History of the Bloody Mary Cocktail (And How It Got Its Name)

This clear spirit might seem simple at first glance, but like your favorite reality TV show, there's more drama and depth here than meets the eye.

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Every classic cocktail has its story, but few are as colorfully controversial as the Bloody Mary. Like the layers of spice that make up its complex flavor, the history of this beloved brunch staple is rich with competing narratives, colorful characters, and a dash of historical drama!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3VHd2D-SLM&t=214s “Bloody Mary” Mary I of England by The Infographics Show.

A video titled ‘“Bloody Mary” Mary I of England‘ from the The Infographics Show YouTube channel.

Key takeaways

  • The Bloody Mary was created by Ferdinand “Pete” Petiot in 1920s Paris during American Prohibition, marking the beginning of its legendary journey.
  • The cocktail underwent a significant transformation in America, first appearing as the Red Snapper with a gin base before evolving into the vodka-based drink we know today.
  • The name “Bloody Mary” has three competing origin stories tied to Queen Mary I of England, a lovelorn Parisian patron, and a Chicago waitress at the Bucket of Blood Club.

The French Conection

The story begins in the glittering world of 1920s Paris, at the legendary Harry’s New York Bar. While Americans back home were suffering through Prohibition, an innovative American bartender named Ferdinand “Pete” Petiot was experimenting with a new spirit that had been flooding into Paris with Russian émigrés: vodka.

History of the bloody mary cocktail (and how it got its name)this clear spirit might seem simple at first glance, but like your favorite reality tv show, there's more drama and depth here than meets the eye.
Image of a beautiful bloody mary cocktail in a victorian setting.

Combining this clear spirit with tomato juice and a blend of spices, Petiot created something entirely new. Little did he know, he was making cocktail history.

History of the bloody mary cocktail (and how it got its name) | giphy | crimson cocktail
Three variations on the bloody mary.

The American Evolution

When Prohibition ended in 1934, Petiot brought his creation to American shores, specifically to the prestigious St. Regis Hotel in New York City. However, he quickly realized that Americans weren’t quite ready for vodka. In a brilliant pivot, he adapted the recipe using gin, christening this new version the “Red Snapper.”

Eventually, as American palates evolved and vodka gained popularity, the drink returned to its original vodka-based recipe. But here’s where our story gets really interesting…

The Mystery of the Name: Three Tales of Mary

The origin of the name “Bloody Mary” is where mixology meets mythology, with three fascinating competing stories:

1. The Tudor Terror

The most dramatic theory connects the drink to Queen Mary I of England, daughter of Henry VIII. And trust me, this is where it gets dark. Known as “Bloody Mary,” she earned her nickname during her brief but brutal reign (1553-1558), executing hundreds of Protestant dissenters by burning them at the stake.

The drink’s red color and fiery kick make this connection particularly apt, though perhaps a bit macabre for brunch conversation!

2. The Lovelorn Lady

A more romantic (though equally melancholy) tale suggests the drink was named after a regular patron named Mary who frequented Harry’s Bar in Paris. She would sit for hours, waiting for a lover who rarely appeared, drowning her sorrows in Petiot’s spicy tomato concoction.

Her story of unrequited love supposedly inspired the “bloody” prefix, though this seems more metaphorical than literal. 💔

3. The Chicago Connection

The third theory is perhaps the most straightforward, though less dramatic. A regular at the bar claimed the drink reminded him of a waitress named Mary who worked at Chicago’s Bucket of Blood Club. She had already earned the nickname “Bloody Mary,” making this perhaps the most practical, if least exciting, origin story.

Whether you believe it was named after a murderous queen, a heartbroken lover, or a Chicago waitress, one thing is certain: the Bloody Mary has earned its place in cocktail history.

Two bloody marys
Two bloody marys.

Modern Legacy: Hair of the Dog

Today, the Bloody Mary is often referred to as the ultimate “hair of the dog” remedy – a term derived from the old English belief that “the hair of the dog that bit you” could cure a rabies bite.

In modern parlance, it suggests fighting a hangover with more alcohol, something the Bloody Mary, with its nutrient-rich tomato juice and spicy kick, does particularly well.

Key Takeaways

From its origins in a Parisian bar to its evolution as a beloved brunch staple and hangover cure, the Bloody Mary represents more than just a cocktail – it’s a testament to the cultural evolution of American drinking habits and the enduring power of a well-crafted drink.

Whether you’re drawn to its royal connections, its romantic history, or simply its reputation as the ultimate “hair of the dog,” this iconic cocktail continues to captivate both mixologists and brunch enthusiasts alike, proving that some classics truly never go out of style.

Jedain crimson cocktail 2.
Written by Jedain Arron, Founder and writer

Hey there! 👋 I'm Jedain, a 30-something-year-old Cocktail enthusiast from Columbus, Ohio. I've fallen head over heels for the art of crafting cocktails, with a particular passion for anything whiskey-based. (Bourbon has captured my heart).

This blog documents my adventures in mixology (shakers, stirrers, and all). Follow along as I explore classic and contemporary cocktail recipes, share my favorite Bourbon discoveries, and chronicle my journey through the world of craft spirits and cocktail creation.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail. When not working on the site, you can find him sipping Bourbon at the karaoke bar.

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