How to Put Together a Bloody Mary Bar

The Bloody Mary is a classic drink that has been around for almost 100 years. It is a popular brunch cocktail whose origins can be traced back to the early 1920s. The cocktail is known for its spicy kick and unique flavor profile, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. In this blog post, we will dive into the history of the Bloody Mary and share how to put together a bloody mary bar with the best garnishes.

History of the Bloody Mary

The origins of the Bloody Mary cocktail are a bit murky, with multiple claims of its creation. One story claims that it was invented in Paris in the 1920s by a bartender named Fernand Petiot. He mixed tomato juice, vodka, and a few other secret ingredients to create a cocktail named the “Bucket of Blood.” When Petiot moved to the United States and started working at the St. Regis Hotel in New York, he tweaked the recipe and renamed it the Bloody Mary.

Another story attributes the invention of the Bloody Mary to a comedian named George Jessel. Jessel claimed that he created the cocktail in the 1930s when he was hungover and looking for a cure. He mixed tomato juice, vodka, and other spices to create a cocktail that he claimed cured his hangover.

Regardless of its origins, the Bloody Mary has become a staple in cocktails, and it continues to be a popular choice for brunch and daytime drinking.

Garnishes for the Bloody Mary

One of the most appealing aspects of the Bloody Mary is the opportunity to get creative with the garnishes. The classic Bloody Mary usually includes a celery stalk and a wedge of lemon or lime, but there are endless possibilities for garnishing this cocktail. Here are some of the best garnishes for the Bloody Mary:

1. Pickles – Dill pickles are a popular garnish for the Bloody Mary, adding a tangy and salty flavor to the cocktail.
2. Bacon – Bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the Bloody Mary, making it a popular garnish for meat lovers.
3. Shrimp – Adding cooked shrimp to the Bloody Mary gives it a seafood twist and is a great option for those who love seafood.
4. Olives – Olives add a salty and briny flavor to the Bloody Mary, and are a classic garnish for this cocktail.
5. Cheese – Adding a small cube of cheese to the Bloody Mary can add a creamy and tangy flavor, making it a unique garnish.
6. Jalapeño – Adding a slice of jalapeño to the Bloody Mary can give extra heat for those who like spicy cocktails.
7. Cucumber – Adding a slice of cucumber to the Bloody Mary gives it a refreshing and crisp flavor, making it a great option for summer brunches.

Conclusion

The Bloody Mary cocktail has a rich history and is popular for brunch and daytime drinking. Its unique flavor profile and the ability to get creative with garnishes make it a fun cocktail to experiment with. Whether you prefer classic garnishes like celery and lemon or more unique options like bacon or cheese, there are endless possibilities for garnishing this iconic cocktail.

Bloody Mary Board / Bar

Yield: 5-6
Prep Time: 20 min
Total Time: 20 min

Ingredients:

1 bottle of Vodka
32 oz Bloody Mary Mix
10-12 cooked Shrimp with tails on
5-6 Surimi Snow Crab Legs
5-6 cooked Bacon slices
6-7 Celery
2 Limes, sliced
2 Lemons, sliced
¼ cup Cocktail Onion
¼ cup Olives
½ cup Baby Tomatoes
6-7 Green Onions stalks
Handful Cilantro
Handful Dill
3 Cucumbers. Sliced
3 Jalapenos. Sliced
2 cups sweet Peppers
½ cup Mild sweet cherry peppers
¼ cup Pepperchinis
1 bottle of Tabasco

Instructions

Prepare all of your vegetables and fruit and set them aside.
Fill a bottle with the bloody mary mix and set it aside.
Fill your ramekins with a cocktail of onions, olives, and pepperoncini.
Place the filled ramekins on the board.
Now add the celery, green onions, cherry peppers, cucumbers, baby tomatoes, sweet peppers,
lemons and limes to the board.
Place the shrimp, crab, and bacon on the board next.
Fill in the holes on the board with the fresh dill and cilantro.
Serve and Enjoy

Yield: 5-6

Bloody Mary Board / Bar

Print

Prep Time 20 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of Vodka
3
• 2 oz Bloody Mary Mix

• 10-12 cooked Shrimp with tails on

• 5-6 Surimi Snow Crab Legs

• 5-6 cooked Bacon slices

• 6-7 Celery
2 Limes, sliced

• 2 Lemons, sliced

• ¼ cup Cocktail Onion

• ¼ cup Olives

• ½ cup Baby Tomatoes

• 6-7 Green Onions stalks

• Handful Cilantro

• Handful Dill

• 3 Cucumbers. Sliced

• 3 Jalapenos. Sliced

• 2 cups sweet Peppers

• ½ cup Mild sweet cherry peppers
• ¼ cup Pepperchinis

• 1 bottle of Tabasco

Instructions

1. Prepare all of your vegetables and fruit and set them aside.
2. Fill a bottle with the bloody mary mix and set it aside.
3. Fill your ramekins with a cocktail of onions, olives, and pepperoncini.
4. Place the filled ramekins on the board.
5. Now add the celery, green onions, cherry peppers, cucumbers, baby tomatoes, sweet peppers,
   lemons and limes to the board.
6. Place the shrimp, crab, and bacon on the board next.
7. Fill in the holes on the board with the fresh dill and cilantro.
8. Serve and Enjoy