As a classic and mysterious drink, the Bloody Mary has become a quintessential brunch spirit (or hangover cure) for cocktail fans. The customizable nature of this staple is certainly appealing, especially during a fun celebration or family gathering, which is why creating a Bloody Mary bar for Father's Day is the perfect way to enjoy time with the dads in your life.
Bloody Mary History
Its murky past is pretty intriguing and often disputed, with many believing the drink originated during the Russian Revolution and Prohibition era when bartender Ferdinand "Pete" Petiot experimented with tomato and vodka while working at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. Fast forward to after Prohibition, the drink was introduced to New York at the famed St. Regis Hotel, often known as the "Red Snapper" on menus. Tweaking the cocktail with savory foods and seasonings, it soon was popularized in American. However, other theories believe the Blood Mary is dubbed after Queen Mary I's rule and her reign of England, representing the blood shed and her brutal means.
Toppings
The salty, spicy tang of a Bloody Mary lays a delicious foundation that can be expanded by an endless array of toppings. When creating your bar set up, make sure to have more than the basics for guests to enjoy.
Grilled peppers
Radish
Cherry tomatoes
Olives
Bacon
Horseradish
Pickles
Lemon or Lime
Celery
Shrimp
Setting up your bar
With so many ingredient options for a Bloody Mary, we used matching charcoal dishes to display each item in an organized yet stylish way. For the taller items such as celery and bacon, using a mason jar helps add elongated hight or levels to the bar set up.
We also find pouring the Bloody Mary mixture into a glass carafe gives an elegant look, instead of just keeping it in the bottle. Flowers are another way to spruce up the bar, making it feel extra festive.
