Alice Lee's Bloody Mary

Introduction

History

The Bloody Mary is a cocktail with a history as rich and debated as its flavor. While the exact origins are unclear, it is widely believed to have been invented in the 1920s or 1930s. Some attribute its creation to Fernand Petiot, a bartender at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, who later brought the drink to the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. Over the years, the Bloody Mary has evolved, with countless variations emerging, but the core ingredients have remained largely the same. Alice Lee's recipe pays homage to this storied past, sticking to traditional elements while allowing for personalization.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best Bloody Mary, use high-quality tomato and vegetable juices as the base. The freshness and quality of these juices will significantly impact the overall taste of the cocktail. If you prefer a smoother texture, consider straining the juices before mixing. Adjust the amount of horseradish, hot sauce, and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences. For a more complex flavor, you can add a pinch of celery salt or a dash of smoked paprika.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Alice Lee's Bloody Mary chilled, in a tall glass over ice. Garnish with a celery stick, a wedge of lemon, and, if desired, a green olive or a pickled green bean for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing Alice Lee's Bloody Mary is mixing. Ensure all ingredients are well combined to fully integrate the flavors. Refrigeration before serving allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have vegetable juice, you can use additional tomato juice or a blend of pureed vegetables. Freshly grated horseradish can be substituted with prepared horseradish. If Worcestershire sauce is not available, try using soy sauce with a touch of tamarind paste for a similar umami flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Alice Lee's Bloody Mary can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Stir well before serving, as some separation may occur.

Presentation Ideas

For an impressive presentation, rim the glasses with a mixture of salt and chili powder before pouring the Bloody Mary. Garnish with an array of vegetables, such as cucumber spears, cherry tomatoes, and radishes, to add color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

This Bloody Mary pairs wonderfully with brunch dishes such as eggs Benedict, omelets, or avocado toast. It also complements salty snacks like bacon, smoked salmon, or cheese platters.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Bloody Mary is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It does not require reheating. Stir well before serving to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Alice Lee's Bloody Mary contains approximately 150 calories. The majority of these calories come from the vodka, with the juices adding a smaller portion.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Alice Lee's Bloody Mary contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the tomato and vegetable juices, which are natural sources of sugars. The lemon juice also contributes a small amount of carbohydrates.

Fats

This Bloody Mary recipe is virtually fat-free, with negligible amounts of fats present. The ingredients used are primarily low in fat, making this cocktail a great option for those monitoring their fat intake.

Proteins

Alice Lee's Bloody Mary contains minimal protein, with less than 1 gram per serving. The primary ingredients are not significant sources of protein, which is typical for most cocktails.

Vitamins and minerals

The tomato and vegetable juices in this Bloody Mary are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, and iron. These nutrients contribute to the overall health benefits of the cocktail, supporting immune function, vision, and blood health.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, gluten, and soy. However, those with sensitivities to nightshades should be cautious due to the tomato juice.

Summary

Overall, Alice Lee's Bloody Mary is a relatively healthy cocktail option, low in fats and proteins but rich in certain vitamins and minerals. It's a flavorful way to enjoy a classic drink while also getting some nutritional benefits.

Summary

Alice Lee's Bloody Mary is a timeless cocktail that combines the rich flavors of tomato and vegetable juices with the zest of lemon and the depth of Worcestershire sauce and horseradish. With its balance of spice and umami, it's a versatile drink that can be customized to suit any palate. Whether you're hosting a brunch or simply enjoying a leisurely morning, this Bloody Mary recipe offers both delicious flavors and nutritional benefits, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was a hot summer day, and I was at a neighborhood barbeque with my friend Alice Lee. She was known for her incredible cooking skills, and that day she decided to make her famous Bloody Marys. As she mixed the ingredients together, I watched in awe, taking mental notes of every step.

Alice Lee was a master in the kitchen, and I was always eager to learn from her. She told me that her Bloody Mary recipe was a family secret, passed down through generations. I begged her to teach me how to make it, and she agreed, with one condition - that I never share the recipe with anyone else.

I eagerly agreed, and that day, Alice Lee became my unofficial cooking mentor. She taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors. She showed me how to infuse the vodka with spices and how to create the perfect blend of tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.

But the real secret to Alice Lee's Bloody Mary was the garnishes. She always served her drink with a skewer of olives, pickles, and a slice of crispy bacon. The combination of flavors was out of this world, and I knew that I had to master this recipe.

Over the years, I practiced making Alice Lee's Bloody Mary whenever I had the chance. I would invite friends over for brunch and impress them with my cocktail-making skills. Each time, I would think back to that hot summer day at the neighborhood barbeque, and I would be grateful for Alice Lee's guidance.

As time went on, I became known among my friends as the "Bloody Mary expert." They would come to me for advice on how to make the perfect drink, and I would always credit Alice Lee for teaching me everything I knew.

One day, I received a call from Alice Lee. She was moving across the country to be closer to her family, and she wanted to pass on her recipes to me before she left. I was honored that she had chosen me to carry on her legacy, and I eagerly accepted her offer.

We spent an entire day in the kitchen, cooking and baking together. Alice Lee shared her tips and tricks with me, and we laughed and reminisced about all the good times we had shared over the years.

When it was time to make her Bloody Mary, I followed her instructions to the letter. I mixed the ingredients together, added the garnishes, and presented the drink to her with a smile. She took a sip and nodded in approval.

"You've done it," she said, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You've mastered the recipe."

I felt a swell of emotion in my chest. I had finally learned how to make Alice Lee's Bloody Mary, and I knew that I would cherish this recipe for the rest of my life. Alice Lee may have been leaving, but her legacy would live on through me and the countless people I would share her recipe with.

As we said our goodbyes, Alice Lee handed me a faded recipe card. On it was written the ingredients and instructions for her Bloody Mary, along with a note that read, "To my dear friend, may you always find joy in cooking and sharing this recipe with others."

I hugged Alice Lee tightly, feeling grateful for her friendship and the knowledge she had passed on to me. And as I watched her drive away, I knew that her Bloody Mary would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bond we shared and the love we had for cooking and creating together.

Categories

| American Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Horseradish Recipes | Lemon Juice Recipes | Tomato Juice Recipes | V-8 Juice Recipes | Vodka Drink Recipes |

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