By Jack Smith
The origin of the Bloody Mary revolves around two of the world’s greatest bars. The tale begins in the roaring twenties at the famous New York Bar in Paris (later known as Harry’s New York Bar), one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite haunts. There, bartender Fernand “Pete” Petiot is said to have conceived the first rudimentary version. After prohibition Petiot moved to the U.S. where he refined his invention at one of my favorite bars, the King Cole Bar, located in the St. Regis Hotel in New York. There, in 1934 it is said Pete enhanced his creation by adding a few dashes of salt, pepper and cayenne, along with Worcestershire Sauce and lemon juice, to the vodka and tomato juice, which he served shaken over crushed ice.
The story of how the cocktail got its name is as unclear as the libation itself, but my favorite version of history is that Pete named it after a patron remarked that it reminded him of his girlfriend Mary, who was a dancer in a cabaret called a Bucket of Blood. No matter the history, today the Bloody Mary is one of America’s most beloved cocktails… perhaps that is because we can drink it, guilt free, before noon!
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant
5551 N Lagoon Drive, PCB | (850) 234-2225
captandersons.com
Is there anything more decadent than buttery Scallops? Their rich flavor makes an exceptional accompaniment to a Bloody Mary. They can also bring down the heat a little bit, especially if you have a heavy pour on the Tabasco! Try Capt. Anderson’s super colossal Seared Sea Scallops with a traditional Bloody Mary!
Señor Frogs
15005 Front Beach Road, PCB
senorfrogs.com/panama-city-beach
Señor Frogs is a synomym for fun. It is considered the best restaurant and bar because the staff make it their duty to make sure you’re having a great time every minute. Enjoy the music, the colors, the amazing atmosphere it offers and order your favorite dish, because the menu is huge. Come in and try our delicious Bloody Mary!
American Charlie
473 Richard Jackson Blvd., PCB | (850) 238-8340
americancharlie.com
American Charlie Grill & Tavern is a new All-American eatery located at The Shoppes at Edgewater in beautiful Panama City Beach, Florida. From the local team that brought you Firefly PCB, On The Fly, and more, this dining experience is unlike any other, featuring favorite classic dishes that have become staples in our country for over a century.
The Wicked Wheel
10025 Hutchison Boulevard, PCB | (850) 588-7947
thewickedwheel.com
The Wicked Wheel serves up a wicked great Bloody Mary with their “Wicked Mary.” This Bloody Mary comes with 3 ounces of copper-distilled Tito’s Vodka mixed with Whiskey Willy’s Bloody Mary mix in a 20-ounce souvenir glass for you to take home. Garnished with greens & served ice cold.
San Marcos Mexican Grill Pier Park
101 Bluefish Drive, Suite 105, PCB | (850) 708-3097
www.sanmarcosmexicangrillpierpark.com
San Marcos Mexican Grill is a family-owned and -operated Mexican restaurant. The family is committed to serving authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex fare including handmade corn tortillas and homemade, tableside-prepared guacamole! Pair the delicious dishes with a range of margaritas, or a draft or bottled beer. You can even have your furry friends join you on the pet-friendly patio! Any day is a good day to chill at the grill.
Schooners
5121 Gulf Drive, PCB | (850) 235-3555
schooners.com
You can never go wrong with the White Cheddar Cheese Curds Appetizer and a Bloody Mary! Cheese always makes an excellent accompaniment to tomato and its gooey nature contrasts nicely with the horseradish in the Bloody Mary. Enjoy it with a view at Schooners!
Boon Docks
14854 Bay View Circle, PCB | (850) 230-0005
boondocksfl.com
Located under the mighty oaks on the Intracoastal Waterway just 5 minutes from the beaches in West Bay, Boon Docks offers you a delicious array of local and regional seafood prepared in a variety of ways. We use a special blend of spices that gives our grilled items a taste like no other! Our unique breading recipe gives our fried seafood a special and original flavor. And we’re always serving ice cold beer and the best Bloody Marys on the beach!
