The New York Bartender’s Guide: Buddy’s Bloody Mary (2006)

I don’t know what I was looking for when I pulled The New York Bartender’s Guide out of my bar drawer (yes, drawer—it lives in the drawer and not on the shelf because it’s not ‘vintage’ or ‘retro’ yet), but I’m glad I did.

Because this is a damn good bar book. Searchable by ingredient (I never thought of putting raisins in a drink) and drink name (Angel’s Tit, anyone?) it boasts over 1,300 recipes.

Here’s the one for Buddy’s Bloody Mary .Not to be confused with The Bloody Buddy (a premixed vodka drink) or the Bloody Mary Buddy (a powdered mix that is a spice tomato Kool-Aid of sorts), this recipe brings something new to the table: seasoned ice cubes.”

“Seasoned ice cubes” is something I’ve never heard of. But I like it. I want to season more ice cubes! But for what cocktails? Maybe flavored salt for a Salty dog? Tajin for a Michelada? I need ideas.

Buddy’s Bloody Mary is delicious (spicy, salty, peppery. Not too much vodka nor too much juice).

Another thing I liked about Buddy’s Bloody Mary, the mix was a little chunky. I like to see bits of pepper and horseradish at the bottom of my Bloody Mary glass.

I didn’t really notice any difference taste-wise that this was V-8 instead of regular tomato juice, but I had an open bottle of V-8 and am happy to use it.

Also, I’ve moved the book out of the drawer and onto the shelf, even though it was published this century. It’s too good to hide. There are a lot of tomato juice-based recipes in it. I’m gonna make ’em all!

Buddy’s Bloody Mary gets a 5/5 on the Tomato Scale!