Red Snapper
The Red Snapper is the gin-lover's answer to the classic Bloody Mary, swapping vodka for the botanical complexity of gin. This simple substitution creates a drink with more aromatic depth, where the juniper and other botanicals in the gin complement the savory tomato juice and spices. It's a robust, flavorful cocktail perfect for brunch or as a "hair of the dog" remedy. The experience is both familiar and refreshingly different for those accustomed to its vodka-based counterpart.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Red Snapper is classified as a classic cocktail. It's a savory long drink, often enjoyed as a brunch or morning beverage. It belongs to the "Bloody" family of drinks, characterized by their tomato juice base and savory profile.
Serving
Served cold over ice in a tall Highball glass, often with a spiced rim. It is a moderately alcoholic drink that is perfect for daytime sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 200-250 ml / 7-8.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Optional salted or spiced rim
Backstory
The Red Snapper name is tied to the King Cole Bar in the St. Regis Hotel, New York, where the Bloody Mary was popularized in the 1930s-40s. The drink was originally called the Red Snapper and was often made with gin. As vodka's popularity surged in the US, it became the standard spirit, and the drink became known as the Bloody Mary. The gin version retained the original "Red Snapper" name to differentiate it.
Origin
United States, circa 1940s. Its history is directly linked to the creation and popularization of the Bloody Mary at the King Cole Bar in New York City.
Red Snapper
The Red Snapper is most commonly known as a Gin Bloody Mary, its descriptive alternative name. The name "Bloody Margaret" is a less common but sometimes used alternative, humorously referencing Princess Margaret. Its primary name, Red Snapper, was the original name for the drink that eventually became the vodka-based Bloody Mary.
Original name
Red Snapper
Alternative names
- Gin Bloody Mary
- Bloody Margaret
Characteristics overview
This cocktail offers a complex savory and spicy flavor profile, with the gin's botanicals adding a distinct herbal aroma. It has a thick texture and a deep red color, providing a refreshing yet robust taste experience.
Flavor
Savory, spicy, herbal, tangy, umami, vegetal
Aroma
Botanical, juniper, tomato, celery, peppery, citrus
Taste balance
Savory, sour, spicy
Aftertaste
Lingering spice, clean, vegetal, herbal
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, deep red, rich
Texture
Thick, pulpy, smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Red Snapper is flavor-forward with a pronounced savory, sour, and spicy character. The alcohol presence is moderate, and the taste is dominated by tomato, gin botanicals, and seasonings.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This drink requires gin, tomato juice, lemon juice, and various seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and celery salt. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best result.
- London Dry Gin60 ml / 2 ozA classic London Dry with prominent juniper notes works best.
- Tomato Juice120 ml / 4 ozUse high-quality, fresh tomato juice for the best flavor.
- Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed is essential for brightness.
- Worcestershire Sauce2 dashesCheck label for allergens like gluten (from malt vinegar) and fish (anchovies).
- Tabasco Sauce2 dashesAdjust to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Celery Salt1 pinchCan be substituted with regular salt.
- Black Pepper1 pinchFreshly ground pepper is recommended.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a mixing glass and a bar spoon. The drink is stirred or "rolled" (poured between two tins) rather than shaken to maintain the texture of the tomato juice.
- Mixing glass or shaker tin for building and chilling the drink.
- Bar spoon for stirring.
Instructions
The cocktail is built by combining all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stirring or rolling to chill, and then straining into an ice-filled, garnished Highball glass.
1. Optional: Prepare the Highball glass by rubbing a lemon wedge around the rim and dipping it in celery salt.
2. Fill the prepared Highball glass with ice cubes.
3. Add the gin, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, celery salt, and black pepper to a mixing glass or shaker tin.
4. Pour in the tomato juice.
5. Fill the mixing glass with ice.
6. Stir well with a bar spoon (or "roll" by pouring back and forth between two shaker tins) until well-chilled and combined.
7. Strain the mixture into the ice-filled Highball glass.
8. Garnish with a fresh celery stalk and a lemon wedge.
Garnishing
The classic garnish is a crisp celery stalk standing in the glass and a fresh lemon wedge on the rim. An optional spiced rim adds another layer of flavor.
- Celery Stalk: Place one fresh, crisp celery stalk into the finished drink.
- Lemon Wedge: Place a wedge of lemon on the rim of the glass.
Dietary Information
This drink is typically not gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian due to standard Worcestershire sauce containing malt vinegar and anchovies. To accommodate these diets, use a certified gluten-free and vegan Worcestershire sauce.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✕ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The Red Snapper is relatively low in calories, with carbohydrates and sugars primarily coming from the tomato and lemon juices. Nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Calories
Approximately 150-180 kcal / 627-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 8-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 6-9 g
Sugar level
Occasions
The Red Snapper is an ideal cocktail for brunch gatherings and leisurely weekend mornings. Its savory profile also makes it a popular choice as a restorative "hair of the dog" drink.
- Brunch
- Breakfast
- Weekend afternoon
- Hangover cure
Pairing suggestions
Its savory and spicy nature makes it a perfect companion for rich brunch foods like eggs Benedict, bacon, or smoked salmon. It also pairs wonderfully with the briny flavor of fresh oysters and simple salty snacks like olives or pickles.
- Eggs Benedict
- Oysters
- Smoked salmon
- Bacon and eggs
- Salty snacks
The Red Snapper: A Botanical Twist on a Brunch Classic
The Red Snapper is a refined and aromatic take on the world-famous Bloody Mary. By substituting vodka with a quality gin, the cocktail gains a layer of botanical complexity that beautifully complements the savory tomato base and zesty spices. It's an easy-to-make, invigorating drink that's perfect for brunch or any time you crave a savory cocktail. Whether you're a gin aficionado or just looking for a new twist on a classic, the Red Snapper is a must-try.
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