Poisons: Bloody Mary

Sample spicy brunch cocktails from around Baltimore

By Lisa Wiseman
Special to Metromix

The history of the bloody Mary is a bit muddled, but most sources say the drink was invented around 1920 at a place called Harry's Bar in Paris. Supposedly, the drink was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway. Most people naturally associate the cocktail with brunch, or at least think of it as a good hangover cure. True, the spicy tomato juice and vodka combination goes well with eggs Benedict, and somehow magically soothes throbbing heads and calms churning tummies. However, a good, thick, spicy bloody Mary also makes the perfect appetizer before dinner. And we're pretty sure that the drink provides at least one or two servings of fruits and vegetables, so it's good for you, too.