Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar

Start with a high quality base. The better your tomato juice, the tastier your Bloody (and the same goes for your vodka). I love these options from Stonewall Kitchen, they come in simple flavors like their standard Bloody Mary mixer and more flavorful options like their cucumber dill and Peppadew and Sriracha.

Add your spices to customize the flavor, sprinkle in garlic, horseradish, hot sauce, salt, pepper and celery salt (a great secret ingredient). Mix it up and adjust your seasonings to taste.

Put a celery stick in your glass and a wedge of lemon or lime. It adds just the perfect hint of citrus to the tomato juice. Plus the celery will help you stir it as you drink, keeping the ingredients from all settling to the bottom.

Build a stellar skewer with all of your favorites. Some additions you’ll want to have on hand? Shrimp, olives, pickles, pickled peppers, pickled onions—anything you think guests will love. I’ve been to some restaurants where they stick on mini sliders. It helps to have two sizes of skewers on hand, large and small, just in case people want to get really creative. Don’t forget to leave out slices of cooked bacon as an option too.

Having a St. Patty’s Day get together? This is the perfect addition and might just come in handy for recovery the day after. What are your favorite Blood Mary recipes? Let us know in the comments.