Picture this: you're at a quaint brunch table with sunlight pouring in through the window. The waiter puts your drink in front of you, the malt version of the Bloody Mary. You take a sip and recognize the flavors, but something is off. The tangy tomato and spices are all there, but a bit is missing: the spiky punch of vodka. This is when you begin to wonder if this malt beverage version is worth stepping onto the pedestal of the iconic Bloody Mary.
In this blog, we're going to dive into the ultimate Bloody Mary showdown. Let’s learn how the original Bloody Mary differs from its modern cousin, the Bloody Mary Malt beverage. In the end, you will know which one wins for your taste buds and lifestyle.
The Bloody Mary Showdown
The Bloody Mary is a brunch staple, with its assemblage of savory, spicy flavors and, of course, those jack-o-lantern-esque garnishes. Celery sticks to bacon strips, the possibilities are endless. But recently, a new contender has been in town: the Bloody Mary Malt beverage.
Although the original Bloody Mary was created on a vodka base, the malt version uses malt as the base alcohol. It seems like this variant has a pep in its step. But, how does it compare to the original?
In the showdown between the Bloody Mary Malt beverage and the timeless cocktail, we look at their ingredients, flavors, and drinking experience.
What is a Bloody Mary Malt Beverage?
While the original cocktail relies on vodka as its star spirit, the malt beverage is created from malted barley or comparable grains to have a lighter body. For this reason, malt-based drinks have experienced great popularity because they present a ready-to-drink version of the classic cocktails.
The Bloody Mary malt beverage imitates the flavors of the original—that is, tomato juice, spices, and that ping of heat - but with a milder punch. It is also more convenient than the original and suitable for those who want to crack open a can and enjoy a Bloody Mary on the go.
The classic Bloody Mary is an art form. It starts with vodka, and then tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and numerous spices are added. Every bartender and mixologist at home has their own variation on the recipe. Some add just a little bit more Tabasco for pungency, while others don't add it at all - relying solely on the savory balance.
One of the best things about a classic Bloody Mary is the creativity involved. The garnishes can be as simple as celery stalks or as elaborate as skewers of shrimp, bacon, or pickles. Additionally, with differing levels of hotness and other ingredients that may be added or removed, the Bloody Mary can be tailored to each drinker's tastes.
The cocktail’s origins trace back to the 1920s in Paris, but it garnered popularity in America shortly after its creation. Today, it remains a classic brunch favorite around the world.
To make one at home, you can find all the ingredients at The Epicurean Trader to get your perfect version.
Bloody Mary Malt Beverage Recipe
- 1 bottle Bloody Mary Malt Beverage. Select a such as Cutwater Spirits Spicy Bloody Mary or Devil's Backbone Bloody Beer found here: The Epicurean Trader
- 2 oz Tomato Juice
- 1/2 oz Worcestershire Sauce Adds depth and umami.
- 1/2 oz Hot Sauce
- 1/2 oz Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- Pinch of Celery Salt
- Pinch of Black Pepper for seasoning
- Pinch of Paprika for that added flavor
- Ice Cubes
- Garnishes (Optional but highly recommended):
Here’s how to make it:
- Put some ice cubes in a tall glass.
- Mixing the Liquids: Mix tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and lemon juice in another mixing glass or shaker together.
- Stir lightly.
- Add the Malt Beverage: Pour the Bloody Mary Malt Beverage over the ice in the glass.
- Stir gently to combine with the tomato mixture.
- Season: Sprinkle with a pinch of celery salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. Stir the seasonings together.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, olives, pickles, or even a strip of bacon to recreate that old-fashioned Bloody Mary look.
- Drink: Sip and enjoy the refreshing mix of flavors fit for any brunch or chill moment.
Gives the great taste of a traditional Bloody Mary in a particularly convenient malt beverage. To try different varieties of Bloody Mary malt beverages check what The Epicurean Trader has best.
The Taste-Off: How Do They Compare?
Comparing the flavor profiles, the Bloody Mary malt beverage differs from the classic cocktail.
The classic Bloody Mary is quite potent and rich; the vodka helps give it a good body to hold up with the tomato juice and spices. In taste, it is always complex, maintaining a balance of savory, spicy, and salty flavors that suit those who like bold tastes. It's full-bodied.
Bloody Mary Malt beverages, on the other hand, are light-bodied. The malted brew weakens the strength of the beverage, making it more suitable for casual settings. Nonetheless, it does catch the main concept of the Bloody Mary: tomato with a mixture of spices. The taste is less strong and layered than the real version. Maybe this can be an advantage for those who look for a milder variant of the cocktail.
So, which one is better? Of course, that depends on what you are looking for. If you enjoy bold or spicy drinks, the Bloody Mary is the winner in your book. But if you prefer something lighter, refreshing, and easy to drink, the Malt beverage is for you.
Convenience and Accessibility
Let's face it: making a Bloody Mary from scratch requires quite some time and effort. All of the ingredients have to be gathered and mixed in the way you prefer; and finally topped with preferred garnishes. In fairness, it does go on to become enjoyable while attempting to get creative, but not exactly practical.
This is where the Bloody Mary malt beverage comes into play. This malt beverage is ready to drink and can be consumed directly out of the can with nothing more than a twist to open it. No extra preparation or cleaning is necessary. Perfect for that moment when you suddenly feel like a Bloody Mary but neither time nor interest exists for the preparation.
Moreover, the Bloody Mary malt drink stays fresh for a longer period rather than fresh ingredients in the traditional cocktail, therefore, it is more suitable as a convenience drink for parties, picnic gatherings, or even just for a casual afternoon at home.
Alcohol Content and Strength
Now things get interesting. This vodka-based Bloody Mary is, of course, stronger, with an alcohol content volume. But, considering the quantity of vodka you would pour into your drink, that Alcohol By Volume (ABV) is likely to be somewhere between 10% - 15%. While Bloody Mary's malted beverage boasted an ABV of 4-6%, this is far lighter than beers.
The ones who like the kick of vodka might prefer the more traditional Bloody Mary. If you are looking for a drink that is lighter but still packs a lot of punch with taste, then there is the malt beverage version.
Health and Nutritional Considerations
If you do care about your health and nutrition, then you may also be interested in the nutritional differences between these two.
The Bloody Mary can be a very healthy drink in terms of the natural ingredients, and it depends on the preparation of course. Fresh vegetables can be added, and the salt, sugar, and spice content would be relatively managed, leaving a person to control the consumption of more salt, sugar, and spice. And tomatoes are rich in A and C vitamins, so this cocktail is slightly guilt-free.
But the Bloody Mary malt beverage is a prepackaged product. Therefore, preservatives, added sugars, or other ingredients you cannot control may be present within the product. As it's more convenient, this drink might not be the best when your intake of sugar is being monitored or if you are looking for a clean, fresh drink.
If you are among these nutrition-aware people, the original variant is the best for you. But if convenience is what matters most to you, then the malt beverage is one of the great delicious picks.
Best Bloody Mary Malt Beverages to Try
Thinking that a Bloody Mary malt beverage is just the ticket? You are in luck! There are some solid options out there. Here are a few worth trying:
- Cutwater Spirits Spicy Bloody Mary: Malt beverage known to pack some serious flavor punch and immense heat; this brew is for the kind of people who crave it a little hot. Try out this mixer!
- Bud Light Chelada: A lighter take on this Bloody Mary with tomato juice, clam juice, and spices, which makes a brew with its classic all-invigorating twist. Also, if you’re a giver than a doer then, give this Bloody Mary Kit a try!
- Devil's Backbone Bloody Beer: Yet another innovation of the Bloody Mary, beer mixed with Bloody Mary as part of a refreshing taste.
- You can get those and more at The Epicurean Trader, which sells hand-picked favorites of the best-rated Bloody Mary malt beverages.
Which one wins?
Not just our hearts but most importantly our taste buds. Comparing the Bloody Mary malt beverage to the drink we all know as the classic Bloody Mary will depend on what you're looking for in a drink.
A classic Bloody Mary is for those who enjoy powerful flavors, customizable ingredients, and a very strong kick. Being a drink that can be crafted to your exact requirements, it is perfect for those who like to experiment. But if you want convenience and ease of access, then the Bloody Mary malt is a great option. It's lighter, ready to drink, and lovely when had on the go or when you simply don't have time to mix a cocktail from scratch.
If you are old school with the Bloody Mary or like the ease of the malt beverage, one thing is evident- this drink is here to stay. Now both, for a twist on a brunch classic, make it easy to enjoy it anytime, anywhere.
Ready to give it a go? Head over to The Epicurean Trader and browse their selection of Bloody Mary malt beverages and cocktail ingredients, and find out which version suits you better!
