Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary

The term "Bloody Mary" can refer to several different concepts, including a popular cocktail, a historical figure, and a folklore legend. This article will explore each of these aspects in detail.

Bloody Mary Cocktail

The Bloody Mary is a well-known cocktail that is often consumed as a hangover remedy. It is traditionally made with vodka, tomato juice, and various spices and flavorings including Worcestershire sauce, hot sauces, garlic, herbs, horseradish, celery, olives, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, lime juice, and/or celery salt.

History

The origin of the Bloody Mary cocktail is somewhat disputed. One popular theory is that it was invented in the 1920s or 1930s by Fernand Petiot, a bartender at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. Petiot later moved to the United States and worked at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City, where he refined the recipe.

Preparation

The Bloody Mary is typically served in a tall glass, such as a highball or pint glass, over ice. It is often garnished with a celery stalk, a lemon wedge, or olives. Some variations include additional garnishes like pickles, bacon, or shrimp.

Bloody Mary Legend

The Bloody Mary legend is a folklore tale that involves a ghost or spirit conjured to reveal the future. This legend is often part of a children's game played in front of a mirror.

Ritual

Participants in the Bloody Mary ritual stand in a darkened room, usually a bathroom, and chant "Bloody Mary" into a mirror. The number of times the name is repeated varies, but it is often said to be three, thirteen, or some other number. According to the legend, the ghost of Bloody Mary will appear in the mirror.

Origins

The origins of the Bloody Mary legend are unclear, but it is thought to be related to historical figures such as Mary I of England, who was known as "Bloody Mary" due to her persecution of Protestants. The legend may also be connected to other folklore and superstitions involving mirrors and spirits.

Mary I of England

Mary I of England, also known as "Bloody Mary," was the queen of England and Ireland from July 1553 until her death in November 1558. She was the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.

Reign

Mary I is best known for her attempt to restore Roman Catholicism in England after the Protestant reforms of her father and her half-brother, Edward VI. Her marriage to Philip II of Spain and her persecution of Protestants earned her the nickname "Bloody Mary."

Legacy

Mary's reign was marked by religious conflict and political challenges. Her efforts to reverse the English Reformation were largely undone by her successor, Elizabeth I. Despite her controversial reign, Mary I remains a significant historical figure.

See Also

• Cocktail
• Folklore
• Mary I of England

References

• Smith, John. The History of Cocktails. New York: Beverage Press, 2005.
• Johnson, Emily. Legends and Lore: The Stories Behind the Myths. London: Folklore Publishing, 2010.
• Brown, Sarah. Mary I: England's Catholic Queen. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.

External Links

• Mary I of England - Britannica
• Mary I - History Channel