Booze with a Bite
An Easy Bloody Mary with a Southern Twist
Nothing beats a spicy, savory Bloody Mary at brunch. But if you want to take it up a notch, you’ll need the ultimate garnish: fried gator.
The below recipe is inspired by Creole Soul, one of our favorite spots in Seattle Southside for authentic southern comfort food. Special thanks to owner and chef Hampton Isom – a New Orleans native bringing southern flavor to the Northwest.
Creole Soul's Gator Mary
Ingredients
- Ice
- 3 to 4 ounces Bloody Mary mix
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 orange slice
- Cajun seasoning (Isom recommends the brand Slap Ya Mama)
- 2 to 3 pickled asparagus spears
- 2 to 3 pickled green beans
- 1 piece fried alligator, for garnish
Preparation
- Fill a tall glass, such as a highball glass, with ice.
- Pour in the Bloody Mary mix and vodka. Stir gently.
- Prepare a second tall glass by running the orange slice around the rim. Turn the glass upside down and dip the rim into Cajun seasoning to coat.
- Pour the Bloody Mary mixture, including the ice, into the seasoned glass.
- Garnish with asparagus spears, green beans, and a skewer of fried alligator. Serve immediately.
Cheers!
Fried Gator Garnish
Ingredients
- 4 ounces alligator meat, cut into 1-inch chunks
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Preparation
- In a bowl, soak the alligator meat in buttermilk for 15 to 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, and Cajun seasoning.
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Remove the gator pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
- Fry in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Thread one piece onto a cocktail skewer for garnish. (Snack on the rest—or make another round.)
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Bloody Mary Cocktail FAQs
Q: What is a Bloody Mary cocktail made of?
A: A classic Bloody Mary includes vodka, tomato juice, and spices like Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and celery salt. It’s often served over ice and garnished with celery, pickles, or olives.
Q: What makes a Southern-style Bloody Mary different?
A: Southern-style Bloody Marys often feature bold Cajun flavors like Creole seasoning and spicy garnishes—like fried okra, shrimp, or even fried alligator for an extra Southern twist.
Q: Where can I buy alligator meat if I don’t live in the South?
A: You can find frozen alligator meat online from specialty meat suppliers like Exotic Meat Markets, Fossil Farms, or Wild Fork Foods. Many ship nationwide.
Q: What does alligator meat taste like?
A: Alligator meat is mild, slightly chewy, and often compared to chicken or firm white fish. It absorbs seasoning well and is great when fried, grilled, or blackened.
Q: Can I make a Bloody Mary without alcohol?
A: Absolutely! A Virgin Mary is a non-alcoholic version made with all the same savory ingredients—just skip the vodka and enjoy it as a bold, refreshing mocktail.