What's Better Than Church?

Sunday Funday, the industry worker's retreat-- Most of us are far past the point of being forgiven for our sins, but we can try to take the sting out of the pain we have caused ourselves on a typical Saturday night. There is nothing more welcome on a Sunday morning (which ranges from 10am - 4pm) to a bartender than a wonderfully made Bloody Mary. Any good bartender will tell you that they personally make the best Bloody Mary and most have their own "Secret Recipe" that they brag to be their claim to Sunday morning fame.
And this bartender is no different... The secret, however, is no secret at all. Making a good Mary is all in the ingredients and the amounts. The Bloody Mary blurs the line between bartender and chef and often times, pains taking steps are taken to deliver the perfect balance of savory and sweet, and salty and spicy.
For my taste buds, its all about the fresh tomatoes. I've never seen it done that way by any other bartender, not to say that it isn't done, but I will definitely state that it is a rare thing in my neck of the woods. In my mind, if you are going to bother to squeeze the lemon juice fresh, why not start with the heart and soul of cocktail? I'm not going to give you my recipe, because honestly it varies with my mood and with what I have on hand. What I am going to give you is an idea list. See what's in your kitchen or bar and go from there. And don't be afraid to get creative.

Tomato (Try different kinds, heirloom, yellow, roma, cherry... you get the idea)
Pepper (The traditional black pepper, white pepper, Jalapeno peppers, cayenne, Habenero, bell pepper, any thing in the pepper genre can be used to enhance your Mary)
Lemon
Lime
Salt (Table Salt, Sea Salt, Celery Salt, Garlic Salt)
Worsteshire
Brine (Olive, Onion, Pickle)
Garlic
Horseradish
Beer (Try Guiness, or a pepper ale, IPA gives a nice kick, even light beer adds a little something)
Tabasco
Salsa
BBQ Sauce
Soy Sauce
Teryaki Sauce
Wasabi
Cilantro
Cucumber
Mushrooms
Baby Corn
Olives
Onions
Pickles
Ginger
Pickled Green Beans
Celery
Carrots
Basil
Broth (Beef, Chicken, Vegetable)
Shrimp (Makes a great Garnish)

The Liquor-- Obviously we automatically reach for the Vodka, you can go the infused route with the usual pepper or citrus vodkas or even tomato or cucumber. Try infusing your own. Get a big glass jar add any of the before mentioned items and fill with vodka. There are no rules, leave it for as long as you want and keep tasting as it develops. Its a fun project.
For me, I'm partial to using Bourbon instead of Vodka. I like the way the Bloody Mary mix complements and works with the whisky rather than just masking vodka. Some people go the tequila route. It really is all up to you. For all the die hards out there, it technically isn't a Bloody Mary if you use something other than vodka, but hey, we can be a little adventurous now and then.

Don't drink alone. I encourage the Sunday Funday mentality. Have your friends, family or neighbors over, lay out some ingredients so everyone can go to town and make their own. Its fun and social and beats the hell out of going to church.... Just kidding God.

Summer Libations

What kind of fresh fruit or veggies do you find yourself reaching for this summer? Your favorite flavors can easily become part of your favorite cocktail. Hit your local grocery store or market and grab what looks good. Here is one to get you started:

Summer Fling
1.5 oz Vodka (I like Ketel One, this cocktail is also great with Gin)
.75 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liquer
.75 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
.75 oz Honey Simple Syrup
3-4 Chunks of Fresh Watermelon

Muddle the Watermelon with the Lime Juice, add ice and build tall, top with a splash of Soda Water
Garnish with scewered Watermelon

Tip: This mix can be built in high volume and served from pitchers, great for summer time parties or sitting on your porch with family and friends. For an added punch try infusing the watermelon with a Citrus Vodka the night before your party.