Bloody Good

credit: Terry Kuzniar

You can order a bloody Mary anywhere in the country, but you can get a good one only in the South. Maybe it’s the complexity of the spices; maybe it’s the peppery heat. But I think we’re better at making them because there’s more going on that requires daytime drinking: football games, tailgating, the long, leisurely brunch. And here in New Orleans, we have the best reason for morning drinking—the night before. So let’s not forget the Bloody Mary’s hair-of-the-dog power; it comes in handy.

At Cochon, I start with a V8 base and add some pork jus for flavor and body. The pork jus is a reduction of pork stock that we use to add character and depth to the drink, kind of like a Bloody Bull that uses beef stock. But then it’s all about the spice: pepper, grainy mustard, fresh lemon juice. And snacks—I gotta have my snacks. My Bloody Mary has to have pickled okra and a long stem of celery, preferably a crisp inner stalk with tender light green leaves. The glass should mirror that natural silhouette: tall with straight sides. Not only does the shape help the drink stay properly mixed, you can fit a lot of ice cubes in there. It’s hot down here.

Step by Step: The Cochon Bloody Mary

1.Clear your afternoon (ideally a Saturday) of any responsibilities

2.Gather the ingredients:
1 can V8 (46 oz.)
2 tbsp. finely ground pepper
2 tbsp. whole grain mustard
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1.5 oz. pork broth
1.5 oz. lime juice
2.5 oz. lemon juice
3.5 oz. hot sauce (preferably Crystal brand)
2 oz. green hot sauce
1.5 oz. red wine vinegar
1 oz. olive juice
1.5 oz. okra juice (the brine from a jar of pickled okra)
vodka of choice

3. Mix it up: Combine everything in a pitcher – except vodka – and stir. To serve: Fill glass with ice. Add about 2 ounces of vodka. Fill with Bloody Mary mixure. Sit, garish, and serve. The mixture can be made ahead of time and kept in a sealed pitcher for up to a week.

Yeild: ½ gallon (10 – 12 servings)

Louisiana native Donald Link is the executive chef and owner of Hernsaint and Cochon in New Orleans.


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