You Can Now Buy The Best, Zingiest Local Bloody Mary Mix Online & In Stores

By Anthony Todd in Food on Feb 13, 2017 3:20PM

The Cleetus Heatus bloody mary mix.

In a city with as much bloody mary action as Chicago, it's a bold claim to call any one of them "the best." However, I feel slightly more secure in my deep and longstanding adoration for the "Cleetus Heatus" bloody mary when the Tribune and Thrillist have also made similar claims of excellence. Well, you can now make that bloody in your own kitchen.

Fans of Chef Cleetus Friedman have been drinking his "Cleetus Heatus" bloody mary for years. I first encountered it at City Provisions, and Friedman brought it with him when he moved to Fountainhead. Well, while we're waiting to see what the chef does next, at least we can still get a taste of some of his awesome products.

Friedman has started an online store, Crafted by Cleetus, which, as of last Saturday, sells his bloody mary mix and hot sauces. The mix is also available at Binny's locations throughout the Chicagoland area. Trust us, it's worth a purchase. Unlike most mixes, which are filled with artificial flavors and unsubtle overhotness, this is savory, delicious, filled with horseradish and organic tomato juice.

Want to create the ultimate bloody mary with this mix? Instead of vodka, mix it with Aquavit (we like North Shore Distillery's version) and you'll really impress your friends. A bottle is available online for $11.