Posts Tagged ‘out for bloodies’

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

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.

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.

We’re honored to be part of V8’s Bloody Mary Society!

What’s the Society? According to the website, “One fateful evening (over Bloody Marys, of course) a Society was born with one goal in mind: to bring the gift of brilliant Bloodies to all! Through wisdom and quality that only Mary and V8 could provide, The Bloody Mary Society came to fruition, making the art of Mary mixing more enjoyable than ever before.”

Out For Bloodies was asked to provide a recipe to be featured in the Bloody Mary Society’s Book of Bloody Marys, a “coveted collection of cocktail recipes,” compiled by “bartenders, mixologists, and connoisseurs from around the country to ensure that only the most brilliant Bloodies grace the pages of her book.”

Our Ultimate Bloody Mary is listed under the “Mary’s Finest” Tab.

Out For Bloodies' Ultimate Bloody Mary is featured on the Bloody Mary Society page!

Out For Bloodies’ Ultimate Bloody Mary is featured on the Bloody Mary Society page!

We highly recommend you check out not only our recipe, but the many others that are oh-so-pretty to peruse on the sight.

Cheers to V8 for putting this Society together–we’re pleased to be part of the Band of Bloodies!