Bloody Mary festival to showcase boozy brunch favorite

Legend has it that if you look in the mirror and say “Bloody Mary” three times, nothing will happen. On the other hand, if you are at the Howlin’ Wolf on March 26, you will get to sample some of the city’s best tomato-based cocktails at the first-ever Bloody Mary Festival.

Twelve local restaurants will take part in the festival, starting at noon. Guests can enjoy two hours of taste testing and cast their vote for the People’s Choice award to see who has the bloody best Mary in town.

For any virgin Mary’s out there, the classic Bloody Mary has vodka, tomato juice, Tobasco sauce, Horseradish and Worcestershire sauce, with plenty of edible garnishes like celery or citrus fruits. Like anything popular in Brooklyn, restauranteurs have been eager to spice this recipe up with additives like Old Bay and whole fried chicken.

The festival invites uptown favorites like Dat Dog and Dante’s Kitchen, along with some high-profile brunch spots like Ruby Slipper Café and even the best in bougie, Commander’s Palace. While this is the first Bloody Mary Festival in New Orleans, events like this one have taken place all over the country.

“The Bloody Mary Festival is a celebration of our beloved brunch cocktail and the largest event of its kind,” according to the festival’s website. “Each Festival brings together the most innovative and crafty Bloody Mary mixes, curated by our team of Bloody Mary aficionados and made by local bars and restaurants.”

The venue will also include live bands and music until 4:30 p.m and is restricted to those above the age of 21. Tickets range from $39-45 and can be purchased through eventbrite.com.

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