Posts Tagged ‘chaser’

Like airports, golf courses are places were a good Bloody Mary just hits different. And this one at Kettle Moraine Golf Club was especially tasty.

We’ve reviewed their bloody before, but it’s been quite awhile. I had this one during the Icebreaker Scramble, their opening tournament of the season. We were on a bit of a frost delay (very on-brand for early-season Wisconsin golf), so it felt like the perfect time to grab a Bloody—especially with it being The Masters Tournament weekend.

This one came in a to-go styrofoam cup, which isn’t ideal from a presentation standpoint—but also completely understandable given the setting. Golf course, tournament day, trying to keep things moving… it gets a pass.

The garnish was simple and solid: a beef stick, a pickle, and two olives. Nothing excessive, but exactly what you want when you’re heading out to the course. They also asked if I wanted it spicy (always appreciate the option), and the spicy version delivered—really flavorful with a nice kick.

No chaser on this one, and I didn’t catch the price, but overall, it was a really enjoyable Bloody—especially in the moment.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Spicy with a nice kick, really enjoyable
• Fixin’s: Beef stick, pickle, two olives
• Chaser: None
• Presentation: Served in a to-go styrofoam cup (golf course practical)
• Price: Not listed

If you’re kicking off the golf season at Kettle Moraine, this is a great way to start your round. It’s not about over-the-top presentation—it’s about a solid, spicy Bloody that fits the moment perfectly.

The Local is one of those neighborhood spots that people just know has a Bloody Mary—even if it’s not actually listed on the cocktail menu. And in this case, that assumption pays off.

Their Bloody comes in a full pint glass and includes a beer chaser of your choice, which is always a strong start. It’s garnished with all the essentials: a lemon-lime wedge, pickle, olive, cheese, and a beef stick—nothing over-the-top, but everything you want in a classic Wisconsin Bloody.

Interestingly, it’s not featured on their cocktail list, despite the rest of their drinks sitting around the $8 mark. So while I didn’t get an official price or confirmation on the mix or vodka used, it’s fair to assume this one falls right in line with the rest of their menu.

Flavor-wise, this is a straightforward, easy-drinking Bloody. It doesn’t try to do anything flashy, but it delivers a solid, familiar profile that works well whether you’re there for brunch or just stopping in.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Classic and approachable, easy to sip
• Fixin’s: Lemon-lime, pickle, olive, cheese, beef stick
• Chaser: Beer of your choice
• Presentation: Full pint glass with traditional garnishes
• Price: Estimated $8

If you’re at The Local, don’t overthink it—just order the Bloody. Even without a formal menu listing, it holds its own as a reliable, no-frills option that gets the job done.

The Mineshaft is one of those places that feels like it should already be on the Bloody Mary review list—and somehow slipped through the cracks. But it absolutely deserves a spot.

Their Bloody Mary comes in a mason jar mug with a handle, which immediately gives it that fun, casual Wisconsin charm. It’s finished with a seasoned rim (always a win), and topped with a classic skewer: cheese, pickle, beef stick, and olive. Simple, but it hits all the right notes.

According to their menu, the Bloody is made with two shots of Smirnoff triple distilled vodka and their “world’s best Bloody Mary mix.” While I didn’t confirm the exact mix during my visit, the flavor backs up the claim—it’s bold, well-seasoned, and leans into that traditional, savory profile that Bloody fans are looking for.

And for $7 (per their website), it’s a great value—especially considering it also comes with a beer chaser of your choice.

This is one of those Bloodies that doesn’t try to reinvent anything—it just executes the classic formula really well. Between the strong pour, solid garnish game, and approachable price point, it’s an easy one to recommend.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Bold, classic, and savory with a well-seasoned mix
• Fixin’s: Cheese, pickle, beef stick, olive (plus listed celery & lemon)
• Chaser: Beer of your choice
• Presentation: Mason jar mug with handle and a seasoned rim
• Price: $7 (per website)

If you find yourself in Hartford, The Mineshaft is a must-stop for not only bloodies, but just in general. It’s a staple of Washington County. The restaurant is huge and it’s menu is just as big. There’s something for everyone, plus its relatively affordable.

4th Base Restaurant is one of those classic spots that has built a loyal following over the years—especially for its sports bar/ old-school supper club feel and over-the-top presentations. We’ve talked about it before, and while there’s a lot to love, the experience can be a bit of a mixed bag.

I hadn’t been here in years, but there was a special 90s theme brunch going on that happened to coincide with my birthday, so I decided to check it out with a group of friends.

The Bloody itself leans into presentation. It’s topped with a skewer of veggies (pickle, carrot, cheese and broccoli) and extras, including haystack onion rings. It definitely gives you that classic Wisconsin-style, “drink plus snack” experience. And, it also comes with a full pint beer chaser—a major win. You can choose any beer, and I went with a Blue Moon, which felt like a slightly unexpected pairing but still did the job.

Flavor-wise, it’s solid and drinkable, though this one is more about the overall experience than a standout mix. The real draw is everything that comes with it—the chaser, the garnishes, and the setting.

One thing that continues to stand out (and not necessarily in a good way) is the lack of a clear menu. 4th Base is known for its “we’ll make you whatever you want” approach, which some people love—but if you’re someone who prefers structure or likes to know pricing upfront, it can feel a little overwhelming. I guess that’s what deters me from going there more frequently.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Classic and easy-drinking, but not overly memorable
• Fixin’s: Haystack onion rings, pickle, carrot, cheese, broccoli
• Chaser: Full pint beer (choose your own—I went with Blue Moon)
• Presentation: Over-the-top Wisconsin-style with a loaded skewer
• Price: Not listed

If you’re heading to Fourth Base, go in ready for a unique, anything-goes dining experience. The Bloody Mary is fun, filling, and comes with a great chaser—but the overall visit might depend on how much you enjoy a little unpredictability with your order.