What Cocktail Was Invented at Harry’s Bar in Paris?

By Anna Duncan

If you are a cocktail enthusiast, then you must have heard about Harry’s Bar in Paris. This iconic bar is known for inventing one of the most famous cocktails in the world – the Bloody Mary. This delicious and refreshing drink has been a favorite of many for decades, and it all started at Harry’s Bar.

The Beginnings of Harry’s Bar

Harry’s Bar was founded by Harry MacElhone, an American bartender who moved to Paris in 1911. He opened his first bar, called “New York Bar,” but later renamed it to “Harry’s New York Bar.” The bar quickly became popular among American expatriates and gained a reputation for being a hub for writers, artists, and other creatives.

The Invention of Bloody Mary

In 1921, a patron came into the bar and ordered a drink that would help him recover from a hangover. MacElhone mixed vodka with tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper.

He also added lemon juice to balance out the sweetness of the tomato juice. The result was an instant hit with the patrons.

The drink was not called Bloody Mary at first; it was named “Bucket of Blood” because of its color. However, MacElhone renamed it after a patron who had been involved in a prank involving tomato juice and vodka.

The Classic Recipe

The classic recipe for Bloody Mary includes vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. However, many bartenders have their own variations of this classic recipe; some add celery salt or horseradish to give it an extra kick.

Harry’s Influence on Cocktail Culture

Harry MacElhone was not only known for his invention of the Bloody Mary but also for his contribution to cocktail culture in general. He wrote a book called “Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails,” which is still considered a classic in the bartending world. The book includes over 400 recipes for cocktails and serves as a reference for bartenders around the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Harry’s Bar in Paris is one of the most iconic bars in the world, known for inventing one of the most famous cocktails – the Bloody Mary. This delicious cocktail was invented by Harry MacElhone in 1921 and has since become a staple at bars all over the world.

The classic recipe includes vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Harry’s contribution to cocktail culture goes beyond this invention; his book “Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails” serves as a reference for bartenders worldwide.