Red Snapper Cocktail Recipe

The Red Snapper cocktail is considered the predecessor of the famous Bloody Mary cocktail. It was created in the 1920s by bartender Fernand Petiot at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. The drink was originally called a Bloody Mary, but the name was changed to Red Snapper to make it more palatable to the hotel's clientele. The Red Snapper is a classic brunch cocktail, often enjoyed by those looking for a savory and refreshing drink to accompany their meal.

The Red Snapper is a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy cocktail. It has a rich tomato flavor, balanced by the sharpness of the lemon juice and the heat of the hot sauce. The Worcestershire sauce adds a touch of umami, while the gin provides a subtle herbal note.

• The Red Snapper is considered the original Bloody Mary, as it was created before vodka became the standard spirit for the drink.
• The name 'Red Snapper' was chosen to make the drink more appealing to the upscale clientele of the St. Regis Hotel.
• The Red Snapper is a popular brunch cocktail, often served alongside dishes like eggs Benedict and smoked salmon.

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, black pepper, smoked paprika, and celery salt to the shaker.
3. Shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, and green olives.

• Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
• Shake well to properly mix all the ingredients.
• Garnish with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, and green olives for an authentic experience.

Food Pairings

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The rich, savory flavors of the Red Snapper pair excellently with the gooey, melted cheese of a classic grilled cheese.
• BBQ Ribs: The tang and spice from the cocktail complement the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce glazed ribs.
• Fried Calamari: The zesty tastes of the cocktail cut through the oiliness of fried calamari, providing a balance to the palate.
• Caesar Salad: A salad with a punchy dressing will go hand in hand with the Red Snapper's bold flavors.

Drink Pairings

• Cold Beer: A light pilsner or lager can cleanse the palate between sips of this rich and spicy cocktail.
• Iced Tea: For a non-alcoholic option, the tannins in black iced tea can complement the savory notes of the cocktail.

• Gin: Can be replaced with vodka for a traditional Bloody Mary.
• Tomato Juice: Can be replaced with Clamato juice for a Caesar cocktail.
• Hot Sauce: Adjust the amount to taste, or use a different type of hot sauce for a different flavor profile.

Red Snapper Mexicano

• Ingredients: Use Tequila instead of Gin, add a pinch of ground cumin.
• Recipe: Follow the original recipe, swapping in Tequila and adding cumin.
• Description: The Tequila will add a rustic kick and the cumin a warm earthiness distinct from the original, which will make you feel like you've taken a trip south of the border.

Green Snapper

• Ingredients: Use tomatillo juice instead of tomato juice, cucumber-infused gin, and add a sliver of jalapeño.
• Recipe: Same as the original, with the stated substitutions.
• Description: This version is fresher, cooler, with an understated heat and a vegetal twist that's perfect for garden parties or 'green' your mood.

Smoky Snapper

• Ingredients: Use mezcal instead of gin, and add a small spoon of BBQ sauce.
• Recipe: Substitute mezcal for gin and add the BBQ sauce along with the other ingredients.
• Description: The mezcal adds a deep smokiness, complemented by the BBQ sauce, creating a cocktail with a complex, campfire-like savoriness that's almost a meal in a glass.