The Cooper Mary with The Crossing Presented by Dixie Vodka | Video

In a city that knows a thing or two about brunch, a great bloody mary is practically a weekend tradition. At The Crossing, the signature restaurant inside Charleston’s Cooper Hotel, beverage director Cameron Nadler is keeping things classic with The Cooper Mary, a refreshing, savory cocktail that celebrates Southern ingredients, thoughtful simplicity, and the clean, smooth character of Dixie Vodka. 

The Crossing brings a Mediterranean sensibility to the Lowcountry, with a menu inspired by Greek flavors, fresh seafood, and Southern hospitality. That same philosophy carries into the cocktail program, where Nadler favors familiar drinks elevated by carefully selected local ingredients rather than elaborate techniques or over-the-top garnishes.

“A really great bloody mary to me is one that’s not overdone,” says Nadler. “I like keeping it kind of close and keeping the classics the way they are with a few small changes.”

At the heart of his Cooper Mary is Dixie Vodka, a Southern-born spirit with roots in Charleston. Proudly embracing its Southern heritage, Dixie has built its identity around quality, regional pride, and a distinctly Southern approach to cocktail culture. Its Original Vodka offers the clean, smooth profile that makes it an ideal foundation for a bloody mary, allowing the savory tomato, bright citrus, and layered seasonings to shine without overpowering the drink.

“I think the best base for a bloody mary is definitely a vodka that’s super clean,” Nadler says. “Dixie has this nice clean style, nothing too crazy on the front end or the finish.”

For his version, Nadler starts with two ounces of Dixie Vodka and four ounces of fresh tomato juice. Lemon and lime juice provide brightness, while Worcestershire and soy sauce add savory depth. Charleston-based Red Clay Hot Sauce brings a touch of Southern heat, rounded out with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of kosher salt.

The ingredients are shaken with ice and finished with a simple garnish of celery and fresh citrus, resulting in a balanced bloody mary that delivers just the right combination of acidity, spice, and umami.

It’s a natural companion to The Crossing’s brunch menu, particularly its fresh seafood dishes or lamb burger topped with feta. And while the setting overlooking Charleston’s waterfront makes for a memorable weekend gathering, the cocktail is equally suited for making at home.

With Dixie Vodka as its foundation, The Cooper Mary proves that a Southern classic doesn’t need reinventing—just good ingredients, a little local character, and a reason to gather around the table.

Try the Recipe

Recipe by Cameron Nadler of The Crossing, Images courtesy of Mary Hannah Burwell

recipe

yields

Makes 1 cocktail

ingredients

• 2 ounces Dixie Vodka
  

• 4 ounces fresh tomato juice
  

• Fresh lemon juice
  

• Fresh lime juice
  

• Worcestershire sauce
  

• Soy sauce
  

• Red Clay Hot Sauce
  

• Garlic powder
  

• Onion powder
  

• Pinch of kosher salt
  

• Ice
  

• 
  

garnish:


• Celery stalk, fresh lemon and lime

steps

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with 2 ounces of Dixie Vodka and 4 ounces of fresh tomato juice.
2. Add ¼ ounce each of fresh lemon and lime juice.
3. Add ⅛ ounce each of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Add a dash of Red Clay Hot Sauce, ¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, and a pinch of kosher salt.
5. Add ice, shake to combine, and chill.
6. Pour into a serving glass and garnish with a celery stalk and fresh lemon and lime.

 

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