Cocktail Curator: Eden Hensley Silverstein
#HappyHourClub: Eden's Legendary Bloody Mary
I have to admit, this cocktail really blew me away. Normally I leave Bloody Marys to Sundays and hangover cures but this creation by Eden Hensley Silverstein has just the right amount of spice I crave. Before I dive into the cocktail, let me fill you in on how I met this wonderful woman.
Eden and I met in person last year at Alt Summit in San Fransisco and she welcomed my mother and me to the event with open arms. I knew immediately she was the real deal—completely authentic. At that time in my life, I was stressing over some situations at work. Thanks to some advice from Eden during an amazing Alt Summit’s Pinterest party, I left San Fran with new perspective. Our friendship continues today and we just completed Hilary Rushford’s Mentorship Coterie together. Eden knows her stuff. She’s supportive, endearing and one hell of a cook and now I can add craft cocktail maker to that list.
What’s the story behind this crafty cocktail?
EHS: Working at a Thai restaurant on 6th street in Austin, TX, I came to know a lot of bartenders. One night after the doors of the restaurant had closed and we were swapping food for drinks as was our custom, we got to talking about my frustration with breakfast drinks. I love unctuous drinks, my favorite varietals Pinot Noir and Petite Sirah are the epitome of earthiness with a hint of spice. So come weekend brunch I was constantly left unsatisfied with standard sweet mimosas or bland, out-of-balance Bloody Marys. When they revealed the secret of their Bloody Marys (broth, either beef or clam), a light bulb went off. Why not create a Bloody Mary that was a deconstructed Tom Yum soup? So after a few failed attempts–the first attempt was more like a soup with vodka in it than this sophisticated cocktail–you’ve got a savory breakfast cocktail that’s got sass.
Who would be your idea muse for this libation?
EHS: I always imagine myself sitting down for drinks with Katherine Hepburn. I grew up watching her movies and her characters as well as her personal story were role models for me. I wanted to be as “worthy of remark” (to snatch a phrase from Hilary Rushford) as Katherine. This drink is unexpected, makes you think, and reevaluate status quo. It, like her, shakes things up in a good way.
What’s the perfect pairing for this afternoon delight?
EHS: I love this with a medium rare steak, especially my broiled soy-balsamic vinegar marinated steak. I crafted the marinade to pair nicely with sautéed tomatoes, so it’s a natural choice to enjoy with this drink.
EHS: In the back yard of my friends house with meat on the grill and my friend tending bar. He makes the most incredible refreshing, refined-sugar free cocktails with homemade syrups and fruit infused liquors. And, like me, he has a heavy pour.
Where can we find you?
EHS: When I’m not in the kitchen concocting a drink or a meal with finds from our Farmer’s Market, you can find me on my lifestyle blog, The Road to The Good Life, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Google+.
Legendary Thai Bloody Mary (Serves 2)
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Spicy Hot V8 Juice
- 3 ounces Muddled Stewed Tomatoes, skins removed
- 2 Tablespoons, Kitchen Basics Beef Stock, Unsalted
- 4 teaspoons Red Boat Fish Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Por Kwan Instant Tom Yum Paste (available at Ranch 99 and ImportFood.com)
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1 small Lime, freshly squeezed, approximately 3 Tablespoons
- 2 ounces Vodka
- Sea Salt to taste
Instructions
- If making ahead, put all ingredients except for the Lime and Vodka, into a blender and mix until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve, no longer than overnight. Squeeze the fresh lime into the Bloody Mary Mix and add your Vodka of choice. Rub edge of tumbler glasses with lime wedge, and dip your glass into a dish with Sea Salt. Garnish with a Thai chili or slices of orange or yellow bell pepper for a little added sweetness with your drink.
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger drink, add two ounces as specified. If you prefer a less alcoholic drink, add between one to one and a half ounces.
By Eden Hensley Silverstein