Where's the Bloody Bar?

If you read the title of this one, you might think I've gone British. Everything sounds better in a British accent, right? "Where's the bloody bar?" could be interpreted as a plea to be directed to the nearest pub while in the UK.

On the contrary, I'm channeling you breakfast boozers to bring you the "how-to" on hosting a Bloody Mary Bar at your next brunch.

Bloody Mary's are popular with the Sunday brunch crowd, as many find the combination of vodka, spicy juice and pickled garnishes the "hair of the dog" needed to get through the morning. Others just think they're tasty. Regardless of your reason, it's easy to offer your guests a do-it-yourself Bloody Bar that allows everyone to have it as they please.

Setting up your Bloody Bar requires a few key ingredients.

A spicy Mary? Tasty. A salty Mary? Yum.
A virgin Mary? Nah. There's nothing virgin about me after a couple Bloody Mary's. 

THE SAUCE
Tomato juice is the base of a Bloody Mary, but standard tomato juice doesn't cut it. There are many varieties of pre-made Bloody Mary mixes to try, each with their own jazzed-up flavors & spices. Two of my favorites are Simply Stirrings (found in most liquor stores and grocery stores that sell liquor) and McClure's (found online and in high-end specialty grocers).

Regardless of what mix you use, you should also have some Tabasco sauce on hand for guests to adjust the Bloody to their desired spice level. Hey - some like it hot.

THE SPIRITS
Vodka, brand of your choice.

THE "SNACKS"
I consider "snacks" all of the fun garnishes you can add to a Bloody Mary. Celery stalks are a must. If your guests like it salty, serve up olives, gherkin pickles and pearl onions, all found in the same aisle of the grocery store. For a heartier cocktail, add pepperoni and cheese cubes. All of the aforementioned accoutrements should be stuck on toothpicks or threaded on small wooden skewers for a little extra panache. 

Put out plenty of lime wedges, glasses and ice, and let the brunch boozing begin.

You say tomato, I say to-mah-to...
eh, who cares? Let's get drunk on Bloody Mary's.

Cheers!