The Bloody Mary is a popular alcoholic cocktail typically made with vodka, tomato juice, and other savory ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, celery salt, and garnished with olives or celery. While traditionally served on-the-rocks in a tall glass and mixed at the time of order, pre-mixed canned Bloody Mary products have become increasingly popular for their convenience and portability. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into answering the question: is there a Bloody Mary in a can?
What is a Bloody Mary?
The Bloody Mary is a vodka-based cocktail containing tomato juice and other spices and flavorings. Some key characteristics of a Bloody Mary include:
– Vodka – While not the original liquor used (see history below), vodka is now the standard spirit used in a Bloody Mary today.
– Tomato juice – Thick, red tomato juice provides the signature look and flavor.
– Worchestershire sauce – Adds a savory, umami kick.
– Hot sauces – A few dashes of Tabasco or other hot sauces brings heat.
– Black pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper adds spice.
– Celery salt – Brings a salty, vegetal taste.
– Lemon juice – Brightens up the flavor.
– Horseradish – Some recipes call for grated horseradish to add bite.
– Celery stalk garnish – Iconic garnish and a vehicle for seasoning salt.
Brief History
The Bloody Mary’s origins date back to the 1920s in Paris, when it was originally called a “Bucket of Blood” or “Red Snapper”. The drink replaced gin with vodka when it was introduced to the United States during the 1940s vodka craze.
Fernand Petiot is often credited with inventing the drink and bringing it to the US when he worked at the New York Bar in Paris (later Harry’s New York Bar), though its true origins are contested. The “Bloody Mary” moniker likely comes from a guest at Chicago’s Pump Room naming it after Queen Mary I of England.
Over the years, the basic formula has expanded to include a wide variety of ingredients and garnishes, but remains a brunch staple to this day.
Pre-made, Canned Bloody Marys
While the Bloody Mary retains popularity as a fresh, made-to-order cocktail, the emergence of ready-to-drink (RTD) canned Bloody Mary products speaks to its versatility and lasting consumer demand. Reasons pre-made canned Bloody Marys have gained traction include:
Convenience
Canned Bloody Marys provide a quick and easy way to enjoy the cocktail anytime, without the effort of juicing tomatoes, measuring ingredients, mixing, garnishing, and cleaning up. They are ready to crack open and drink wherever you are – at home, at the beach, at a park, or on the go.
Portability
The portable, single-serve can format makes bringing Bloody Marys along for events, trips, and outings seamless. Cans are durable, lightweight, packable, and unlikely to spill or break. Most are shelf-stable and don’t require refrigeration.
consFtent Flavor and Quality
With canned versions, you can expect the same consistent Bloody Mary experience every time. They eliminate concerns over improperly mixed drinks, bad tomato juice, inferior ingredients, or inadequate garnishes.
Lower Cost
Pre-batched canned Bloody Marys can offer significant cost savings compared to ordering them at a bar or restaurant. Even with making them at home from scratch, the cost of cans may be lower when accounting for all the required ingredients and materials.
Year-Round Availability
While Bloody Marys are associated with weekend brunch drinking, canned versions allow enjoyment any day or time. For consumers who don’t want to prep ingredients or garnishes, pre-made provides a quick fix.
New Flavors and Styles
In addition to traditional or basic recipes, canned Bloody Marys come in a wide range of flavor varieties like spicy, smoky, and savory. They also include Bloody Mary alternatives made with gin, tequila, beer, wine, and more.
Examples of Canned Bloody Mary Products
Dozens of companies now produce ready-to-drink Bloody Mary beverages in can and bottle formats. Here are some of the major brands and product lines:
Walter’s
– Walter’s Classic Bloody Mary Mix
– Walter’s Extra Spicy Bloody Mary Mix
– Walter’s Bacon Bloody Mary Mix
Mr & Mrs T
– Original Bloody Mary Cocktail
– Zing Zang Bloody Mary Cocktail
– Horseradish & Celery Bloody Mary Cocktail
Tio Gazpacho
– Classic Bloody Mary
– Green Bloody Mary (with green tomatoes)
– Bloody Maria (with tequila)
Brianna’s
– Asparagus Bloody Mary
– Wasab Mary (wasabi-flavored)
– Chesapeake Bay Bloody Mary Mix
McClure’s
– McClure’s Classic Bloody Mary Mix
– McClure’s Spicy Bloody Mary Mix
– McClure’s Caesar Mix (like a Bloody Mary with Clamato juice)
| Brand | Product | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Walter’s | Walter’s Classic Bloody Mary Mix | Traditional |
| Walter’s | Walter’s Extra Spicy Bloody Mary Mix | Spicy |
| Mr & Mrs T | Original Bloody Mary Cocktail | Traditional |
| Tio Gazpacho | Green Bloody Mary | With Green Tomatoes |
| Brianna’s | Wasab Mary | Wasabi-flavored |
| McClure’s | McClure’s Caesar Mix | With Clamato Juice |
Are Canned Bloody Marys Any Good?
So how do canned and bottled Bloody Mary drinks actually taste compared to freshly made ones? Here is a look at some of the key pros and cons:
Pros of Canned Bloody Marys
– Convenient, fast, and portable
– Consistent flavor and quality
– Often less expensive than at a bar
– Interesting styles and spice levels
– Allow enjoyment any time of day or year
Cons of Canned Bloody Marys
– Fresh garnishes missing can diminish experience
– Preservatives required for shelf-stability
– Texture less smooth than freshly mixed
– Flavors can taste diluted or artificial
– Some find flavor too one-note without adding extras
The quality of canned and bottled Bloody Mary beverages varies widely between brands. Some taste nearly indistinguishable from a freshly mixed drink, while lower quality options can taste like overly salted tomato juice.
To improve the experience of canned Bloody Marys, some tips are:
– Chill thoroughly before drinking
– Add your own fresh garnishes like celery, olives, lemon wedges
– Rim glass with celery salt or Tajin seasoning
– Spice it up with hot sauce, horseradish, or pepper flakes
– Use as a base but still add some freshly mixed ingredients
Expert Opinions on Canned Bloody Marys
Here are some thoughts on canned and bottled Bloody Marys from bartenders and spirits experts:
>”The quality has improved, with more companies focusing on fresh, natural ingredients.” – Jackie Dodd, award-winning bartender
>”I’m impressed by the innovations, like smoked Bloody Marys or unique flavors, in the pre-mixed market.” – Jamie Walker, bartender and blogger
>”Bright, balanced flavors are possible, but the very best still come from freshly juicing the tomatoes.” – Tobias Smith, head bartender at The Modern Bar
>”With the right garnishes and seasoning on the rim, canned Bloody Marys can totally hit the spot.” – Lainey Dupont, spirits educator
>”Some bottles are definitely passable and make entertaining easy. But I’d recommend adding a splash of your own vodka.” – Barry Cranston, bar owner
The consensus seems to be that canned and bottled Bloody Marys offer a convenient, reliably flavored cocktail option. But bartenders agree adding fresh garnishes and ingredients elevates the experience.
Nutrition Info for Canned Bloody Marys
Like a restaurant Bloody Mary, pre-mixed canned versions tend to be high in sodium but also provide nutrition from tomato juice. Here is the nutrition information per 12 oz serving for some popular brands:
| Brand | Calories | Carbs (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walter’s | 100 | 5 | 770 |
| Mr & Mrs T | 90 | 2 | 680 |
| Tio Gazpacho | 120 | 3 | 450 |
| Brianna’s | 80 | 2 | 650 |
The tomato juice provides antioxidants like lycopene, vitamin C, and vitamin A. However, the high sodium content per serving should be considered if monitoring salt intake. Enjoying the whole can likely provides 100% or more of the recommended daily sodium limit.
How to Make Your Own Canned Bloody Marys
While pre-mixed canned Bloody Marys offer convenience, some prefer the control and customization of homemade. Here is a simple process for making your own canned Bloody Marys at home:
Ingredients
– Tomato juice (46oz can)
– 2 cups vodka
– 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tbsp hot sauce
– 1 tsp celery salt
– 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
– 1⁄2 tsp horseradish
– 12 oz mason jars with lids
Instructions
1. Add all ingredients except vodka to a large pitcher and stir well to combine.
2. Pour tomato juice mixture evenly between 12 oz mason jars, leaving about 1 inch headspace.
3. Divide vodka evenly between jars, pouring slowly. Leave at least 1⁄2 inch headspace.
4. Seal jars with lids and rings.
5. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
6. To serve, pour into glass filled with ice. Garnish with celery stalk, olive, lemon wedge, etc.
The result is convenient homemade canned Bloody Marys without preservatives! Adjust spices to your taste and experiment with flavors like bacon, wasabi, or horseradish. Make sure to shake or stir well before enjoying.
Conclusion
In summary, yes – there are definitely canned and bottled Bloody Mary products available, which offer a convenient and portable way to enjoy this savory brunch cocktail. While opinions vary on how they compare to fresh, homemade Bloody Marys, the pre-mixed canned versions provide a consistent, easy drinking experience anytime. With the right preparation, garnishes and imagination, canned Bloody Marys can be an appealing option for many situations without the work of mixing up all the ingredients. But for Bloody Mary purists, starting with quality ingredients and freshly juicing the tomatoes is still the gold standard. Hopefully this deep dive has provided all the details to decide whether a Bloody Mary in a can is right for you!