The Bloody Mary and Caesar are know amongst the masses to be the best hangover cure. While it can be considered one of the most complex drinks to prepare, it’s also the most customizable.
Despite what you may call your variation of the cocktail, there’s one things we can all agree on, and it’s the Bloody Mary, or Bloody Caesar’s ability to cure a hangover. Although both have also been referred to as “the world’s most complex cocktail”, they’re actually quite simple to make at home.
Breaking Down Misconceptions
Some think they’re the same, others say they’re different. Reality is, they’re similar but not the same. The key difference is in the ingredients. The Bloody Mary’s key ingredient, a side from Vodka, is Tomato Juice, the Bloody Caesar’s is Clamato juice. Yes both Tomato juice and Clamato are tomato based, but Clamato also has a special ingredient…clam juice. That’s why some refer to a Bloody Caesar as a “love potion” because of it’s claimed “aphrodisiac properties” from the clam juice. Whether its a baby making potion or not, it’s delicious!
How to Make a Bloody Mary or Caesar?
Regardless of the personal flare you are going to add to your Bloody Mary or Caesar, there is – for the most part – a list of core ingredients you will need for your creation:
Classic Recipe – Ingredients
- 2 oz. tomato juice (for Bloody Marys), or Clamato (for Caesars)
- 1 1⁄2 oz. Grey Goose Vodka (or whatever your preference)
- 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- Worcestershire, to taste
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedge, for garnish
Want something a little more “off the cusp”, our Mixology Editor, Orlando Carreira put together this spice alternative:
Orlando’s Recipe – Ingredients
- 1.5 oz. Grey Goose Vodka (or whatever your preference)
- 1 tsp. Pernod
- 1 oz. Lobster Bisque
- 4 dashes piri piri hot sauce
- 2 dashes worcestershire
- 5 oz. Walter’s Caesar Mix
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass or shaker, stir, and pour into an ice-filled collins glass. Garnish with celery, olive, or whatever inspires you.
Here’s a couple options to take your garnish up a notch:
- Candied bacon
- Lobster tail
- Pepperoni sticks
- Celery stalk
- Pickle
- Pickled green beans
- Cocktail shrimp
Here’s a couple options to “spice up” your rims to:
- Asian inspired: sesame seeds, salt, panko crumbs
- Mediterranean inspired: za’taar spice, salt, chili powder
- Noir Salt inspired: combine a dry sheet of seaweed or nori from a sushi roll and throw it in a blender for a few sounds. It can be found in the Japanese aisle of your boutique grocer.
- Espelette Salt inspired: combine smoky French peppercorn, ground espelette, and regular salt.
- Truffle Salt inspired: available at boutique grocers.
- Hibiscus Salt inspired: pick up dry hibiscus at your local boutique grocer or food market – simply blend with regular salt.
Some celebrate them on New Year’s name (National Bloody Mary Day), some celebrate it May 16th (National Caesar Day). Others just celebrate it every day between May to September, or whenever the weather is nice — whether in your backyard or in a patio. No matter what day you celebrate them, just enjoy. Bottoms up!
