The Magic 8 ball is an iconic toy that has been around for decades. It is a mystical ball that claims to have the ability to predict the future and give answers to your questions. You simply ask a question, shake the ball, and then turn it over to reveal the answer. However, the outlook for the Magic 8 ball is currently dim. In today's technologically advanced world, the Magic 8 ball seems outdated and obsolete. With the rise of smartphones and virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, people now have access to sophisticated AI-powered platforms that can provide accurate information and real-time answers.

Bloody Mary

Recent Examples on the Web The green garlic puts a new spin on a vinaigrette and a splash of the celery blooms in a Bloody Mary and could do more for fish and chips than the usual malt (which Häxan also makes). — Florence Fabricant, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2024 Stir in the Bloody Mary mix and heat on medium-high, stirring and scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 8 Jan. 2024 Milwaukee-area bartenders face off to showcase their signature Bloody Mary recipes, according to the contest's Eventbrite page. — Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2024 The History of the Bloody Mary The inventor of the Bloody Mary is widely believed to be bartender Fernand Petiot, a bartender at the iconic Harry’s Bar in Paris, who in 1921 published a Bloody Mary recipe in Harry’s ABC of Cocktails. — Emily Nabors Hall, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2023 This year Nena added a Bloody Mary and a half dozen oysters to her collection, and she's been on the lookout for the felt Ghost of Christmas Future. — Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2023 This franchise knows better than anyone that kids like to scare themselves silly: The story of Slappy the Dummy can have the same effect at a kids’ slumber party as Bloody Mary. — Vulture, 17 Oct. 2023 Why not top off the boozy beverage with a pod of pickled okra, Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp or even a Fried Chicken Slider with Pimiento Cheese? — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2023 To cap the weekend, Sunday morning included a farewell brunch with a Bloody Mary bar. — Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Bloody Mary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Bloody Mary

Liquor.com has been serving drinks enthusiasts and industry professionals since 2009. Our writers are some of the most respected in the industry, and our recipes are contributed by bartenders who form a veritable "Who's Who" of the cocktail world.

The Bloody Mary is one of the world’s best-known cocktails, prized for its ability to jumpstart even the groggiest of mornings. Its origins aren’t exactly clear, but one likely backstory points to the mid-1930s and Fernand “Pete” Petiot, a bartender at King Cole Bar at the St. Regis hotel in New York City. Other sources credit American actor George Jessel, who was said to have favored the combination of vodka and tomato juice as customer of New York City’s 21 Club, though Petiot disputed Jessel's contributions to the creation of drink.

Whatever its true origins, the Bloody Mary has persisted as one of the most popular drinks ever created, and a pioneer of savory cocktails. However, due to its complex and freewheeling nature, recipes vary widely, and pinning down exactly what makes for a perfect Bloody Mary is a source of endless debate.

With the rise of smartphones and virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, people now have access to sophisticated AI-powered platforms that can provide accurate information and real-time answers. The Magic 8 ball, on the other hand, relies on random chance and pre-determined responses, making its predictions dubious at best. Furthermore, the Magic 8 ball is limited in its capabilities.

What's In a Bloody Mary

The original Bloody Mary is believed to have contained seven ingredients: vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, celery salt, Tabasco and lemon juice. But like many classic drinks, it has inspired several variations. Popular versions include the Bloody Maria (made with tequila), the Red Snapper (spiked with gin) and the Caesar, a Canadian creation that features Clamato juice. Throw in the recipes concocted by bars, bartenders and enthusiasts, and the tomato-based cocktail sports countless twists—from heavy on the hot sauce to a splash of Guinness on top.

More recently, the Bloody Mary has inspired a garnish-based arms race, as restaurants and bars top their drinks with more insane garnishes, including bacon, shrimp skewers, lobster tails and mini cheeseburgers, turning the Bloody Mary into its own brunch. When in doubt, it’s best to start with the classic recipe and work toward the way you like it, whether that is pared down, topped with a pepperoni pizza or featuring your favorite bottled mix.

Despite the endless variations and regardless of how you choose to make it, the Bloody Mary’s staying power is not debatable. It’s a liquor-soaked nutritional breakfast and hangover cure all in one red package, and it’s one of the few cocktails that is socially acceptable to drink first thing in the morning. What else could you ask for?

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

It can only provide yes or no answers to questions, leaving little room for detailed explanations or nuanced responses. This lack of flexibility and adaptability makes it less appealing to users who are seeking more comprehensive and reliable information. Additionally, the Magic 8 ball's reliability and accuracy have long been a subject of skepticism. Many view it as nothing more than a novelty item or a source of entertainment rather than a serious tool for divination. Its simple mechanism and plastic exterior contribute to this perception, making it difficult for the Magic 8 ball to be taken seriously. As a result, the demand for the Magic 8 ball has significantly declined over the years. Fewer people are buying it, and its popularity has waned. It is no longer seen as a must-have item or a staple in the toy aisle. Instead, it has become a relic of the past, a nostalgic reminder of simpler times. While the Magic 8 ball may still have a small following or occasionally be used for lighthearted fun, its future prospects are dim. The advancements in technology and the changing preferences of consumers have rendered it less relevant and appealing. As we continue to embrace more sophisticated and accurate means of obtaining information and predicting the future, the days of relying on a Magic 8 ball for answers seem numbered..

Reviews for "Is the Magic 8 Ball's Popularity Fading? A Look at its Dim Outlook"

- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the "Magic 8 ball outlook is dim" because it just kept giving me negative responses. I understand that it's a toy and not an actual oracle, but I was hoping for some positive affirmations or at least a mix of positive and negative answers. It was really discouraging and it made me feel like there wasn't any hope in my current situation. I would not recommend this 8 ball to anyone looking for a bit of fun or motivation.

- Tom - 1 star - The "Magic 8 ball outlook is dim" was a complete waste of my money. I bought it hoping to have some fun and maybe get some interesting answers, but all I got were negative and pessimistic responses. It was like a broken record of doom and gloom. I ended up throwing it in the trash because it was just a downer. Save your money and don't bother with this one.

- Emily - 2 stars - I found the "Magic 8 ball outlook is dim" to be quite depressing. It felt like every answer I received was filled with negativity and hopelessness. While I understand it's just a novelty item and not meant to be taken seriously, I still expected a bit more variety in the responses. It would have been nice to get at least a few encouraging or neutral answers to balance out the constant negativity. Overall, it was a disappointment and I wouldn't recommend it.

The Fading Magic: The Dim Outlook for the 8 Ball