Radius’ Best Bloody Mary Drink Part of Valpo Cocktail Challenge
Radius’ Best Bloody Mary Drink, earning a spot on the Valpo Cocktail Challenge, is more than just an honor. It’s a well-deserved nod to one of Valparaiso’s most iconic cocktails. In fact, according to Radius owner Chef Chris Pavlou, “it’s the Bloody Mary drink, not the burger, that put Radius on the map.”
High praise indeed, considering the Radius hamburger has won numerous awards and boasts a legendary following throughout Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
Known for its over-the-top garnishes, bold flavors, and brunch-time buzz, the Radius Bloody Mary isn’t just a drink—it’s a destination. Now, this fan-favorite cocktail has earned a spot in the 2025 Valpo Cocktail Challenge, placing it among the 15 most creative and must-try drinks in town. Whether you’re a seasoned brunch-goer or a first-time visitor, there’s never been a better time to sip, snap, and share Valpo’s most legendary Bloody Mary.
Valpo’s Best Bloody Mary can only Be Topped with this!
If you’ve ever strolled past Radius-Valpo on a sunny afternoon, chances are you’ve seen it: a towering, tomato-red cocktail garnished with shrimp, Bacon, a Miller Lite Pony, and—wait for it—a Radius Prime Burger!
It’s not a mirage. Chef Chris has utilized the Bloody Mary as a vessel for his culinary talents. Radius offers three innovative Bloody Marys, each with its distinct flavor profile. In fact, we had such a hard time choosing which one to feature for the 2025 Cocktail Challenge that we are showcasing all three.
So, while technically, folks taking the Cocktail Challenge only need to drink and post one of the Radius Bloody Marys, fans of Radius are upping the ante and drinking and posting all three versions of this cocktail experience.
The Valpo Cocktail Challenge
LINK: See the whole challenge here.
Why Radius’ Bloody Mary is Legendary | The Line Up!
Chef Chris Pavlou and the team at Radius didn’t just want to create another Bloody Mary cocktail; they tried to redefine what a Bloody Mary could be. The result? Three outrageous, delicious, and social-media-ready versions have turned heads and filled patios for years.
16 OZ Bloody Mary – $9
Classic size with a savory garnish skewer and Applewood-smoked Bacon.
Add-ons available:
- Burger Slider (+$2)
- Extra Shot (+$3)
- Miller Lite Pony 7oz (+$2)
24 OZ Bloody Mary (Sat/Sun until 3 PM) – $25
Garnished with a burger slider, onion ring, shrimp cocktail, mac & cheese hush puppy, Bacon, celery, and a Pony.
32 OZ Bloody Mary – $38
An all-out experience featuring a complete Prime Burger with cheese, onion ring, shrimp cocktail, mac & cheese, hush puppy, Bacon, celery stick, and the signature Miller Lite Pony.
It’s a meal in a glass—and then some.
Radius Has Two Entries in the 2025 Cocktail Challenge
In addition to the Bloody Mary lineup, Radius earned a second spot in the Cocktail Challenge with its fan-favorite Banana Manhattan. This bold, smooth cocktail blends chocolate whiskey, banana purée, amaro, crème de cacao, lemon, and sweet vermouth.
It’s dessert in a glass with a touch of class—perfect with a Radius Burger and even better on their famous outdoor patio. This restaurant with a bar has it all!
Read More: Manhattan Drink Tops Valpo’s Best Spring Cocktail Menu
What Is the Valpo Cocktail Challenge?
Valparaiso’s 2025 Cocktail Challenge is a self-guided tour of 15 of the city’s most buzzworthy drinks, spanning creative brunch cocktails, upscale lounge creations, and Facebook-worthy classics.
Here’s how it works:
- Order the featured drink at each participating restaurant.
- Snap a creative photo (bonus for selfies and group shots!).
- Post on the Valpo Restaurants Facebook page, tag the location and use #ValpoCocktailChallenge2025.
- After trying all 15, post “I completed the Valpo Cocktail Challenge!”
Don’t Forget the Radius Sister Restaurant: Maple + Bacon.
Radius’ sister restaurant, Maple + Bacon, also brings brunch energy and cocktail creativity to the 2025 challenge with three featured drinks:
Maple + Bacon Dreamsicle | Valpo’s Best OJ + Whipped Vodka
Fresh OJ, whipped vodka, Tippy Cow, and a touch of orange liqueur—like childhood memories, but boozy.
Irish Coffee | Made from M+B 212 Coffee
A sophisticated spin made with locally roasted 210 Coffee and smooth Irish whiskey.
The M+B Mimosa | M+B Brunch Bar meets Freshly Squeezed!
Cold, bright, and poured to perfection—it’s the drink that fuels Maple + Bacon’s high-energy brunch crowd.
Experience Valpo’s Best Outdoor Dining with a Cocktail in Hand
Whether you’re brunching at Maple + Bacon or getting cool on Radius’ buzzing patio, these drinks represent everything Valpo’s cocktail culture is about: innovation, quality, and good times in the sun.
So grab a friend, take the challenge, and raise your glass to Valpo’s most iconic brunch cocktail, the Bloody Mary at Radius.
Burger on top. Pony on the side. Only at Radius.
See you on the patio.
Written by Jim Jano Janesheski
Cocktail Lover Links
Radius Website
Radius Featured Cocktails
Radius Bar Menu
Free Enrollment | Register for Radius Rewards Program
Radius Burger Page and Free Entry- Radius Rewards
Valpo Cocktail Challenge & Valpo Cocktail Cheat Sheet
Links
Valpo Cocktail Challenge
Valpo Cocktail Cheat Sheet
This fun and flavorful Valparaiso Cocktail Challenge is your chance to sip your way through 15 of the most creative and buzzworthy cocktails being served right now across Valpo’s top restaurants and bars. It’s a great way to discover new cocktails, support the Valpo Restaurant Group, and share your experience with Valpo’s cocktail fans.
