Hail Mary: Beijing's Best Bloody Marys

Margaux Schreurs | Oct 10, 2015 1:00 pm | 1 comment | 4778 reads

The holidays provided lots of time for contemplation, but also for Beijingers' favorite activity: brunching. And what better to accompany your brunch than a tasty Bloody Mary.

We worked hard over the holiday, sipping our way through the city and compiling vital information, making sure that as the weather turns and the pollution levels undoubtedly rise, you won't have to worry about where to get your peppery tomato fix. In fact, the upcoming one-day weekend (boo) is the perfect chance to get out and eat out for potentially one of the last times before winter.

Home Plate BBQ (RMB 45)
Home Plate BBQ offer their solid version of the Bloody Mary all day long. Flavors are good, and the celery is huge, which we also appreciate. Combine with one of their burgers or BBQ items, and you've got yourself a solid brunch. Also a plus: Home Plate BBQ has loads of BBQ-flavored condiments that go well with the Bloody Mary - it all depends on how adventurous you are. Available when open.

Stuff'd (RMB 45)
Popular neighborhood gastropub Stuff'd has a much-loved Bloody Mary on their menu. It comes with huge chunks of ice ensuring it is througholy chilled, and sets itself apart from its competitors with its salted rim for extra flavor. Best served alongside one of Stuff'd's handmade sausages, and with an extra shot of tabasco for spice-fiends. Available when open.

Mao Mao Chong (RMB 50)
Popular hutong bar Mao Mao Chong have taken their Bloody Mary, or the Bloody Mao as it is described as on the menu alongside many other fabulous drinks, to the next level by adding in chili pepper infused vodka rather than plain vodka. This drink is really not for the faint of heart, as it kicks quite the punch. Served best alongside the Mao Mao Chong brunch pizza. Available when open.

Mosto (RMB 50)
Sanlitun favorite nestled in Nali Patio Mosto serves up a special Bloody Mary: containing rosemary infused vodka and Mosto's own spicy mix. Served well alongside any of Mosto's popular dishes that are famous for their South Ameircan touch. Look out for happy hour, 5.30-7pm, when it is only RMB 30. Available when open.

Slow Boat (RMB 45)
Popular brewery Slow Boat has jumped on the Bloody Mary train too, but only alongside their brunch menu on Sundays. Expect a tall glass of Bloody Mary. Served best alongside their special sausagefest brunch which includes genuine British bangers. For more information on their brunch menu, check out their website. Sundays during brunch only.

MOKA Bros (RMB 50)
Popular Sanlitun lunch-time spot MOKA Bros isn't 100 percent health focused, as you have the option of making your weekend (or weekday, who are we to judge) meal a little bit naughty with their Bloody Mary. Goes perfectly well alongside their salads and powerbowls, it's basically just tomatoes, right?! Available for RMB 30 at happy hour between 4pm and 7pm. Available when open.

Modernista (RMB 50)
Following their revamp, Modernista boasts a Bloody Mary with plenty of garnishes and a hint of rosemary for extra taste. While it is still kind of summer, get one alongside their summer brunch which will be switched into a winter menu at the end of October. For a good deal, come before 9pm, when the Bloody Mary is only RMB 35. Available when open.

Vineyard Cafe (RMB 45)
Old-time Wudaoying favorite also has a Bloody Mary to match the above tipples, and this one comes in a wine glass with an entire stick of celery poking out of the glass with a much-appreciated salt rim. As with the some of the other venues listed above, Vineyard Cafe has a large collection of condiments if you prefer yours with more spice. Available when open.