Bloody brilliant: Building the ultimate Bloody Mary bar

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Calling all Bloody Mary enthusiasts! If you’re a fan of the classic brunch cocktail and want to take your gatherings to the next level, look no further than this guide. Create the ultimate Bloody Mary bar for your party, complete with a few types of booze, tantalizing toppings, secret spice blends and everything else you need to craft the perfect libation to kick-start your weekends.

A bloody mary with a celery garnish sits on a countertop.
Bloody Mary. Photo credit: Pexels.

Classic Bloody Mary

Bacon, celery, cheese, pickles, tomato, celery, asparagus and shrimp garnishes on a classic Bloody Mary.
Classic Bloody Mary. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Let’s start with the classic. You’ll need vodka, Bloody Mary mix and a bunch of toppings to make a good old Bloody Mary. These savory cocktails are always a winner, ideally with lots of garnishes on top! You can customize this recipe with other types of alcohol, like rum, gin, tequila and whiskey.
Get the Recipe: Classic Bloody Mary

Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

a closeup of blue cheese inside of green olives smothered in olive oil and surrounded by fresh rosemary on a blue plate.
Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives. Photo credit: Feast + West.

If you love olives AND blue cheese, this one’s for you unicorns: Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives are an easy appetizer and can also be a delicious cocktail garnish for martinis and Bloody Marys. Fill green olives with a mixture of creamy, sharp blue cheese and add them to cheese boards or cocktails — or both.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

Homemade Bloody Mary Mix

A closeup of a garnish on a Bloody Mary made with homemade Bloody Mary mix
Classic Bloody Mary. Photo credit: Feast + West.

If you’re in search of the best Bloody Mary Mix, look no further than this delicious homemade version. It’s perfectly balanced with a hint of spice and lemon.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bloody Mary Mix

New Orleans Bloody Mary

shrimp, celery and asparagus garnish a new orleans Bloody Mary.
New Orleans Bloody Mary. Photo credit: Feast + West.

This Bloody Mary has a Louisiana twist. Garnish it with shrimp, crawfish, fried oysters or crab hushpuppies for a Cajun seafood twist on the classic brunch drink.
Get the Recipe: New Orleans Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary Salt

Bloody Mary salt on a black plate.
Bloody Mary Salt. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Put this flavored salt on your Bloody Mary to rim glasses and give your cocktails extra flavor! You can also put it on chicken or seafood to give it a kick.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Salt

Michelada

beer bottles, rim salt and hot sauce with a michelada cocktail.
Michelada. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Savory and salt, the Michelada is a delicious cocktail starring Mexican beer. Essentially a Bloody Mary made with lager beer, the Michelada is a drink you don’t want to miss.
Get the Recipe: Michelada

Caprese Salad Skewers

caprese skewers on a silver tray.
Caprese Salad Skewers. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Caprese skewers are a fun appetizer, but they double as a gorgeous garnish for Bloody Marys. Skewer them ahead of time for guests to grab and add to their drinks.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers

Jalapeño Tequila

a jar of tequila infusing with jalapeño slices.
Jalapeño Tequila. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Spice things up with this homemade, spicy Jalapeño-Infused Tequila. This recipe is a concoction with a kick and it adds tons of flavor to a Bloody Maria. Made with fresh jalapeño peppers, this spirit — your choice of tequila or mezcal — will bring all the heat.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Tequila

Bloody Derby

closeup of garnishes on a Bloody Mary.
Bloody Derby. Photo credit: Feast + West.

The lovely Bloody Derby, which is essentially a Bloody Mary with whiskey, is worth trying. The salty flavors of the bacon and tomato juice balance out the sweetness of bourbon.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Derby

Fried Pickles

Fried pickles with dip.
Fried Pickles. Photo credit: Feast + West

Homemade fried pickles are easy to make and they make a great Bloody Mary garnish. The breading on these pickles is so tasty and crispy. Bonus: You can serve them with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for a great snack or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pickles

Virgin Bloody Mary

garnishes on a virgin Bloody Mary.
Virgin Bloody Mary. Photo credit: Feast + West.

You will be surprised at how mouthwatering a Virgin Bloody Mary is! Even without alcohol, the classic brunch cocktail really shines.
Get the Recipe: Virgin Bloody Mary

Popcorn Shrimp

Popcorn shrimp.
Popcorn shrimp. Photo credit: Feast and West

Homemade popcorn shrimp is the ultimate Bloody Mary garnish. Crispy and salty, these will take your tomato drinks to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Shrimp

Japanese Inspired Bloody Mary

Top view of a bloody mary with celery and pickled ginger and sushi in the background.
Japanese Inspired Bloody Mary. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Hold on to your taste buds because this Japanese Inspired Bloody Mary is a fusion delight! The classic zing of a Bloody Mary gets an umami punch with the addition of sake and pickled ginger, turning this brunch staple into an adventurous flavor journey. It’s the perfect drink when you’re craving something bold and exciting; the balance of spicy, tangy, and savory is simply impeccable.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Inspired Bloody Mary

Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked jalapeno poppers on a platter.
Smoked Pork Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers. Photo Credit: Cook What You Love

Make an epic Bloody Mary and garnish it with one of these spicy, smoky, meaty poppers!
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Turkey Burger Sliders

Closeup shot of turkey burger sliders on a white platter.
Turkey Burger Sliders. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Want an over-the-top Bloody Mary? With juicy turkey patties, crisp buns, and all your favorite toppings, this easy turkey burger slider recipe takes your favorite turkey burgers and makes them bite-sized, perfect for skewering and adding to your Bloody Mary.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders

Bacon Wrapped Pickles

Bacon wrapped pickles with spicy mayo on a platter.
Bacon Wrapped Pickles. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Your favorite dill pickle spears and wrapped in bacon and air fried to perfect crispy dill pickle appetizers. Or use them to top drinks like Bloody Marys! There’s no wrong way to enjoy them.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pickles

Bloody Mary Shrimp

Bloody mary shrimp on a white plate with a lemon wedge.
Bloody Mary Shrimp. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Bloody Mary Shrimp recipe takes the flavors from your favorite cocktail and turns it into a delicious weeknight dinner! But you can also use them as a delicious and flavorful cocktail garnish.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Shrimp

Mixed Pickles

Mixed pickles in a glass jar.
Mixed Pickles. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These quick mixed pickles take any vegetable that you have on hand and turn them into bright, acidic, slightly sweet pickles in just a few minutes! They’re the perfect garnish for a Bloody Mary.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Pickles

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

A plate of bacon wrapped mini peppers.
Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers are stuffed with cream cheese that’s been mixed together with Everything Bagel seasoning. If you like jalapeño poppers, you’ll love these! Prepped and baked in under 1 hour, this easy Bloody Mary garnish features the perfect combination of flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Every Bloody Mary Garnish

An array of the best Bloody Mary garnishes on a white tabletop.
Bloody Mary Garnishes. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Want more garnish ideas for your ultimate Bloody Mary bar? Check out these creative ideas that will wow everyone at your party.
Get the List: Bloody Mary Garnishes

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