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 a 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 so, 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! Cheers to the Bloody Mary and Panama City Beach’s Annual Bloody Mary Festival!
Dat Cajun Place
8501 Thomas Drive, PCB | (850) 588-5314
datcajunplace.com
From the first sip to the last slurp, try it and you’ll soon discover why our Bloody Mary is the Best In Town… and we have the trophy to prove it! We aren’t giving any secrets away, but let’s just say there might be a dash of good old Cajun voodoo magic in the mix.
Schooners
5121 Gulf Drive, PCB | (850) 235-3555
schooners.com
Schooners Loaded Shrimp and Bacon Bloody Mary is legendary. It’s a drink that practically doubles as a meal. The best thing about it is… every Last Local Beach Club Bloody comes with a downright spectacular view! Everything is better on the beach… everybody knows that! As a matter of fact, this just might be the best place on the planet.
The Wicked Wheel
10025 Hutchison Boulevard, PCB | (850) 588-7947
thewickedwheel.com
At The Wicked Wheel, you won’t just get a Bloody Mary – you’ll get a Wicked Mary! The Wicked Mary is one of the signature libations at The Wicked Wheel. Made with 3 ounces of copper distilled Tito’s vodka and Whiskey Willy’s Bloody Mary mix, the Wicked Mary is garnished with greens and served ice cold in a souvenir glass for you to take home.
Barefoot On The Bay
1201 Beck Ave, Panama City | 850-785-8761
www.barefootrestaurants.com
Barefoot On The Bay serves up some of the best Bloody Marys in town! Grab a Bloody Mary and pair it with one of our daily specials from $12 Gator Baskets on Thursdays to $12 Fish and Chips Baskets (featured) on Fridays. Open daily at 11 AM and located directly on St. Andrews Bay for prime sunset views.
Off the Hook
5711 N. Lagoon Drive, PCB | (850) 238-8832
othpcb.com
Bike, boat or drive to Off the Hook 7 days a week and start your day with our OTH Bloody Mary. Deep Eddy Vodka & Zin Zang Bloody Mary Mix are the foundation for this local favorite and you can dress it up or down from there! Our House Bloody is served with green olives and celery, or you can upgrade to our OTH Loaded Bloody, with pickled okra, bacon, pickles, jalapenos & bacon… brunch worthy if you ask us!
Mike’s Café & Oyster Bar
17554 Front Beach Road, PCB | (850) 234-1942
mikescafeandoysterbar.com
Everything at Mike’s is classic and their bloody mary is no exception. Made with traditional ingredients and salt, black pepper, cayenne and just a touch of Worcestershire. Our family has been serving old friends and making new ones since 1971. Open everyday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., with lunch starting at 11 a.m. Happy Hour 2 – 6 p.m. everyday.
Christo’s Sports Bar & Grill
2903 Thomas Drive, PCB | (850) 708-1878
www.christossportsbar.com
At Christo’s, we first rim your Bloody Mary glass with our own black magic seasoning, and then use a pepper vodka to give your taste buds a wake up call. Next, we add a Charleston Bold & Spicy mix with a beef straw for extra flavor. Lastly, we add olives and pickled okra for a little mid-morning snack. Join us on Sundays for $5 Marys and mimosas.
Paparazzi Gourmet Deli
2810 Thomas Drive, PCB | (850) 588-8244
Paparazzideli.com
Viva l’Italia! A fun spin on the traditional Mary, this exotic creation features a zesty meatball encased in a savory garlic knot delicately resting on an oversized slice of pepperoni. Spicy and a little naughty (truly Italian!). Another delicious reason to choose Paparazzi Catering for your next event.
