As if you needed convincing, here’s why you should order a unique Bloody Mary in Wisconsin.
The tradition. No boozy brunch here is complete without a Bloody Mary, and it’s uniquely Midwestern to serve Bloody Marys with a “beer chaser.” There’s something special about washing down the Bloody Mary deliciousness with Wisconsin craft beer.
The efficiency. Why order a cocktail with your meal with your cocktail can be your meal? Wisconsin’s enthusiastic love of over-the-top garnishes turn Bloody Marys into full-fledged meals.
They’re unforgettable. With extraordinary flavor combinations you can’t find anywhere else, sipping on a Wisconsin Bloody Mary is an experience you and your foodie friends won’t ever forget.
Here’s a taste of some of the most unique Bloody Marys in the state.
Cafe Hollander has an excellent selection of Bloody Marys on their menu, but the most unique is easily the BBB Bloody Mary. This Southern take on the classic cocktail pairs bacon-infused Bulleit Bourbon with BBQ sauce and a not-too-spicy Bloody Mary mix. If bourbon isn’t your thing, then try the Belgian Michelada, which combines Bloody mix with tequila and a bright Belgian wheat beer.
CT’s Deli is well known for its chef-quality sandwiches — it is a deli after all — but they also serve a legendary Bloody Mary. Garnished with a staggering pile of savory fare, including CT’s Ultimate Italian Sandwich, the Lunchbox Bloody Mary serves 2-4 including beer chasers for everyone sharing. Not ready for the Lunchbox? Choose from a variety of single-serving options as well.
Rum Runners, a prohibition-themed tavern in Green Bay, offers one of the best build-your-own Bloody bars in the state. With twelve different mixes and more than thirty seasonings and hot sauces to choose from, the only thing limiting you at Rum Runners is your own creativity. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, try pairing one of the extra spicy hot sauce options with smoked oysters.
Sobelmans Pub & Grill – Milwaukee
Known as the original Bloody Mary bar, Sobelmans knows what they’re doing — especially when it comes to Bloodys. Their meaty Bloody menu features many unique twists on the cocktail. You may recognize their Bloody Beast Bloody Mary, garnished with sliders, cheese balls, and a whole fried chicken, from its appearances in TV spots and travel shows. Aside from the Beast, try owner Dave Sobelman’s favorite Bloody: the Bourbonado, starring bacon-wrapped fried chicken coated with a gooey bourbon sauce. Learn more about Sobelmans’ Bloody Marys!
Pla-Mor Bar & Restaurant - Cable
It isn’t always about the biggest, craziest garnishes. What sets the Bloody Mary at Pla-Mor apart is the careful crafting. Pla-Mor's bartenders take their time to customize each Bloody Mary to order — spice, thickness, heat, garnish and more. It’s never pre-mixed and it won Best Bloody Mary of the Northwoods in 2021.
The Courthouse Pub – Manitowoc
If your favorite part of a Wisconsin Bloody Mary is the beer chaser, then the options at Courthouse Pub will certainly delight. Since the pub is also a brewery, you can choose any of the craft beers they brew on site as the chaser for your Bloody Mary. For the full Bloody experience, try the Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail, which is served with a cocktail sauce made from their signature Bloody Mary mix.
County Clare is one of the most authentic Irish Pubs in Wisconsin, and nothing pairs better with their traditional Full Irish Breakfast than one of their unique Bloodys. What sets apart their homemade mix is the use of Clamato juice, which helps cut some of the thickness of a typical Bloody and gives the drink a bold, tangy flavor. For the full Irish experience, order the Bloody Máire (Moy-rah), which has a splash of Guinness and whiskey added to it. Both versions of the drink come garnished with a pickled red potato in addition to the more typical finishings.
Kitty O’Reillys Irish Pub – Sturgeon Bay
Kitty O'Reillys advertises their loaded Bloody Mary as the best in Door County for good reason. It’s twenty ounces of thick, tasty, savory goodness. And what really sets Kitty’s Loaded Bloody Mary apart is the generous pour of Guinness that tops the drink. Garnishing it with a Wisconsin string cheese whip certainly doesn’t hurt either.
Buckley's quietly competes for the best Bloody Mary spot thanks to a pair of exceptional house-infused vodkas. If spicy isn’t your thing, go with the Bacon Bloody that features their smoky bacon and peppercorn infused vodka. Their other specialty option is the dangerously spicy Habanero Bloody, which is made using vodka infused with habanero, serrano and jalapeno peppers. For the best of both worlds, try it “half and half”, which combines both vodkas for a smoky, spicy flavor that will easily become one of your favorites.
