Today over 400 guests celebrated the beloved brunch cocktail. A bloody mary, at its essence, is built of tomato juice and vodka. Some add Worcestershire sauce, some citrus or spices and these drinks are often further embellished by all sorts of add-ons, twists and turns as garnishes. And that’s just what a dozen local bartenders did today, using Lily Water Vodka from Dayton Barrel Works. Planned2Give Co-founder and event co-producer Jeff Jackson said, “it’s great to bring this back after 2 years off due to covid, and even more gratifying to know that so many people came enjoy some bloody mary’s for a great cause.”
Participating bartenders came from Another Broken Egg, Blox Spiked Ice, Brixx Ice Co, Dublin Pub, Fifth Street Brewpub, Jaqua’s at the Greene, Loose Ends Brewing Company, Mercenary Bartenders, RADS, The Roosevelt Room, W. Social Tab and Table and Wheat Penny.
Variations included Fifth Street Brewpubs Bloody McLain made with Mezcal, Wheat Penny’s that was made with a frozen sorbet, Another Broken Egg used a pepper infused vodka, while others had secret recipes they wouldn’t share. And the garnishes, grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit, cheese, vegetables, bacon and so much more. Scott Conrad, from The Vue Ultra Lounge, who tied for the winner of this event its second year tied with Scott Conrad, and in year 3 Scott took the undisputed top prize, was back as an alumni serving up his Rad’s Bloody Mary Mix, which he launched after his success at the Showdown. While he’s not eligible to win any more now that’s he’s gone commercial with his RAD’s Bloody Mary mix, he may have had one of the coolest treats at his table, a gravy fountain to go with the biscuits he was serving up provided by Centerville Pizza.
Newcomer to the event, Blox Spiced Ice‘s Stephanie Brown, truly took it over the top with her garnish 
and it was a hit and took the best garnish title. On a fleurs de lis skewer you got bourbon chicken, andouille sausage, creole spiced shrimp, pickeled okra and a crawfih risotto ball.
They always say you eat with your eyes first so having an inviting table is a big deal and for The Roosevelt Room, located in Liberty Center, they walked away with Best Table Decor.
As a special treat, Speakeasy Sweets was on hand with their Bloody Mary Muffins.
And voted for by the people, Dayton Best Bloody Mary winner by a landslide was made by , Loose Ends Brewing Company! General manager Kent Loose says he attributes their win to “having a well balanced cocktail mix.” They walked away with $500 cash and bragging rights! Well at least until we do it all again on Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Proceeds from the Bloody Mary Showdown were donated to The Castle, a gathering place of trust and friendship which supports people with mental illness and disorders to achieve their highest level of competence and independence.”
