The Bloody Mary has staged a remarkable comeback in London's vibrant drinking culture, shedding its reputation as a mere "cold Heinz tomato soup with vodka" to emerge as a sophisticated playground for creative mixologists. This retro cocktail, which dates back to the 1920s, is experiencing a renaissance that emphasises craftsmanship and innovation over its traditional role as a hangover remedy.
How the Bloody Mary Has Been Transformed
According to Drew Mallins, founder of the London Bar Association, the drink has undergone significant modernisation. "People have become very imaginative with the Bloody Mary," he explains. "Because it's got so many ingredients, you have a lot to play around with – you can add all sorts of spices and different types of tomatoes, and obviously different spirit bases as well. There's a lot you can do with it."
Unlike most cocktails, the Bloody Mary occupies a unique pre-midday drinking slot in social conventions, alongside beverages like Buck's Fizz and Champagne. However, its tomato juice base provides minerals and vitamins, allowing it to almost qualify as one of our five-a-day without drawing undue attention to morning drinking.
The Classic Recipe Reimagined
While some establishments have embraced extravagant garnishes ranging from lobster claws to Greek salads, leading bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana of Lyaness & Seed Library cautions against such excesses. He suggests that over-the-top presentations can detract from the drink's essential character, turning it into a mere vessel for social media spectacle.
For those seeking authenticity, here's a refined approach to crafting the perfect Bloody Mary at home:
- Ingredients: 50ml Sapling Vodka, 100ml Tomato Juice, 10ml Tio Pepe Fino sherry, sriracha, HP Sauce, lemon juice, white pepper, Tabasco, celery salt, celery stick
- Method: Build ingredients in stages in an iceless glass, seasoning well as you proceed. Transfer to a Collins glass with medium-large ice cubes that have developed a slight sheen, stir gently, and garnish with lemon wedge and celery stick
Where to Experience Modern Bloody Mary Variations
London's establishments have embraced the Bloody Mary's evolution with dedicated menu sections that move beyond simple "classic or spicy" options. Restaurants and bars now experiment with diverse base spirits, house-made mixes, and inventive garnishes that elevate the drinking experience.
Notable London Establishments
Smith and Wollensky, the American steakhouse chain, offers an extensive Bloody Mary menu featuring six distinct variations:
- The Classic: Absolut Elyx Vodka with Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, Tabasco, mustard, lemon juice, and seasoning
- The Red Snapper: Similar to The Classic but substituting vodka with Sipsmith gin
- Smoky Maria: Pink peppercorn-infused Olmeca Altos Tequila with a hint of mezcal
- Michelada: 49th and 3rd lager garnished with Martini olives
- Bloody BBQ: Smoked Absolut Elyx Vodka with smoky whisky and brown sauce
- Bloody Shame: Their non-alcoholic Virgin Mary variation
Other notable London venues include Berners Tavern, which offers their Berners Bloody Mary with Ketel One vodka, Ancho Reyes chilli liqueur, Laphroaig Quarter Cask whisky, tomato water, and smoked sea salt. Kwãnt Mayfair features a Grey Goose Marmite vodka version with El Diablo spice and mustard air, while Common Ground in North London serves a Kimchi Bloody Mary with kimchi brine and vegan Worcestershire Sauce.
The undisputed champion might be Hawksmoor's Ultimate Bloody Mary, containing Pea Pod vodka, Pickle House X Hawksmoor Tomato Mix, lemon, and Jalapeño tincture. For those seeking extended enjoyment, Little Nan's Bar in Deptford offers two hours of Bottomless Marying from midday on weekends, served in their signature teapot style that evokes nostalgic domestic comfort.
This culinary-adjacent cocktail continues to blur the lines between beverage and food item, with its gazpacho-like qualities inspiring ever more creative interpretations across London's dynamic drinking establishments.
