A staple in our Oakhurst neighborhood, the Universal Joint is one of our favorite spots on a mid Saturday morning.   We especially love to split something and get a side of those amazing [tag]Universal Fries[/tag].  Oh, yum yum yum.  We usually sit at the bar on the weekend(s) since so many many many kids come to eat and frolic on the patio area.  But this past Saturday, it was so gorgeous, we decided to sit outside with the families.

One of the best things on the menu – and by far one of the best around – is the Universal Joint Bloody Mary.  Therefore, Week 37 of 52 Weeks of Drinks, is dedicated to this one amazing and delicious Saturday Morning delight.  As the UJ’s motto goes, “Drinks Well With Others.”

The UJ Bloody Mary consists of Absolute Peppar Vodka, a dash of olive juice, a dash of fresh lemon juice, (or lime juice depending on who is making it) Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix (the only kind anyone should EVER use) and is topped off with Guinness.

Don’t forget our ratings scale is between 1 and 5 Olives.  One Olive = waste of my blogging time;  5 Olives = oh my goodness/yummmmmm

Presentation: 3.5 olives.  I usually would give this a 4 olive rating, but Nancy jipped me on garnishes this week.  MOST of the time, I get olives, pepperoncinis, a lime wedge, and even sometimes like a pickled okra.  This Saturday, I only got one pepperoncini.  Blah.  It is served in a big ole pint glass and the rim is covered in celery salt. Yum.

Creativity: 3.5 olives. I mean, it is a bloody mary for lord’s sake – but the fact that they use Zing Zang rocks and topping it off with Guinness makes me happy.

Taste: 5 olives. Mere perfection – but always ask for Nancy or Eric to make it.

Overall: 4 olives. I know I don’t look hot in this photo, but I am enjoying my drink immensely.

GO GET ONE.