Spring is coming to NYC at last, and how better to celebrate than with a Bloody Mary on a sunny afternoon? According to New York lore, the cocktail made its first appearance in the US at the King Cole Room in the St. Regis Hotel, where it was called the “Red Snapper.” You can still visit that same bar, but legendary past make drinks expensive and are, to many, overrated. Instead, try one of these Bloody Marys that have put their own spin on the tradition:
Prune
The ultimate brunch destination in NYC has to be able to make a good Bloody Mary, and Prune delivers, with ten different versions to fit every taste. Get yours with vodka or gin, celery or radishes, chipotle, clam juice, anchovies, olives, Brussels sprouts, or even a pickled egg. It’s the closest you’ll get to a make-your-own-Bloody bar. Plus, to “cleanse” your palate, each cocktail comes with a shot of beer to end the meal right.
54 E 1st St, Manhattan; 212-677-6221
JG Melon
A pubby bar known for its top-notch burgers (Bobby Flay recently gave them the thumbs-up on “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”), JG Melon has also become famous in NYC for its Bloody Marys. But not just any Bloody Mary: the Bloody Bull, whose not-so-secret ingredient is a dash of beef stock. It’s not vegetarian-friendly, but regulars swear by the addition, which ties together the flavors of the cocktail and the burger for a perfect low-key meal.
1291 3rd Ave, Manhattan; 212-650-1310
Yerba Buena
For a spicy twist on the classic Bloody, head to brunch at Yerba Buena. Their jalapeno Bloody Mary will have things heating up at the bar, and is a perfect accompaniment to the arepas and chorizo on that menu. If you want to put your spice tolerance to the test, this is the place to do it: You’ll be able to down as many drinks as you want, since you can get unlimited bloody Marys here for only $12.
23 Ave A, Manhattan; 212-529-2919
1 Perry St, Manhattan; 212-620-0808
Bemelmans
By night, Bemelmans is one of our favorite spots for a perfect martini, but by day, try one of their award-winning Bloody Marys. Tommy Rowles has been behind the bar for over 50 years, so you know your cocktail will benefit from decades of experience, and will be made with his own tried and true Bloody Mary mixture. Sit back, enjoy the luxurious décor, and see if you can spot any celebs, many of which make Bemelmans a regular hangout.
35 E 76th St, Manhattan; 212-744-1600
Buttermilk Channel
NYC’s top food critics—from the New York Times to a recent rave in the NY Daily News—always include Buttermilk Channel’s Bloody Marys in roundups of the city’s best. Are they overrated? Not at all. The Brooklyn eatery serves several creative versions of the cocktail, including one with rosemary-infused vodka and another unorthodox concoction which swaps the vodka for Whiskey and stout. But our favorite is the classic: perfectly balanced and garnished with a homemade pickle.
524 Court St, Brooklyn; 718-852-8490
No comments:
Post a Comment