The "Red Snapper" at King Cole bar
We often daydream about how much better the weeks would be if they were capped off with a 3-day weekend. More time to sleep, relax and brunch without waking up Monday morning still feeling the effects of Sunday Funday (hello, aspirin). We’ve become sort of self-proclaimed, unofficial brunch experts, but you can't call yourself an expert in that area without getting to know THE good time brunch drink– the Bloody Mary. We’ve researched and scoured the city for the best Bloody Marys we could find. It wasn’t easy (again- the aspirin), but we can’t say it wasn’t fun. Who doesn’t love a drink that causes and cures a hangover at the same time? Here’s a look at our favorite spots to get our Bloody Mary on– it’s never too early to start planning the weekend, people.
Prune, 54 East 1st Street, 212-677-6221
With a delicious food menu that includes your standard steak and eggs and not-so—standard sausages and oysters, there’s always a wait at Prune that’s worth it for your brunch fix. The best part? Prune has its own Bloody Mary menu with 10 different variations, whether you want to go classic, Caesar (made with gin, clam juice and a pickled egg), or Chicago Matchbox style (made with homemade lemon vodka and topped with pickled brussel sprouts, baby white turnips and green beans). You’ll also find super spicy options if you're feeling especially adventurous on a Sunday.
King Cole Bar at the St.Regis Hotel, 2 East 55th Street, 212-753-4500
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Bloody experience, try the King Cole Bar’s concoction (but beware, it also verges on the expensive side). The drink itself was said to have originated here in 1934 by bartender Fernand Petiot. It still remains the bar’s signature drink (under its original name, the "Red Snapper") and uses Petiot’s original recipe of tomato juice and vodka with black and cayenne peppers, lemon juice and Worcestershire. Take a sip and take in the hotel’s Old King Cole mural by painter Maxfield Parrish from 1906 while you're at it.
Church Lounge at the Tribeca Grand Hotel, 2 Avenue of Americas, (212) 519-6600
We're regulars at the Tribeca Grand Hotel, and it never disappoints. Between eyeing Kanon bottles behind the bar or visiting our FOKs Tommy Saleh and Steven Rojas, we always have fun when we stop by. But we especially love coming for the Grand Bloody Mary infused with Kanon. Mixing organic vodka with tomato juice only makes us feel better about indulging in our preferred brunch cocktail. We like to think we're doing ourselves a favor in more ways than one.
CONTINUE READING TASTE TESTED: 5 BEST BLOODY MARYS IN THE CITY.
