BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

As a Bloody Mary enthusiast, I was thrilled to attend The Bloody Mary Festival with fellow fans of the scrumptious drink. This year the festival brought together the most innovative and crafty Bloody Mary mixes, curated by a team of Bloody Mary aficionados and made by local bars and restaurants. Attendees had the opportunity to taste them all before voting for their favorite. Live music and a panel of industry judges, who select the “Best Bloody Mary” in each city, also add to the fun!

I was blown away by the variety of bloody mary mixes. We tasted everything from a Nori inspired bloody to a cucumber infused bloody. Our rankings are below so you can find the bloody mary of your dreams. 

FESTIVAL WINNERS:

People’s Choice for Best Bloody Mary (This close contest went back and forth between these two all afternoon)

1. WINNER: Iron Station
2. Runner up: Catfish

Judge’s Pick: Best Bloody Mary – Original

1. WINNER: Lucky Luna
2. Runner up: Iron Station

Best Bloody Mary – Traditional

1. WINNER: Syndicated Bar • Theater • Kitchen
2. Runner up: Travel Bar

SARAHFUNKY RATINGS:

706 (Prospect Heights): 7/10 – BlueStorm Vodka (basil infused), tomato juice, blended spices, lime, lemon, Worcestershire, horseradish, scotch bonnet, jalapeno, salt and pepper. 

Catfish (Crown Heights): 7/10 – BleuStorm Vodka, tomato juice, beet bouillon, horseradish, Worcestershire, Crystal House Sauce, Cajun spice rim, and stout float. 

Esme (Greenpoint): 5/10 – BleuStorm Vodka, tomato juice, lemon, lime tapatio, Dijon mustard, horseradish, celery seed, black pepper, and garlic. 

Hunter’s (Cobble Hill): 8/10 – BleuStorm Vodka (lemongrass infused), charred tomato, house spice, black garlic, cucumber, lime, Sriracha; garnished with pickled shrimp and Thai basil. 

Iron Station (Park Slope): 7/10 – BleuStorm Vodka (bacon infused), house made beef stock, tomato juice, celery salt, black pepper, Sriracha; garnished with candied bacon and soppressata. 

Lucky Luna (Greenpoint): 9/10 – BleuStorm Vodka, tomato puree, Sriracha, Valentina, Jugo de Maggi, Worcestershire, horseradish, fresh ground black pepper, lemon juice, salt, spices, house made kimchi and kimchi puree, and nori. 

Skylark (Park Slope): 8/10 – BleuStorm Vodka, tomato juice, A1, Worcestershire, pepperoncini juice, Cholula, Tabasco, lemon juice, horseradish, secret spice mix; garnished with pickled vegetables. 

Syndicated (Bushwick): 6/10 – BleuStorm Vodka, Sacramento tomato juice, Banana pepper juice, Gochujang, Worcestershire, Secret Steak Sauce Recipe, fennel, coriander, garlic salt, onion salt; garnished with an olive, cocktail onion, banana pepper, black and white salt rim with sesame and spices. 

Talde (Park Slope): 7/10 – BleuStorm Vodka, tomato juice, dill, lemon juice, lime juice, olive brine, wasabi powder, Chinese black vinegar, sherry vinegar, Worcestershire, Guinness, celery salt, sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, Sriracha, fish sauce, garnished with pickled ginger. 

Travel Bar (Carroll Gardens): 6/10 – BleuStorm Vodka, tomato puree, fresh pressed cucumber juice, pureed horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, toasted 3 seed blend (celery seed, cumin), caraway, Sriracha, banana pepper juice, lemon juice, salt, pepper and a secret ingredient. 

To go to their next event, visit thebloodymaryfest.com.