Bloody Mary’s are a tradition in my family, a staple at all our get togethers. I remember Sunday Brunch’s with various pitchers of fresh homemade mix on my Grandparents kitchen counter. My Aunts & Uncles pouring a tall glass and adding dashes of this, splashes of that, a few of these then stirring it all together with a tall stick of celery.
When I was able to move from the “virgin” version to a true “adult” version I began to learn that Bloodies vary not only family to family but geographically as well, with each person in need of a different sauce, powder or vegetable to complete it. And so the beauty of the Bloody Mary Bar is born. Each guest has the opportunity to select what they like, leave out what they don’t and perhaps try something new.
Setting up the perfect display takes a little planning and preparation but once set up the work is done. For tailgating I recommend using various sized tubs that can be filled with ice. Keeping everything in one place, cold and making for easy clean up once the game begins. Labels on bottles & vessels not only look great but come in handy to help friends mix as they wish and doesn’t require you to stand guard answering questions about what each element may be {unless you want to of course}. They can easily be made on your computer or purchased in various remade themes.
The below are my favorite items to choose from but feel free to add to you and your guests preference. Be sure to provide additional clean ice, glasses, straws, small wooden stirring spoons, and cocktail napkins.
THE BASICS
* V-8 Juice {it’s a standard and still delicious}
* Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix {there are many but I have found this is my favorite when mixed with V-8}
* Vodka {Everyone has their favorite…recently came upon 360 which claims to be eco-friendly..}
THE ADD-ONS
- Lea & Perrins Original Worcestershire Sauce
- Intensity Academy Carrot Karma {An all natural carrot based hot sauce. You will never go back}
- Horseradish {buy a local brand for freshness}
- Cleaned halved Celery Stalks
- Green Onions {ends removed}
- Hearts of Palm {sliced in quarters}
- Cornichons / Gherkins {I prefer Maille brand}
- Spanish Olives
- Lemons Slices
- Lime Wedges {I like the lemons and limes in different shapes for contrast}
- Celery Seed
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Pepper Mill for Fresh Cracked Pepper
Most of All ENJOY!!
Be sure to visit the other fantastic members of Sunday Supper as we share our favorite tailgate recipes and tips.
The Lineup
Pre Game Warm-ups:
- Sausage Balls by My Catholic Kitchen
- Edamame Hummus by Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Slow Cooker Rueben Dip by The Meltaways
- Buffalo Wing Hummus by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Smokey Guacamole with Bacon by Family Spice
- Pepperoni & Mozzarella Pull Apart by In the Kitchen with KP
- Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Wings by Juanita’s Cocina
- Candied Pecans by From Fast Food to Fresh Food
- Crispy Coconut Chicken Strips with Sweet Chili Sauce by Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
- Swabian Mini Meatballs (Schwaebische Mini Fleischkuechle) by Galactosemia in PDX
- Joe Montana’s Touchdown Guacamole by Noshing with the Nolands
- Cheddar Cheese Jalapeno Bites by Mama.Mommy.Mom.
- Hot & Spicy Popcorn Chicken by My Trials in the Kitchen
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers by Real Best Recipe
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites by Family Foodie
- Soft Pretzels with Spicy Beer Cheese Sauce by girlichef
- Indian Spiced Chicken Meatballs by Soni’s Food for Thought
- Game Day Loaded Nachos by The Messy Baker
- Buffalo Chicken Dip by Home Cooking Memories
- Southwestern Spring Rolls by Supper for a Steal
- Pepperoni Pizza Puffs by Comfy Cuisine
- Roasted Garlic Bacon Dip with Easy Homemade Tortilla Chips by Daily Dish Recipes
- Beer Battered Spiced Sweet Potato Lentil Fritters by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
On the Sidelines:
- Anne’s Best Potato Salad with Bacon and Peas by Webicurean
- Papa’s Potato Salad & Baked Beans by Kwistin’s Favorites
- Simple Roasted Purple Potatoes by Ruffles and Truffles
- Spicy BBQ Baked Beans by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
Main Events:
- Gluten Free Breakfast Sandwich by Cooking Underwriter
- Pollo Adobado con Papas (Adobo Chicken with Potatoes) by La Cocina de Leslie
- Poor Man’s Burrito by Shockingly Delicious
- Ham and Mushroom Handpies by Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Individual Muffuletta Sandwiches by Magnolia Days
- Far East Steak Salad by Diabetic Foodie
- Italian Sloppy Joes by The Weekend Gourmet
- Hot Chicken Chili by Momma’s Meals
- Biscuit Sloppy Joes by Sustainable Dad
- Hawaiian Chicken Wraps by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Grandpa Sal’s Sausage and Peppers by Daddy Knows Less
- Fancy Filet Chili by I Run for Wine
- Homemade Italian Sausage by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
- Jalapeno Crockpot Chili by Mama’s Blissful Bites
- Flavorful Fall Marinade by Midlife Road Trip
- Moose Chili by Mrs. Mama Hen
Overtime:
- Peanut Butter-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies by Chocolate Moosey
- Streusel Topped Pumpkin Bread by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Zucchini Cupcakes by In the Kitchen with Audrey
- Oven-Baked Churros by Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Swirl Nutella Cupcakes by Basic N Delicious
- Peanut Butter and Pretzel Truffles by Gotta Get Baked
From the Cooler:
- Sparkling Tropical Lemonade by Dinners. Dishes, and Desserts
- Strawberry Horchata by Damn Delicious
- Bloody Mary Gazpacho by 30AEats
- MVP Bloody Mary Bar by An Appealing Plan
Wine Pairings by Wine Everyday
Omg this is awesome! Been a fan of Bloody Marys for a long time. You should try that one called LAVA (www.lavabmm.com). It’s the best bloody mary mix, I think, since it tastes really good, not to mention, it uses whole non-gmo San Marzano tomatoes and is gluten free. =)
Thank you Jamie! Always love a good short cut!
This is perfection! I will copying this at my girls beach trip this weekend! Thanks! Please link this up to my link party…Stylish Friday Finds! It goes live Thursdays at 8pm. Love to see you there!
Karen
Thank you Karen! I will be there. Enjoy your girls beach weekend and the bloody’s.
I love love love the bloody mary–it’s like having a salad in a drink! and your pix make it look really appetizing!
Thank you Anne. It IS like a snack and a drink in one. Thanks for stopping in.
Krayl, I have been looking forward to this Bloody Mary bar since you gave us a sneak peek on Facebook. They look so good, and I love the way you set the bar up. I gotta tell you, I would have had to taste test them early, too. Happy #SS! Pinned.
Love it! Bloody Mary Blitz 🙂 Sounds delightful!
What a fun and creative way of serving Bloody Mary’s at an event!
OMG I never realized there were so many variations of blody mary’s thanks for sharing.
Seems everyone has their own favorite addition. I am open to try them all!
I am SOOO coming over to your place next game! WOW!
I have to confess I have never tried a bloody mary but I am intrigued to give it a try
really? where did you grow up?
I am a big fan of Bloody Mary Bars! They are a huge hit in the South! We always have Bloody Mary’s on game days! It is the perfect combination! Great minds think alike, as I had the 30AEATS.com Bloody Mary Gazpacho! See you at #SundaySupper!
I saw yours…alittle jealous for sure. I will be adding your to my buffett next time!
Mmm pass me a bloody mary please 🙂
I love Bloody Mary’s – it looks so good!