First Tee

The Bloody Mary is a common “Hair of the dog” drink, reputed to cure hangovers with its combination of a heavy vegetable base (to settle the stomach), salt (to replenish lost electrolytes) and alcohol (to relieve head and body aches). Most medical advice suggests that the alcohol only numbs the discomfort: only rest, water, and electrolyte replacement can cure a hangover. Nonetheless, Bloody Mary enthusiasts enjoy some relief from the numbing effects of the alcohol, and based on the number of local restaurants that are featuring bloody mary bars we know Dayton loves a good bloody mary!

Some like them with spicy, some prefer them on the peppery side and even others judge them by the garnish.  

Not sure what you prefer?  Attend the 3rd annual Bloody Mary Showdown on Sunday, January 14th and you can select from over 16 local bartenders mixing up their best concoction for you to sample.  All bartender will be provided with ice, cups and Svedka Vodka, what they provide for the mixer and the garnish is up to them.  Over the years some of the entry’s in this event have rimmed their glasses with celery salt, topped with with  mini burgers, and even made with beer instead of vodka.  Some folks prefer lemons to the traditional lime, others swear a Slim Jim should be a stirrer in the drink.  That’s what makes this event so fun, says Planned2Give co-owner Jeff Jackson, “we always look forward to see the creativity the bartenders bring to this event, from the ingredients in their mix to the garnishes, even how they decorate their booth.”

The bartender that is voted the people’s choice by the crowd will walk away with $300 and bragging rights.  Prizes will also be awarded for best garnish and best presentation, as well.

Taking place at the Coliseum at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, a $25 general admission ticket will get you up to 8 five ounce tastes from 11:30am – 2pm and one vote for the best breakfast cocktail.   Pony up a little more cash for a VIP Ticket and you’ll get  early entry at 11am, 12 tasting tickets,  two votes for your favorite bloody and a free visit to the breakfast bar set up by Scratch Events for $40.  According to Chef/Owner Matt Hayden, the breakfast bar will have eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, some breakfast burrito’s and more.  General admission ticket holders will be able to purchase food at the event and additional tasting tickets as well.  Tickets can be purchased online.

The restaurants scheduled to compete this year include:

Brixx
Cold Water Cafe
Corner Kitchen
Fifth Street Brewpub
Highland Stag
Jimmie’s Ladder 11
Mack’s Tavern
Mr. Boro’s Tavern
Miami Valley Gaming
Mudlick Tap House
Newcom’s Tavern
Old Scratch Pizza
Scene 75
The Vue
Trolley Stop
Whiskey Barrel

Mackenzie Manley from Mack’s Tavern won the first competition, last year Mack’s Tavern tied with Scott Conrad from The Vue.  Both will be back this year to try to reclaim the title, but it’s all up to the guests.  While The Vue just closed this past weekend, Scott says he’s bottling his mix and you’ll soon see it available in stores near you.

 

The charity beneficiary for the Bloody Mary Showdown for 2017 is The First Tee Greater Miami Valley.  Their mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.  Serving youth in Butler, Montgomery and Warren counties, their chapter reached more than 12,500 young people in 2016 at 9 program locations and over 34 The First Tee National School Program & DRIVE locations.  They will be on hand with information on how you can get involved and you may even get to try your hand at a little putting at the event.