Bloody Mary Bar

Exceed any and all of your guest's brunch-time expectations with the ultimate Bloody Mary Bar. Not only will we be covering essential Bloody Mary bar items and how to set them up, but we'll also tackle how to make the creme de la creme of Bloody Marys. With years of mixology and bartending experience under my belt, I've taught professionals how to make the best Bloody Marys in town, and now I'm teaching you.

Savory, zesty, and the cocktail that screams, "Brunch," you can't beat a Bloody Mary bar and all its garnishes. This setup is make-ahead, customizable, and, best of all, easy!

It sits perfectly next to a mimosa bar to round out your brunch dreams.

BLOODY MARY INGREDIENTS

• Bloody Mary Mix | Using a store-bought Bloody Mary mix (like Zing Zang, Clamato, or Mr. & Mrs. T's) is a super easy way to save time and money. The mixes come equipped with spices like celery salt, lemon pepper, and garlic powder that plain tomato juice won't have.
• Vodka | Feel free to use regular vodka or pepper flavored if you prefer a little more spice, but the main thing is to go for a smooth, high-quality choice.
• Worcestershire Sauce | This one is essential for those complex and savory flavors we all want. The mistake most people make is not adding enough of it!
• Lemon and Lime Wedges | Fresh citrus juice balances out the more savory flavors with brighter, fresher notes.
• Hot Sauce | Just go for your favorite hot sauce. The whole purpose is to add some heat!
• Pepper | A pinch is all it takes to finish off the perfectly balanced flavors of this classic cocktail.

BLOODY MARY GARNISHES

Olives | The perfect way to add a bit of a briny touch.

Celery Stalks | This is a classic; it's a must-have in your lineup and the perfect way to add some crunch!

Tomato Juice | While I highly recommend using a pre-spiced Bloody Mary mix over straight tomato juice, this ingredient certainly wouldn't be out of place on a Bloody Mary bar.

Prepared Horseradish | Prepared horseradish is made with grated horseradish root, vinegar, and salt. It is perfect for adding a bit of a vinegary zing to your Bloody Marys and a touch of heat.

Creole Seasoning | For those who like it hot, an extra pinch of Tony C's or Cajun seasoning does the trick.

Pickle Spears | If you are unaware, pickle spears soaked in Bloody Mary juice are the most delicious!

Pickled Okra | Looking to keep your Bloody Mary bar extra Southern? Pickled okra it is.

Pickled Green Beans | Keeping along the lines of delicious and Southern things, pickled green beans also make for a yummy addition!

Pepperoncinis | These semi-spicy peppers add color and zing to your Bloody Mary bar. 

Bacon | Because who doesn't want a little protein with their cocktails? Roast some bacon in the oven, serve it as a garnish, and watch the crowd go wild.

Shrimp | Now we're really pulling out the big guns. Grab a package of cooked shrimp from the seafood aisle and serve it as a show-stopping garnish at your Bloody Mary bar. 

WHAT IS THE BEST ALCOHOL FOR A BLOODY MARY?

Vodka is the traditional alcohol used in the Bloody Mary cocktail. Tito's, Ketel One, Stolli, Effen, and Smirnoff are the most popular vodkas used. Still, you could also go with flavored vodka, like green chile, cucumber, or even bacon to elevate your experience.

DON'T LIKE VODKA?

Bloody Marias, anyone? If your peeps aren't vodka fans, a little tequila on the side might be just the ticket! If you're more of a gin fan, you could sub that in, and bam! You've got a Red Snapper. We have a lot of cocktail recipes you can choose from!

HOW TO MAKE A BLOODY MARY

1. Prep your glass | A seasoned rim on your Bloody Mary glass is optional; however, it sure does make the whole experience more fun and exciting! If you wish to season your 8-12-ounce glass before adding the mix, add Cajun seasoning or ⅓ cup of Kosher salt to a small plate. Then, take a lime wedge and moisten the rim of the glass all the way around. Place the rim directly into the seasoning and swirl until fully covered. Gently pat the bottom of the glass to shake off any excess seasoning before turning right side up. Ta-da! Fancy-rimmed glass!

2. Stir together ingredients | Fill your glass with ice and add 1-2 ounces of vodka, 3 big dashes of Worcestershire sauce, 1 dash of hot sauce, a squeeze of lemon, a squeeze of lime, and a pinch of black pepper. Then, fill the glass almost to the top with Bloody Mary mix (saving room for garnishes) and stir.

3. Garnish away! | Add your favorites, whether they range from simple to over the top. You can't go wrong!

BLOODY MARY BAR IDEAS

Your Bloody Mary bar can be as over the top or simple as you want. 

If you don't have a designated bar area in your home, you can create a station using a large board or serving dish as you would typically use for a charcuterie board. 

For a fancier feel, serve your Bloody Mary mix or tomato juice from a large pitcher. 

You may also find larger Mason jars particularly handy for housing tall items like celery and strips of bacon. Smaller jars are great for holding items like pickled green beans and pepperoncini, and small bowls also work great to house small items like shrimp, olives, horseradish, and such.

Now that you have your build-your-own-Bloody Mary bar ideas, you might consider adding our Mexican Shrimp Cocktail to your party menu!