Posts Tagged ‘Wisconsin’

Perspective Brewing in West Allis isn’t your typical Bloody Mary destination—they’re a craft brewery. But a one-time special I happened to catch on Facebook this October in celebration of Spooky Season, called Sunday Bloody Sunday, was a feast.

The Bloody itself likely featured Cholula, not my favorite base, but honestly, the fixings stole the show. For $15, you got a build-your-own kit loaded with fixings: a deviled egg (dyed black and made with avocado), chicken salad on a cucumber slice with a little skull-shaped piece of mozzarella on top, trail mix, cheese, tortellini, and a variety of meats. You could then pick a chaser from any of Perspective’s offerings. I paired mine with a pumpkin beer chaser, complete with a whipped cream squirt, and it was Halloween-perfect, delicious, (and far better than any over-priced Vegas cocktail I had earlier this month).

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Medium, Cholula-based
  • Fixin’s: Deviled egg, chicken salad on cucumber, trail mix, cheese, tortellini, meats
  • Chaser: Pumpkin beer with whipped cream
  • Presentation: Over-the-top, festive, build-your-own
  • Price: $15

If you want a Bloody Mary that doubles as brunch entertainment, keep an eye on their social pages for future specials—it’s a one-time experience you don’t want to miss.

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.

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.

🎉 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.

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.

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.