Tupelo Honey in Asheville vying for best Bloody Mary title in ‘Chopped’ competition

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Tyler Alford, who is heading up the bar program at Asheville-based Tupelo Honey, is competing in the New York City Wine & Food Festival’s contest search for the “Best Bloody in America,” which is sponsored by Chopped and Absolut Vodka.

Alford, who formerly worked at Commanders Palace in New Orleans, has entered Tupelo’s “Queen Mary” in the competition. It’s an online contest, so go here to vote for Tupelo Honey’s bloody Mary.

Here’s the recipe for the Queen Mary.

6 parts Absolut Vodka
24 parts Garlic and Thyme Roasted-Yellow Tomato Puree
1.5 parts Demitri’s Chilies and Peppers Bloody Mary Seasoning
1 part Fresh Lemon Juice

I’m not a big Bloody Mary drinker, but I like the looks of this drink, which is both simple and fresh.

The online contest is held by state, and Alford, currently in third place in NC, needs to finish first to win a trip to the NYC Wine & Food Festival and make a drink for Food Network celebrity chefs.

Voting ends Sept. 15. Good luck to Tyler!