Like many Wisconsinites, I am obsessed with bloody marys and bloody tasting events. My favorite, Milwaukee’s Best Bloody, is taking a road trip this year: Madison’s Best Bloody is coming to the Edgewater on April 22.
Run by the Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation as a fundraiser, this will be the inaugural Madison event. The Milwaukee version is one of the most well-organized booze events I’ve been to, and because of that attendance has grown to over 1,200. It’s one of the non-profit group’s main events, raising tens of thousands of dollars each year to support the bleeding disorders community in Wisconsin. If you’re interested in attending Madison’s Best Bloody (and you should be!), here’s what to expect.
Unlimited bloody marys
Local bars and restaurants will be serving up tasting portions of their signature bloody marys. There will be 12-15 bars — which are still TBD, but I’d expect some heavy hitters if MKE is any indication — and you can have as many samples as you want. Keep track of which bloodies are your favorite, because you’ll be voting for the winners, along with a panel of celebrity judges. (Including me! Though “celebrity” is one hell of a stretch.) Winners will be announced during the last half hour of the event.
Beer chasers
This is Wisconsin, so of course you’ll get chasers. Miller is the beer sponsor, and when you come in you’ll get tickets to exchange for chasers which you can redeem anytime at the bar. You can also purchase beer and cocktails from the cash bar as well.
Heavy appetizers
Unlike a lot of these alcohol-based events, this one includes food. In the past, there’s been chicken wings, mini deli sandwiches, plenty of cheese and sausage platters, cocktail meatballs, and veggie trays. Between the appetizer buffet and the garnishes, you won’t leave hungry.
Lots of garnishes
And speaking of garnishes, you can expect some crazy stuff. There’s been everything from barbecue ribs to cocktail shrimp from various bars, and I’d expect some Madison bars will go all out, too.
What to bring:
Spending cash
This is a fundraiser, remember, so bring some extra cash for raffles and Plinko-like games. Prizes in the past have included wheelbarrows of booze, hotel stays, event tickets and restaurant gift certificates. Muffin tins will also be available for purchase and are a must-have for holding all your bloodies while you navigate the crowd.
Your tickets
Tickets go on sale March 1. General admission tickets at that time will be $35. VIP tickets, six-packs with a reserved table, and designated driver tickets will also be available. VIP ticket holders will get into the event early, a seating area, and private food buffet. The Milwaukee event sells out every year, and the official Facebook event has over 2,000 interested, so I wouldn’t wait too long to snag your tickets.
Antacid
No matter how much of a bloody lover you are, consider this a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll be drinking bloodies and chasers for 3+ hours, and going too hard for the first 30 minutes will mean you’re dragging by hour two. And by god, don’t forget to pregame with some Rolaids.
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