If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate spooky season in Philadelphia, the Northern Liberties Bloody Mary Challenge is back with a frightfully flavorful lineup of brunch cocktails.
Presented by the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District, the seventh annual Monster Mash: Northern Liberties Bloody Mary Challenge returns for the weekends of October 17-18 and October 24-25, bringing together 18 restaurants and bars in a friendly competition to create the neighborhood’s most unforgettable Bloody Mary.
Known for its thriving brunch scene, Northern Liberties will once again transform into a destination for tomato-based cocktail lovers. Participating restaurants will each feature a specially themed Bloody Mary, ranging from traditional recipes to over-the-top creations packed with creative garnishes, smoky flavors, and Halloween-inspired twists.
Among this year’s contenders is Bar1010’s “Mike’s Revenge,” a classic Bloody Mary with a sweet and spicy kick from Mike’s Hot Honey. Bourbon and Branch is taking a different approach with “The Misfire,” a clarified Bloody Mary martini featuring vodka, clarified tomato, and a pimento vegan cheese stuffed olive.
Looking for something bold? Cantina Dos Segundos is entering two cocktails into the competition. Guests can try Chupacabra’s Blood, made with mezcal and topped with a zarandeado shrimp skewer, or The Bruja’s Potion, which features black garlic-infused tequila, activated charcoal, and spooky garnishes.
Perhaps one of the most over-the-top entries comes from El Camino Real, whose Smokey BBQ Bloody Mary includes smoked brisket, a spare rib, candied bacon, pickled vegetables, and a crushed bacon rim.
Other standout creations include Jerry’s Bar’s “The Pickled Witch,” featuring pickle vodka and homemade tomatillo Bloody Mary mix, North Bowl’s “Spice Ghoul,” a deconstructed cocktail topped with a frozen Bloody Mary skull, and Urban Village’s “Ghost of Mary Past,” a crystal-clear, milk-washed Bloody Mary garnished with an olive-flavored skull gummy.
New participants joining the challenge this year include Amina, Luna Marre, Mamajuana Cafe Philly, Tailgate Sports Bar, Newsroom Philly, Terra Grill, and Yards Brewing. Several of these venues are still finalizing details about their specialty cocktails, adding an extra element of surprise for guests.
The challenge isn’t just about drinks. Organizers encourage visitors to pair their cocktails with brunch favorites and explore the neighborhood’s restaurants, bars, and shops throughout the event weekends. After tasting your way through the competition, you’ll have the opportunity to vote for your favorite creation and help crown this year’s Monster Mash champion.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Bloody Marys, smoky flavors, spicy cocktails, or outrageous garnishes, the Northern Liberties Bloody Mary Challenge promises a festive way to celebrate Halloween season with friends, family, and fellow brunch enthusiasts.