Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar
Whether they like them spicy, tangy or mild, your brunch guests will have a blast mixing up their own Bloody Marys -- and you'll be freed from bartender duty!
Nice Ice Trick
Freeze Bloody Mary base into cubes before you stir in the vodka to chill drinks without watering them down.
Set Your Bar
Before guests arrive, whip up big batches of Bloody Marys and pour them into pitchers. You can experiment with infused vodkas (try dill pickle- or lemon-flavored), then label each blend directly on the pitcher with a dry erase marker.
Step 1: Spice It Up
The tomato-juice base of a Bloody Mary is a blank canvas for all types of herby and spicy flavors. Set out spices and other stir-ins in small jars and place a labeled disposable spoon in each.
Try These!
Old Bay Seasoning, cayenne pepper, paprika, celery salt, curry powder, chile powder, garlic salt, dried rosemary, dried thyme, caraway seeds, black pepper, ginger, smoked paprika, cumin, wasabi or horseradish.
Step 2: Get Saucy
Tabasco and Worcestershire are the cocktail's classic partners, but don't stop there. Leave out a caddy of condiments and let your guests go wild!
Try these!
Sriracha, steak sauce, red chili paste, barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, pickle juice, hot mustard, sauce from chipotle chiles in adobo, spicy salsa or olive juice
Step 3: Top it Off
Celery stalks are a go-to garnish, but encourage guests to think outside the box by setting out surprising finishing touches like bacon, skewered pickled veggies and shrimp.
Try These!
Olives, dill pickles, boiled shrimp, fresh herbs like parsley, basil or cilantro, beef jerky, bacon slices, cocktail onions, carrots, fennel, bell peppers, pickled green beans, tomatoes and okra or lemon and lime wedges.
Clean Shot
Place toothpicks in shot glasses around the bar so guests can spear their garnishes.
Bloody Johnnies
"Here's my hubby's spicy version, with my favorite tangy garnishes," Rach says.
The Original Bloody Mary
You can never go wrong with the classic.
Magic Mary
What makes this recipe so magical? Fun ingredients like clam juice, BBQ sauce and pickle juice!
Wasabi Bloody Marys
This Asian-inspired Mary has just the right amount of spice.
Beer-y Bloody Mary
Add some effervescence to your cocktail with -- what else? -- more alcohol!
Bloody Mary Clam Shooters
Let your guests throw back these starter "shots" to begin your brunch on the right foot!
