Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary

When someone mentions brunch, you might think first of eggs, sausage and biscuits. Or of lazy Sunday afternoons spent on a patio. Perhaps of reading the Sunday newspaper while a casserole bakes in the oven.

When I say brunch, I immediately think of this:

Image Source

The Bloody Mary. Easily my favorite brunch drink. Mimosas are a close second, but honestly, I'd rather skip the OJ part and just have the champagne solo :)

But the Bloody Mary is different. The tomato juice MAKES the drink. Not usually a fan of the stuff, I find myself veering towards the juice aisle anytime there is an early-weekend event like a football tailgate or an arts festival coming up. If there will be heavy breakfast items consumed at a midday hour, by golly, I will be having a Bloody Mary, too.

People are finicky with their Bloodies. Some prefer them straight and spicy, others prefer them full of celery and garlic flavors.

Image Source

I have always wanted to have the ones with grilled shrimp skewered right on top. I skip the olive-ones though, ick. Vodka and olives are only okay when paired directly together alone. With vermouth.

Image Source

Here in Atlanta, there are great Bloodies to be had at local establishments like Park Tavern and Front Page News. There is something quite close to perfection to finishing a springtime run at the park and "refueling" with a sampling from Einstein's Bloody Mary Bar. In Buckhead, it's on my list to stroll up to Dantanna's some weekend soon to test out their selection, offered on Sundays from 12:30-5pm.

Planning a springtime breakfast event of your own? Try out my Dad's Bloody "recipe" -- it's a starting spot, open to any customization desired by the drinker. A fair warning in advance: I think Bloodies should have a kick. Otherwise they are not much more than vodka and tomato juice. So if you are feeling pansy, trim down the hot sauce and horseradish.

Malone Family Bloody Marys
Serves 6-8

32 oz. tomato juice (plain or spicy V8 are both great)
18 oz. of your preferred vodka
2/3 cup lemon juice
10-20 splashes of Worcestershire
15 slashes of hot sauce (we are Cholula lovers here)
Fresh ground pepper
1-2 tbsp. horseradish
Optional: celery salt, garlic powder, garnishes of your choice like celery or lime

Mix all above, add to ice, garnish and enjoy!