Tomato with a Twist: Wisconsin's Unique Bloody Marys

Bloody marys are a tasty tradition that transform brunch with friends into a celebration. The combination of flavors from tomato juice, vodka, seasonings and savory garnishes makes for a delicious drink-and-snack-in-one that’s made even better with good company. And to join in on a uniquely Midwest custom, wash your brunch beverage down with a refreshing Wisconsin craft beer.

Read on for a taste of some of the most unique bloody marys in the state.

Dublin Sports Bar & Grill – Conover

Dublin Sports Bar & Grill in Conover has gorgeous lake views and extremely popular bloody marys that attract visitors from near and far up to the Northwoods. Stop in on Sundays to build your own concoction at the bloody mary bar. Or, stop in any day of the week to order the gravity-defying Deluxe Bloody that’s garnished with veggies, beef and cheese sticks, a cheeseburger slider, a chicken wing, onion rings, cocktail shrimp and more!

Café Hollander – Madison

Cafe Hollander in Madison has an excellent selection of bloody marys on their menu, but the most uniquely Wisconsin choice is easily the Badger Blood. With a base of house-made bloody mix and garlic and dill-infused vodka, Café Hollander adds Stella’s Spicy Cheese Bread (a Dane County Farmers’ Market staple), gouda cheese and a beef stick to complete this delicious masterpiece.

CT’s Deli - Rhinelander 

CT’s Deli in Rhinelander 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 and includes beer chasers for everyone sharing. Not ready for the Lunchbox? Choose from a variety of single-serving options as well.

Rum Runners – Green Bay

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 in Milwaukee knows what they’re doing 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 variety: the Bourbonado, starring bacon-wrapped fried chicken coated with a gooey bourbon sauce. Learn more about Sobelmans’ bloody marys!

The Tavern on Central – Florence

The show-stopping “TOC” Bloody Mary at The Tavern on Central in Florence is a Sunday special that you can truly only get in Wisconsin. Here, the classic drink is topped with enough food for a feast, including: a cheeseburger slider, tater tots, bacon, sausage, a pickled egg, string cheese, pickles and more! And as is Wisconsin tradition, it comes with a beer chaser. Stop by this Northern Wisconsin spot for a true brunch of champions.

Smashed on the Rocks Saloon – Algoma 

The Signature Loaded Bloody Mary at Smashed on the Rocks Saloon in Algoma lives up to its name with a whopping 31 toppings to devour on top of the tasty drink itself. Dig into an outrageous combination of onion rings, corn dogs, donuts, corn on the cob, a cheeseburger slider, bacon, waffles, fried chicken, fruit, veggies and even more ingredients. This feast isn’t just for show, however. Smashed on the Rocks has won best “traditional” bloody mary at the National Bloody Mary Festival held in Milwaukee for three years in a row. Stop by the saloon in summer to try this one-of-a-kind Wisconsin delicacy.

County Clare Irish Inn & Pub – Milwaukee

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 usual tasty finishings.

Kitty O’Reillys Irish Pub – Sturgeon Bay

Kitty O'Reillys in Sturgeon Bay 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.