There Will Be Bloody Marys

Your guide to Richmond’s locally made mixes

by

Food News & Trends

No boozy brunch is complete without a Bloody Mary, and now, thanks to the drink’s widespread popularity, five local companies have released their own interpretations of the classic tomato-based mixer.  

Texas Beach Bloody Mary Mix ($9.50) 

Austin Green and Greg White’s recipe was born at a friendly New Year’s Eve Bloody Mary competition, and it’s named for a popular stretch of shoreline along the James River. The spicy mix is sold in shops around town, including Harvest Grocery and Supply and Union Market, and you can also taste it at restaurants like Baja Bean Co., Saison and Helen’s. texas beachbloodymary.com

Huntsman Premium Bloody Mary Mix ($7-$9)

There’s some serious history behind this mix out of Goochland County. Creators Lewis and Sue Nash have been serving it at family functions for more than 30 years. When they started canning it in quart jars to give as presents, people urged them to bottle commercially. “Our mix is not as thick as some and a little sweeter than others, with just the right amount of spice,” Lewis says. “It is very refreshing.” huntsmanpremium bloodymarymix.com

The Bloody Spider ($12.50)

The name may send arachnophobes scurrying, but it’s appropriate — this mix carries quite a sting. Developed by University of Richmond grads Sarah and Grady Hebert (hence the spider — get it?), this recipe has a satisfyingly spicy, complex taste that calls for nothing more than vodka and ice. spiderfoods.com

Patrick Henry’s Revolutionary Bloody Mary Mix ($7)

After bartending throughout college at VCU, Donald “Whit” Whitley decided to make his own mix. He uses ingredients found in a classic Bloody, like fresh lemon and lime juice, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and cracked black pepper. For a little kick, he grinds serrano peppers and mixes them into the vat during production. “Patrick Henry’s has the consistent mouth feel of the traditional Bloody Mary from the Prohibition era,” Whitley says. “It also has a fresh, classic taste generated from top-shelf ingredients where no ingredient overpowers any other.” patrickhenrys.com 

Pickled Silly ($12)

Sandy Wheeler and Noel Johnson are local farmers market favorites thanks to their pickled okra, carrots and Dilly Beans. Their Bloody Mary mix is thick and chunky, with a hint of okra brine and freshly grated horseradish. pickledsilly.com