7 Killer Bloody Marys In New Orleans
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Wherever you go in New Orleans, you can expect to see at least one version of a Bloody Mary on the menu. NOLA Creole cuisine is all about the spice, so it makes sense you would find the best of the best in this vibrant city. Most Bloody Marys start out with the basics — tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Tobasco and vodka. Bartenders let their creativity take over from there. Here are eight killer Bloody Marys to try on your next trip to New Orleans.
1. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
Built back in the 1720s, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is regarded as the oldest structure to house a bar in the United States and it’s one of the oldest buildings in NOLA. The Bloody Mary here is on the spicy side and it’s made with a house-made mix, olives and spicy green beans. A tour guide who goes by the name “Bloody Mary” says Lafitte’s has a solid amount of paranormal activity. Locals call it an authentic “pirate bar” with a Bloody Mary that can rival the best of them.
2. The Old Absinthe House
Right in the center of Bourbon Street, the Old Absinthe House is a copper-topped wooden bar with a ton of history. The Bloody Marys here are perfectly smooth, spicy and hefty in size for your money. The pickled green beans and okra pretty much make the cocktail. Locals approve.
3. Shimmy Shack
You wouldn’t expect one of the best Bloody Marys In NOLA to come from this dive bar, but the Shimmy Shack ranks high up there. Take in the quirky decor and order the sought-after Bloody Mary, which is basically a meal on its own. It’s made with tomato juice, booze, Worcestershire sauce and it has a crazy strong garnish game with things like celery, bacon, peppers, onions, wasabi-cream-stuffed olives, a cocktail weenie that looks like an octopus with cloves for eyes, an umbrella, goldfish, pretzels, cheese and sometimes a fortune cookie.
4. Erin Rose
This hole-in-the-wall Irish pub in the French Quarter should be on your list when you’re visiting NOLA. You go to Erin Rose for three things: Frozen Irish coffee, Bloody Marys and po’boys. The bartenders whip up a giant batch of the tomato juice-based cocktail in the mornings. There are about nine ingredients that go into the Bloody Mary, including Guinness and Louisiana hot sauce.
5. Oceana Grill
The Cajun seafood restaurant Oceana Grill makes a fire Bloody Mary with infused pepper vodka, sundried tomatoes, onions, spicy green beans, olives, jalapeño garnish and its own house-made bloody mary mix. It’s called the Rajun Cajun Bloody Mary and it goes for $10. If your mouth is on fire after this one, cool it down with a few biscuits, one of the spot’s famous seafood crepes or some creamy grits.
6. Royal House Oyster Bar
Originally called Tortorici’s — the fourth longest-running restaurant in the French Quarter with a list of iconic regulars like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin — the space was re-named Royal House Oyster Bar after Hurricane Katrina. The Bloody Marys here are made with a house-made brine of olives, peppers, pickles, garlic and onions. Make sure you hint at the bartender that you want the olive-soaked vodka and ask for a side of charbroiled oysters to go with it.
7. Coop’s Place
If you’re looking to give yourself a jolt in the morning, go for the Bloody Mary at Coop’s Place. The bloodies here are spicy, unpretentiously served in plastic cups and they’re on the thick side. They’re usually served with pickled okra or green beans and a bunch of cajun spices. Get an order of fried oysters to go with your cocktail and you’ll be set.
You’ll get all of your umami-cravings in with these top Bloody contenders.
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