Kicked Up Red Beer: The Ultimate Spicy Midwest Classic with Homemade Bloody Mary Spice & Ely Farms Pickled Green Beans
Here in Nebraska, and across many heartland states in the Midwest, the Red Beer stands as a cherished and common beverage. While often enjoyed in its traditional form, there’s a special twist for those who crave a bit more zest: the Kicked Up Red Beer. This elevated version features a proprietary homemade Bloody Mary Dry Spice blend, ensuring a vibrant kick. The experience is made even more perfect when garnished with the deliciously spicy pickled green beans from Ely Farms, offering a refreshing crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
Our Family’s Beloved Red Beer Tradition
Every Sunday, our home transforms into a hub of family togetherness, centered around a cherished tradition: Sunday dinner. Our children, their significant others, and often even extended family members gather for an enjoyable happy hour before the meal. This isn’t just any gathering; it’s an event eagerly anticipated, largely because everyone knows that promptly at 3 o’clock, the first (or second, or third) round of refreshing red beers will be served.
While some prefer their red beer in the time-honored fashion—a simple, clean mix of tomato juice and light beer—there’s a growing contingent who demand a bolder, spicier profile. For these adventurous palates, I gladly reach for my special dry spice mix, essential for crafting the now-famous Kicked Up Red Beer. It’s a delightful way to cater to everyone’s preferences, ensuring our Sunday tradition remains a highlight of the week.
This content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. This post has been sponsored by Ely Farms, a company whose Nebraska-grown pickled vegetables I genuinely love. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
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Red Beer? A What?! Navigating Regional Beverage Names
I vividly recall the first time I ventured out of state and attempted to order a “red beer.” The bartender’s perplexed expression, as if I had suddenly sprouted an extra head, is etched in my memory. “You mean a Red Ale?” he inquired, clearly trying to make sense of my request. I patiently clarified, “No, I mean a tomato beer, you know, tomato juice and beer?” His brain visibly whirred as he then offered, “Do you mean a Michelada?” (To his credit, I was in Southern California at the time, where Micheladas are prevalent.) This amusing encounter underscored just how regional some culinary, or in this case, mixology, traditions can be.
Eventually, after a brief lesson in Midwestern beverage culture, I managed to get my light draft beer and a side of tomato juice, allowing me to craft my beloved Red Beer exactly to my liking. This experience highlighted not only the distinctiveness of a true Red Beer but also the joy of introducing a piece of our local culture to those unfamiliar with its simple yet satisfying charm.
Red Beer vs. The Michelada: A Culinary Comparison
For many across the globe, the Michelada is a familiar and cherished beverage, particularly popular in Mexico and parts of the United States. It shares a foundational similarity with the Nebraska Red Beer: both begin with a harmonious blend of beer and tomato juice. However, this is where their paths diverge, revealing distinct cultural and flavor profiles that set them apart.
The traditional Michelada, a Mexican delight, elevates its base with a vibrant array of additional ingredients. These typically include fresh lime juice for a zesty tang, a salted rim, various hot sauces like Tabasco or Worcestershire for a spicy kick, and a blend of seasoned spices. The result is a complex, savory, and often intensely spicy cocktail that invigorates the senses.
In contrast, the Nebraska Red Beer, while it can certainly be spiced, maintains a simpler essence. While some aficionados enjoy their red beers with a noticeable heat—often achieved by adding a liquid Bloody Mary mixer—it steadfastly retains its identity as a “red beer.” The Kicked Up Red Beer, as we’ll explore, offers a unique bridge between these two worlds, incorporating a homemade dry spice blend that delivers the desired warmth and flavor depth without transforming it entirely into a Michelada. This allows enthusiasts to enjoy a spicy, savory beer that is distinctly Midwestern in its spirit and preparation, garnished with local delights like Ely Farms pickled green beans for an authentic touch.
A Red Beer by Many Other Names: Exploring Midwest Terminology
While we proudly call it a “Red Beer” here in Nebraska, this delightful concoction of beer and tomato juice enjoys widespread popularity across the Midwest, often going by a fascinating array of different names. This regional diversity in nomenclature speaks to the drink’s pervasive appeal and its deep roots in various local cultures.
Indeed, if you travel throughout the heartland, you’ll encounter the same refreshing tomato beer under monikers like “Red Rooster,” suggesting a morning pick-me-up; “Red Draw,” a straightforward description of its preparation; “Bloody Beer,” an obvious nod to its Bloody Mary-like qualities; “Montana Mary,” indicating a specific regional variation; and “Red Eye,” perhaps referring to its potential as a morning energizer or hangover cure. Each name, though different, refers to the same fundamental concept: a beer infused with the savory goodness of tomato juice, offering a unique and satisfying flavor profile. No matter the name, the essence remains the same, proving that a red beer, by any other name, is still utterly delicious in my book!
Red Beer: A Nebraska Husker Football Tailgate Staple
The aroma of grilled food, the camaraderie of fellow fans, and the vibrant sea of red are synonymous with Nebraska Cornhuskers football tailgates. And amidst this festive atmosphere, you’ll invariably find countless red solo cups, brimming not just with plain beer, but with the distinctive blend of tomato juice and beer – the beloved Red Beer. This drink is an absolute staple, especially at the early morning tailgates. Much like a Bloody Mary, the savory and slightly acidic nature of the Red Beer makes it remarkably easier, and more enjoyable, to sip a beer at 7 in the morning, setting the perfect tone for a day of cheering on the Huskers.
But beyond simply making morning beer consumption palatable, the Red Beer has another, perhaps even more legendary, reputation. Have you ever heard the phrase “Hair of the Dog?” This age-old remedy for the aftermath of a celebratory night out finds its perfect embodiment in the Red Beer. It’s widely regarded by many as a potent, and surprisingly effective, hangover cure. College students, especially, can attest to its miraculous properties: a little tomato juice mixed into a Busch Light (affectionately dubbed a “Busch Latté” in these parts) on a groggy morning, and before you know it, you’ll be back in the game, ready to tackle the day and cheer your team to victory!
Adding a Little Pizzazz to Your Beer: The Art of the Garnish
Customizing a drink is all about personal preference, and when it comes to beer, I’ve always found a special delight in adding green olives, whether my beer is a traditional lager or a savory red beer. There’s something about that briny, piquant pickle taste that simply elevates the drink, adding a complex layer of flavor that complements the beer beautifully. Plus, who doesn’t love a built-in snack with their beverage?
I once had a neighbor from Aberdeen, South Dakota, who, upon seeing me enjoy my beer with olives, exclaimed, “Back home, they call that a South Dakota Martini!” It was a fun, regional twist on a simple addition. More recently, my older kids have embraced their own creative beer customization, opting to add a whole dill pickle spear to their brews, affectionately dubbing them “Pickle Beers!” These anecdotes highlight a universal truth: a great drink can always be made better with the right garnish. This tradition of creative garnishing naturally leads us to the star of our Kicked Up Red Beer: the perfectly seasoned pickled green beans from Ely Farms, which add both flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Ely Farms Pickled Green Beans: A Nebraska Delicacy
When Neal Ely, the dedicated owner of Ely Farms, first introduced me to his exciting new product—the exceptionally crisp and flavorful Pickled Green Beans—we immediately began brainstorming the perfect way to debut them. As fellow Nebraskans, born and raised in this great state, it became clear that the world needed to know not only about our beloved Red Beer but also how perfectly these local pickled green beans serve as its ultimate garnish.
These aren’t just any pickled green beans; they’re made using Mom’s secret family recipe, a blend passed down through generations. They boast a delightful hint of garlic and dill, providing a savory depth, along with a distinct yet gentle ‘kick’ courtesy of red hot chili pepper. This unique flavor profile makes them the ideal companion to an ice-cold pint of any beer, but especially our Kicked Up Red Beer, where their spicy tang truly shines.
What makes Ely Farms products truly special is their commitment to local, high-quality ingredients. All of their offerings are proudly grown and produced right here in Grafton, Nebraska, following cherished family recipes. There are no mysterious or complicated additives; these delicious pickled beans contain only wholesome ingredients: fresh green beans, water, vinegar, salt, garlic, jalapeños, and a blend of natural spices. This dedication to simplicity and quality ensures that every bite, and every garnish, is a taste of authentic Nebraska goodness.
Exploring the Delicious Range of Ely Farms Products
Ely Farms is not just about their incredible pickled green beans; they are renowned for a wider range of specialty pickled vegetables that truly capture the essence of Nebraska agriculture and family tradition. Their journey to culinary excellence began with the highly acclaimed Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears, which garnered national recognition as an FFA entrepreneur winner. Since their inception in 1999, these asparagus spears have cultivated a sterling reputation, becoming a highly sought-after specialty product within Nebraska, celebrated for their uniquely delicious taste and satisfying crunch.
If you’ve followed my culinary adventures for a while, you’ve likely heard me sing their praises before. I even featured them in a fantastic holiday appetizer recipe: Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus, which perfectly showcased their versatility and vibrant flavor. What started as local sales in their hometown of Sutton, Nebraska, has steadily expanded, with their pickled asparagus now gracing the shelves of grocery and specialty stores across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Colorado. For those beyond these states, or simply looking for convenience, you can easily find their full product line online on their official website, as well as through Buy Nebraska, supporting local businesses.
Building on the success and beloved flavor profile of Mom’s secret recipe, Ely Farms has recently expanded its offerings to include two more delightful products: Pickled Okra and, of course, the star of our Kicked Up Red Beer, Pickled Green Beans. Each product reflects the same commitment to quality, family heritage, and authentic taste, making them perfect for snacking, garnishing, or incorporating into your favorite recipes. We are thrilled to partner with such a dedicated local producer to bring you these exceptional flavors.
Now that you’re well-versed in how to purchase these amazing Ely Farms products, keep reading to discover an exciting opportunity to WIN a case of them yourself!
Spicy Red Beer Recipe: Let’s Kick it Up a Notch with Homemade Dry Spice!
For those who truly appreciate a good kick, this homemade dry Bloody Mary spice blend is precisely what your beer has been missing! Crafted with a perfect balance of savory and spicy notes, this mix will transform your ordinary red beer into an extraordinary Kicked Up Red Beer. The beauty of a dry spice blend is its convenience and longevity; you can easily prepare a batch, store it in your cupboard, and have it ready anytime you desire to add a little ‘somethin-somethin’ to your favorite cold brew. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates the experience from good to absolutely unforgettable, perfectly complementing the refreshing nature of a beer with a delightful burst of flavor and heat.
Our signature Bloody Mary Seasoning Blend is a meticulously crafted mix designed to deliver a robust flavor profile. It combines the essential savory notes of celery salt and onion salt, the warm, earthy richness of paprika, the sharp bite of black pepper, the fiery heat of cayenne pepper, the pungent depth of garlic powder, and the subtle tang of ground mustard. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and exhilarating spice blend that will awaken your taste buds.
Ely Farms Pickled Green Beans – These crisp, flavorful beans are the perfect zesty counterpoint to our spicy Red Beer!
Let’s Kick Up Our Red Beer: Step-by-Step Instructions
To begin crafting your Kicked Up Red Beer, first prepare your glass. Dip the rim of your chosen beer glass into water. For an extra layer of briny flavor, you can also use some of the delicious juice from your Ely Farms pickled green beans. Immediately after wetting the rim, dunk it into the Bloody Mary spice mix, ensuring it’s evenly coated for a perfectly seasoned edge.
Next, prepare your vibrant garnish. Skewer a couple of crisp Ely Farms pickled green beans and a sweet grape tomato, creating an appealing topping for your drink. If you’re feeling extra adventurous and want to truly amp up the flavor, consider adding a spear of Ely Farms pickled asparagus and a piece of their pickled okra to your skewer – the more pickled goodness, the better!
Carefully pour the desired amount of tomato juice into your prepared glass, filling it to about one-third of the way. This forms the essential base of your Red Beer, ready to be infused with flavor.
Now for the “kick”! Add a generous sprinkle of your homemade Bloody Mary Dry Spice mix directly into the tomato juice. The amount can be adjusted to your personal preference for heat and flavor intensity.
Finally, gently pour your preferred light beer into the glass, allowing it to mix with the tomato juice and spices. Once poured, carefully place your skewer with the Ely Farms pickled green beans and grape tomato on top, or simply drop a few of the pickled beans directly into the glass. Letting them mingle in the drink before you take your first sip will ensure you get the full, harmonious taste effect.
Remember, Ely’s Pickled Green Beans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways beyond just garnishing your Kicked Up Red Beer. Serve them as a refreshing snack on their own, elevate a charcuterie board with their zesty presence, or use them to garnish other cocktails. They are a fantastic substitute for any pickle—perfect alongside a hearty deli sandwich, or even a beloved local favorite like a Homemade Runza! You’ll absolutely adore the satisfying crunch and burst of flavor they bring to your lunch and beyond.
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Raise your beer mug high… Cheers to Ely Farms Pickled Green Beans and the unforgettable Kicked Up Red Beer experience! Now, let’s dive into the detailed recipe for both the spice blend and this exceptional spicy red beer. 
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Print Recipe
Kicked Up Red Beer/Bloody Mary Dry Spice
Ingredients
For the Bloody Mary Spice Blend
- 2 Tablespoons celery salt
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
To Make the Kicked Up Red Beer
- 1 light beer of your choice
- 1/3 cup tomato juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Bloody Mary Dry Spice
- 2-3 Ely Farms Pickled Green Beans
- 1 grape tomato optional
This content is intended for readers who are 21 or older.
- Always drink responsibly.
Instructions
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Mix ingredients for spice blend. Store in an airtight container.
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To Rim the glass: Wetten the rim of a pint beer glass by dunking it in water. Then dunk it into the spice mix, and coat the rim.
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Add tomato juice to the glass, then spice mix, then pour beer into the glass.
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Garnish with Ely Farms Pickled Green Beans and a grape tomato.
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Enjoy!
Notes
If you want to really spice things up, consider adding more cayenne pepper to the mix, or a couple of drops of Tabasco sauce before consuming.
Nutrition