The Bloody Mary Considered Chemically Complex
by
The Drink Nation on May 21, 2011 in
Liquor
Search Results coming here...
The Drink Nation loves Science, because it brings us great things like lobster cola and robots that build Christmas trees with other robots.
Sometimes, however, Science has to deliver some rough news. In this case, the American Chemical Society fairly recently analyzed the Bloody Mary and determined that it is one of the most complex cocktails in the world. The research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society earlier this year.
The cocktail itself runs the gammut of taste senses, and covers sweet, salty, sour, and savory all at once. Beyond that, chemically-speaking it degrades rapidly due to the acids in the tomato juice.
Neil C. Da Costa, Ph.D., a expert on the chemical analysis of flavors at International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc., Union Beach, N.J. offered the following advice:
"Make it fresh. Chemically, the Bloody Mary is a “highly unstable” concoction, and the quality tends to deteriorate quickly.
Ice it up. Serving Bloody Marys on ice helps to slow down the chemical reactions involving acids in tomato juice and other ingredients that degrade the taste.
Mind your mixes. If you use a cocktail mix, add some fresh ingredients tol enhance the flavor and aroma.
Splurge on the juice. Tomato juice makes up most of the Bloody Mary’s volume, so use high quality juice that has a deep, rich flavor.
Economize on the vodka. The intense, spicy flavor of a Bloody Mary masks the vodka, and using premium vodka makes little sense."
I'd go ahead and argue only with the last point. Some premium flavored vodkas go quite nicely in a bloody mary (like Bakon!). On the other hand, many bottom-shelf vodkas will have a terrible boozy taste that can conflict.
Let's hunt for a good Bloody Mary and meet up to discuss, shall we?
Related Articles:
Recent Articles
Feedback
How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project
Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›
by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
The History of The Boulevardier Cocktail - and How You Can Make it at Home
In this history segment, we take a closer look at a classic cocktail: The Boulevardier....read more ›
by The Drink Nation Nov 2, 2020
Inside Look: Campari's Stylish North American Headquarters in New York
If you're a frequent Negroni drinker, always order Wild Turkey Bourbon in your old fashioneds, or prefer your ...read more ›
by The Drink Nation
Jan 9, 2020
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante
For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›
by The Drink Nation
Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets
PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›
by Carrie Dow
Sep 24, 2019
SPONSORED
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series
There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›
by The Drink Nation
Sep 13, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show
Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›
by The Drink Nation
Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30
Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›
by The Drink Nation
Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger
If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›
by Nina Starner
Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019
This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›
by The Drink Nation
May 15, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal
In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›
by The Drink Nation
May 10, 2019
A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States
A new, high-end blend of Jack Daniel's whiskey, known as Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, which was previously only ...read more ›
by The Drink Nation
Apr 15, 2019
SPONSORED
