Are you curious about the Wisconsin Bloody Mary and why it’s so popular? People come from all across the country to indulge in this classic brunch cocktail.
With its unique blend of flavors, many travelers have made it a goal to sip on a Wisconsin-style Bloody Mary while visiting the state. So what is it that makes this drink so special? Are Badgers the only ones who enjoy this?
Read on to learn more about the history, tradition, and modern innovations behind one of Wisconsin’s favorite beverages: The Bloody Mary!
What Is a Bloody Mary?
A Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s made with vodka and tomato juice. There are a few other ingredients like horseradish and hot sauce to give it its signature tangy taste.
Usually served over ice in either a highball or lowball glass, this refreshing beverage is the perfect choice for brunch gatherings and summer parties.
For best results, start with 2 ounces of vodka, 4 ounces of tomato juice, and a wedge of lemon or lime. Then add a dash each of Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, horseradish, celery salt, and a pinch of pepper. Serve cold with an optional celery garnish to really impress your guests.
Where Do Bloody Marys Originate From?
The origin story of the infamous Bloody Mary cocktail is shrouded in mystery and controversy. Likely originating in 1921 at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, many believe that American bartender Fernand Petiot created the drink.
Additionally, the popular legend claims it got its name from England’s Queen “Bloody” Mary I of the Tudor dynasty for her extreme zeal towards Protestantism and the execution of almost 300 dissenters.
All that we know for sure is that since then, some form of this vodka-tomato juice concoction has remained a popular staple on bar menus across the world. It’s an adult beverage solution for brunch and late nights alike.
Are Bloody Marys a Wisconsin Thing?
The Bloody Mary is definitely a Wisconsin thing! In fact, the variety of Bloody Marys created in Wisconsin has become so popular that residents of the state can truly boast of being some of the biggest fans.
Every weekend, customers overwhelm brunch spots across Wisconsin to get their Bloody Mary fix. Surpassing every other state in the nation, Wisconsinites consume more Bloody Marys per capita than anyone else – a testament to their enthusiasm and appreciation for this deliciously savory cocktail.
Traveler’s Tip: Cheese lovers be warned, we uncovered Why Wisconsin May Not Be the Cheese Capital of the World.
Where to Find the Best Bloody Marys in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Bloody Marys have a well-earned reputation, and Wisconsinites seem to have sampled them all to determine the best. So, where do you go to find the best Bloody Marys in the state?
Sobelman’s Pub and Grill
Address: 1900 W. St. Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233
About Its Bloody Mary: The Original Sobelman’s Pub & Grill Bloody Mary is one of the quintessential Wisconsin experiences. This famous recipe looks simple on paper, but the mixture of tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and their deliciously spicy house-made mix will tantalize your taste buds.
Every Sobelman’s Bloody Mary comes with Colby-jack cheese, a pickled Polish sausage, a pickled mushroom, a pickled Brussels sprout, asparagus, and a celery stalk. It also comes with green onion and, on another toothpick, a shrimp, a lemon wedge, and a grape tomato.
St. Paul Fish Company
Address: Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
About Its Bloody Mary: For those looking for something truly unique in their Wisconsin Bloody Marys, look no further than the St. Paul Fish Company. Their World Famous St. Paul Lobster Claw Bloody Mary mixes premium vodka with Milwaukee’s own Jimmy Luv’s Bloody Mary Mix. It garnishes it with a generous helping of salmon crack (jerky), shrimp, celery, and the signature lobster claw!
This spot will serve you all that deliciousness with a beer chaser to top off this delightfully boozy experience.
Smashed on the Rocks
Address: 70 Church St, Algoma, WI 54201
About Its Bloody Mary: At Smashed on the Rocks Saloon, the Bloody Mary isn’t just a drink – it’s an event! This “loaded” libation comes jammed with enough garnishes to fill an entire beer mug.
You can get Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, cheeseburger sliders, waffles, fried cheese curds, and mozzarella sticks from Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese. No matter your tastes, you’ll find something delicious here.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, let yourself indulge in doughnuts from North Water Bakery, corn on the cob, fruit, pickled eggs, and pickled veggies.
The Tavern on Central
Address: 500 Central Ave, Florence, WI 54121
About Its Bloody Mary: The Tavern on Central is renowned for its Bloody Mary, and it’s easy to see why. The drink is over the top in every way, from its size – 22 ounces – to its incredible array of garnishes.
Not content with a mere celery stick, their Wisconsin Bloody Mary comes lavishly adorned with a cheeseburger slider, cheese cubes, a beef stick, string cheese, and a pickled egg. It also comes with pickled Brussels sprouts, olives, mushrooms, and a pickle, not to mention the accompanying beer chaser.
Anduzzi’s Sports Club
Address: 1992 Holmgren Way, Green Bay, WI 54304
About Its Bloody Mary: Are you ready to take on the Ultimate Bloody Mary? The Anduzzi’s Sports Club might just take the prize for the top-loaded bloody mary in Wisconsin. Imagine a 32-ounce, vodka-infused cocktail accompanied by a plethora of mouth-watering garnishes.
You’ll find sliders, mini corn dogs, chicken wings, meatballs, beef sticks, shrimp, cheese, olives, mushrooms, and peppers. This is the original location, but Anduzzi’s now has four locations: three in Green Bay and one in Appleton.
Get Yourself a Bloody Mary when Visiting Wisconsin
If you’re looking for a state that knows how to do Bloody Marys right, look no further than Wisconsin. The next time you find yourself in the Dairy State, be sure to order one of these bad boys. Enjoy all the amazing flavor combinations Wisconsin offers.
Wisconsinites are known for taking the term loaded to a whole new level. From sliders to chicken wings to cheese curds and even salmon crack and a lobster claw, the Wisconsin Bloody Mary is an experience more than it’s a cocktail.
So if you want to try one of these loaded beverages for yourself, check out some of these great Wisconsin Bloody Mary bars. Just be warned, they might be too much for one person to handle!
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