The Northern Liberties Monster Mash Bloody Mary Challenge is back, and for two weekends in October, locals can tour around the Philly neighborhood to try a variety of unique creations of the cocktail.
The Challenge will run Oct. 19, 20, 25 and 26 (Saturdays and Sundays), with a total of 10 bars throwing their spin on the popular brunch sip into the mix. Philadelphians will find Bloody Mary’s boasting bacon, hot sauce, pickles and even pesto throughout the four days, each of which is opened to be judged.
Añejo Philadelphia (reigning champ from last year) is offering a house bloody Maria (aka made with tequila) boasting La Gritona Reposado and “a creepy crawly dose of Halloween spice.” Bourbon & Branch, on the other hand, is presenting what they call the Sangre de la Gritona: A Tomatillo bloody with green chile vodka and a tajín rim served with a syringe of spicy red bloody mix, then garnished with a smash burger, a slice of Detroit pizza, chicken nuggets, bacon and onion rings.
El Camino Real is entering the Challenge with their “Vampire’s Kiss,” aka a clarified Bloody Maria with bloody ice cubes topped with pork belly, pickled garlic and vampire teeth. Sticking with the naming theme, Figo is offering a new sipper called “Carrie’s Revenge”, while Jerry’s Bar is offering the “Dragon’s Breath.”
The former features basil-infused vodka, San Marzano tomato juice and hot Italian giardiniera (served in a blood bag with a syringe), while the latter boasts Jerry’s Signature Bloody Mary Mix with Monte Alban Mezcal spiced with Chipotle Tabasco and habanero simple. The drink is then garnished with jumbo shrimp, candied bacon, celery, a pickled veggie skewer, a black charcoal salt rim, and a flaming lime.
North 3rd’s Black Widow Bloody Mary is also throwing their spin into the ring. The drink is made with North 3rd’s famous spicy Bloody Mary mix, then layered with “bold black vodka” for a dramatic look. The drink is garnished with crisp celery, a spicy hot pepper, candied bacon, smoky sausages (Little Smokies), and a creepy candy eyeball, served with a Tajín-rimmed glass.
SET NoLibs drink will feature Bloody Mary mix with a sesame/Thai chili sriracha sauce, topped with a bulgogi cheesesteak slider. Silk City on the other hand will be offering the ‘Skull Island,’ A tropical twist on Silk City’s famous Bloody Mary with pineapple vodka, mango puree, tomato, pineapple, lemon and lime juices, chipotle pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and sea salt. The sipper also features pineapple-chipotle gummy skulls, grilled pineapple, “brain freezer” spiced ice cubes and a hot pepper garnish. The fruity sipper is served in a tall Tiki glass.
Lastly (but certainly not least) Standard Tap will be offering up the BLT Bloody Mary, made with their signature Bloody Mary mix with house-infused bacon Haku vodka, a smoked paprika rim, and a miniature BLT garnish. Guests of the Monster Mash Bloody Mary Challenge can also stop by Bar 1010 to see what they are serving up (at this time it hasn’t been announced) and make their decision on who the ultimate champ will be.
As a release notes, the Monster Mash Bloody Mary Challenge is pay-as-you-go over its two weekends in 2024, giving Bloody Mary lovers a chance to try as many options as they like with indoor or outdoor dining options available. Patrons judge their drinks in categories that rank spice/heat, taste, vibe and spooky factor. An overall winner will take top honors at the end of the competition.
Reservations are available (and suggested), and the challenge is only open to those 21+. Pricing of each drink is set by its participants, and other food and drink options will be readily available for those who are not imbibing.
To find out more information, visit explorenorthernliberties.org
