Weird and Wonderful Bloody Marys

— -- Whether it’s a favorite hangover remedy, a post-party pick-me-up, or a Sunday brunch staple, the classic Bloody Mary has been the darling of cocktail enthusiasts since its creation, apparently in the 1920s and probably in Paris.

Weird and Wonderful Bloody Marys (Slideshow)

Bloody Marys are swell because they have a lot going on in the glass. Anyone with a modestly stocked home bar can whip up a decent version — but not before they learn the basics first, like how to nail the recipe’s balance between pungent horseradish, lip-smacking tomatoey acidity, and satisfying umami flavor.

Beyond that…Well, we are certain that you’ll find few drinks that are as flexible as good old Mary; she’s kind of a chameleon cocktail . One minute she’s a chica with a spicy Mexican accent from south of the border, the next she’s a charming Southern belle with a penchant for replacing vodka with bourbon and a devil-may-care attitude; she can also surprise you with her come-hither exotic South Asian flavors. Despite greatly exaggerated claims by obsessed fans, however, the Bloody Mary, no matter how many garnishes are added to it, probably does not meet recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables.

Bloody Elixir