Red Snapper cocktail & the Bloody Mary origin story
Whether you enjoy it as a high-end brunch accompaniment or down it as a hangover cure, most people are well acquainted with the classic Bloody Mary. But how many have heard of the Red Snapper cocktail. It’s a bit of a trick question. The Bloody Mary, as we know it today, was perfected in 1934 at the King Cole Bar in The St. Regis Hotel New York. But the story starts about a decade earlier at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.
Harry’s bartender Fernand “Pete” Petiot created the first Bloody Mary, a simple mix of vodka and tomato juice. He later brought the drink with him when he moved to New York, but Americans found the original Bloody Mary recipe too bland. At The St. Regis, Petiot refined the recipe into what we now recognize as the classic Bloody Mary by adding:
- Worcestershire sauce
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Lemon juice
- Tabasco
- A pinch of celery salt
This elevated and flavorful version became an instant hit.
But what’s a Red Snapper?
In Paris, the original drink was called a “Bloody Bucket”. And while the American moniker “Bloody Mary” may sound slightly less gruesome, the name was still considered too vulgar for the refined clientele of the St. Regis.The hotel therefore renamed the hearty beverage the “Red Snapper”, and it’s still featured as a signature cocktail on the King Cole Bar menu today. In fact, the Red Snapper’s storied past is so integral to the St. Regis brand, each hotel and resort in the portfolio has crafted its own locally inspired interpretation, including:
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SHOGUN MARY
Osaka
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CANTO MARY
Hong Kong
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SANTA MARIA
Venice
Red Snapper cocktail recipe
The Red Snapper cocktail recipe, according to the St. Regis, consists of premium vodka, Bloody Mary mix, and lemon wedge for garnish. The tomato juice plays a leading role in this cocktail, so invest in a quality juice.
And in our opinion, an extra dash of tabasco is always a smart idea.
Red Snapper Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 OZ Altamura Distilleries Vodka
- 4 OZ Tomato juice
- 1/2 OZ Lemon juice
- 1 OZ Bloody Mary Mix
Blood Mary Mix
- 1 OZ Soy sauce
- 2 OZ Fino Cherry
- 5 OZ Worcestershire sauce
- 10 Dashes Tabasco sauce
- 2 Tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp ground cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp ground celery salt
- 2 Tbsp whole black peppercorns
Directions
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1.
Fill a 12 OZ glass with ice and add Altamura Distilleries Vodka.
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2.
Strain peppercorns from the Bloody Mary mix and fill the glass with mix.
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3.
Pour contents into a cocktail shaker and shake.
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4.
Return to glass and use immediately or seal and refrigerate.
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5.
Garnish with lemon.
Our favorite twist on the Red Snapper
Our favorite twist on the Red Snapper is the Santa Maria, the signature cocktail at the St. Regis Venice. This Italian interpretation of the Bloody Mary features:
- Horseradish infused Altamura Distilleries Vodka
- Clarified tomato juice
- Verjus
- House-made salt solution
- House-made spicy tincture
- Grappa
The Santa Maria is smooth, savory—and the perfect namesake for the Basilica di Santa Maria.
Mixologists
Nicole Bump
Nicole is a seasoned content strategist and writer with 15+ years of experience turning complex ideas into compelling stories. As founder of Bump Inbound, she helps brands connect with audiences through thoughtful strategy, sharp planning, and standout writing.