The Summer Edit: Iconic Cocktails

The Bloody Mary

Pappy & Company X Midland Ghost X Bittermilk

There are a few cocktails that have achieved truly landmark status—ones that need no introduction or instruction and often even have their own shorthand. Ones that even come to define a tradition or event.

Of course, you have such monumental associations as the Kentucky Derby and the Mint Julep, but there are cocktails with even more granular connections. In the same way an Old Fashioned invokes a dimly lit lounge with a cigar and leather chair, there’s another set of cocktails that do the same with a single word:

Brunch.

You’re picturing it now—a tray arrives with two cocktails: a Mimosa, and of course, the brunch staple, the Bloody Mary.

With a rather macabre title, the Bloody Mary has a storied past. Some attribute its creation to Harry’s Bar in Paris and bartender Fernand “Pete” Petiot, later popularized at the St. Regis in NYC. Though loosely tied to Queen Mary, today it’s known as the ubiquitous brunch cocktail.

This social cocktail earned its place in morning rituals with a reputation for being a “restorative” post-indulgence cure—likely thanks to the electrolytes in tomato juice.

But its true genius lies in flexibility. Spice it up, tone it down, or garnish it like a full-course meal (yes, we’ve seen the cheeseburger Bloody Marys too). Still, the classic celery stalk remains a beloved standard.

We love Bloody Marys for their layered flavors—spice, tang, depth. Whether it's Thanksgiving morning at our annual turkey fry or summer porch gatherings, they are always welcome. They’re also a tailgate tradition, fitting any season.

Since launching our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Pepper Sauce, we’ve leaned into its ghost pepper warmth to enhance the Bloody Mary experience. Grown in Georgia from Hawaiian seed, these peppers are aged in our bourbon barrels to infuse smoky heat with notes of vanilla, caramel, and butter.

We even carry our pepper sauce on the go—because it’s our must-have Bloody Mary secret. Combined with tomato juice and bold spices, our Pappy Van Winkle Bloody Mary Mix, crafted with Midland Ghost and Bittermilk, delivers unforgettable flavor.

We recommend serving it using our Julian Jigger—four parts mix, one part spirit—in our classic Tall Tumbler Glasses. Our favorite garnishes? Celery, olives, pearl onion, a slice of cornmeal crusted bacon (trust us), and a final dash of pepper sauce for an extra kick.