Middle Eastern Bloody Mary: Try this Twist on a Classic

I really want to like bloody Mary’s but I only think they are ok. Best enjoyed on a flight when the altitude actually makes it taste better (it’s true!) or maybe one, occasionally, at a weekend brunch. But, I think I have come up with a solution to make them a bit more palatable on earth.

And while it may surprise you, you can buy alcohol throughout the UAE. In fact, there is a liquor store about 15 minutes away from us, just outside the limits of our dry emirate in Sharjah. However, that doesn’t change the fact that some ingredients are hard to come by here. I haven’t found Worcestershire sauce yet, but I do have an abundance of za’atar so there, the Middle Eastern Bloody Mary was born.

If you are not familiar with Za’atar, it is a common and delicious Middle Eastern spice blend that usually includes some ground herbs, sumac, and sesame seeds. Za’atar is also the name of an actual herb itself, so that might be one of the herbs found in there. There are a few different versions from different countries from Palestine to Jordan, and you should be able to find the seasoning in the spice section of your grocery store. It is used abundantly here with all things from labneh to chicken dishes to hummus and lends itself well to this version of a Bloody Mary. Enjoy this hair of the dog with your hangover brunch tachos!

Serves 1

Ingredients:

3 counts vodka

4 ice cubes

Dash of hot sauce

Squeeze of lime juice and lime wedge to make it pretty

Generous sprinkle of za’atar

Instructions:

1. Get ready, it’s super easy. Add all the ingredients to the glass and enjoy your Middle Easter Bloody Mary!