Drink Up NOLA

Who makes the best bloody mary in New Orleans? This is a question that has been debated over and over. It really is hard to nail it down to just one..or two for that matter. From your favorite neighborhood watering hole to the fancy weekend brunches, one thing we understand in New Orleans is our unwavering the love for this cocktail. Here are just some places serving it up right.

Ralph’s on the Park (900 City Park Ave.) has bloody mary’s that have been called hauntingly delicious. Their house made bloody mary mix is full of unique richness, spicy flavors and guests who just cannot get enough. The lemon basil bloody mary has infused vodka and is a crowd favorite.

Cafe Amelie (912 Royal St.) arguably has one of the best courtyards in the city for dining and drinking. Once enjoying the relaxing atmosphere, out comes the bloody mary. Oh yes, here it’s fun and flavorful. One version has a Polynesian inspired twist. If its spicy you want, they can mix that up for you too. Sipping in the courtyard, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Katie’s (3701 Iberville St.) has bottomless options on Sundays including the bloody mary. Here, bartender Devin Shearman says, "we have so much fun with these drinks. The bottomless option has a basic mix, El Guapo gumbo bitters, lemon, garlic, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire and if i’m feeling frisky, i’ll add in a splash of cucumber juice.” How is that for, WOW. Just as unique, but not part of the bottomless option, is the spicy bloody made with jalapeño infused Reyka vodka. Warning: it has a nice kick on the back end.

Atchafalaya (901 Louisiana Ave.) knows how to push the boundaries. It's hard to find someone who isn't raving about the bloody mary bar here. there is a build-your-own station with vegetables, simple sides, juices, cucumber, jalapeño, real tomato juice and a whole lot more. This is a fun option and a real salute to the tomato gods.

Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave.) doesn’t disappoint by any stretch of the imagination. This bloody mary arrives with a house-made mix and spicy rimmed glass. It’s spiked with a vodka that has been sitting frozen in a block of ice. This is a decades long tradition is one that keeps us coming back for more. General manager, Don Strunk says, “uniqueness and great service is what we strive for and our bloody mary is no exception.”

Of course, we could go on and on with all of the fabulous places to have the beloved bloody mary. All are different and all are creatively made. After all it is a part of our drinking culture, our ever changing palates and welcomed on most any day of the week. Bartenders in New Orleans make them with pride and artistry. It may be fun to go on a bloody mary excursion and hop around town to experience the best from uptown, downtown to back-a-town.

For the craftiest and most creative bloody mary’s head to the Bloody Mary Festival at Howlin Wolf on March 24. 

Let us know where you find the best and we will add it to our every growing list of best places to go.