened in March, on the recommendation of a friend.

Biersal Tavern—named after a mischievous, beer-thirsty German gnome—has completely transformed the interior of the building, which has long been home to various taverns. The atmosphere is inviting, with plenty of drink options, including seasonal craft cocktails. Since it’s spooky season, in addition to our Bloody Mary, we also tried a drink featuring pumpkin spice and apple cider.

We arrived right at opening on a Saturday morning and had the place to ourselves for most of our visit, but the bartender was welcoming and friendly. They provided great recommendations and even bought us a shot!

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Housemade Mix and Vodka
  • Fixin’s: Cheese curd and mini beef stick
  • Chaser: Yes, a tiny Lil Buddy can
  • Price: $9

This Bloody Mary hit all the right notes with its flavorful housemade mix and classic fixin’s. The cheese curd and beef stick added a delicious local touch, and the Lil Buddy chaser was a fun bonus. We will definitely be back to Biersal Tavern!