Few cocktails have the intrigue, versatility, and cult following of the Bloody Mary. Equal parts brunch essential, hangover remedy, and savory sipper, this tomato-based drink has become a staple around the world—but where did it come from, and why is it so beloved?
Where Did the Bloody Mary Come From?
The origins of the Bloody Mary are famously murky—much like the cocktail itself. Most cocktail historians trace it back to the 1920s or 1930s, when American bartender Fernand “Pete” Petiot began experimenting with vodka and tomato juice at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. As the story goes, Russian vodka had made its way into Europe post-revolution, and Petiot began mixing it with tomato juice to create a light, refreshing beverage.
When he later moved to the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis Hotel in New York, he brought the drink with him—this time adding spices like Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, cayenne, lemon juice, and celery salt, shaping the savory cocktail we know today.
Why Is It Called a Bloody Mary?
There are a few competing theories:
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Mary Tudor, aka Bloody Mary, the infamous English queen known for her brutal reign, is one possible namesake.
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Others claim the drink was named after a waitress named Mary from Chicago.
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Some say it simply describes the blood-red color of the tomato juice.
Whatever the case, the name stuck—and the Bloody Mary gained cult status among drinkers who craved a more savory, complex cocktail experience.
More Than Just a Drink
The Bloody Mary isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a canvas for creativity. Bartenders around the world have elevated the drink with extravagant garnishes, from pickled okra and shrimp to sliders, bacon, and mini grilled cheeses. It’s also one of the few cocktails that’s perfectly acceptable before noon—earning it a permanent place on brunch menus everywhere.
Its flavor profile—earthy tomato, herbal brightness, peppery heat—is entirely unique in the world of mixology, and that's exactly what makes it so memorable.
Introducing Our Bloody Mary Candle – Bold, Herbal, Unapologetically Savory
Inspired by the beloved brunch cocktail, our new Bloody Mary Candle captures the essence of vine-ripened tomatoes, garden herbs, celery salt, and subtle spice in every burn. It’s a fresh twist on fragrance that’s perfect for kitchens, gatherings, or any time you want to bring a bold, savory vibe to your space.
And like all of our candles, it comes in a reusable cocktail glass—so once the candle burns down, you can mix up the real thing.