Build Your Own Bloody Mary Board

This post contains collections of products that I personally recommend (it may contain affiliate links).

In my opinion, you can’t have boozy brunch without a good Bloody Mary. Mimosas are great too, but who doesn’t love a drink that basically comes with an entire appetizer as a garnish? Next time you have a brunch bash or a fun luncheon, set up this BYO bloody mary bar–go wild and see just how much your guests can load up on their cocktail sticks. And who can resist teeny tiny bottles of Tabasco? They also make great little party favors. Pro tip: Use metal cocktail sticks skewers so folks can really load up on goodies–they’re a lot sturdier than the wooden ones.

Serve this bloody brunch alongside my Bagel Brunch Board, Waffle Brunch Board, Quesadilla Boards, Roasted Grape Crostini, or switch out the bloody mary’s for a Bridgerton-Inspired Tea Party Board. Bloody marys aren’t your cup of…tea? Try my Whisky Sour Recipe, Spiked Hot Chocolate Board, Healthy Kombucha Mocktails, or Easy Margaritas.

Bloody Mary Ingredients

Cheese

• Sharp cheddar, cubed

• Pepper jack, cubed

Protein

• Maple Glazed Wavy Bacon (see recipe below)

• Steamed shrimp

Produce

• Lemons, wedged

• Celery, bottoms removed

• Limes, wedged

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Carrots, halved

Accoutrements

• Cornichons

• Giardiniera (pickled vegetables)

• Pepperoncini, whole

• Pimento-stuffed green olives

• Marinated artichokes

• Peppadews

Seasonings

• Chili flakes

• Everything But the Bagel Seasoning (find at Trader Joe’s)

• Coarse sea salt

• Tajín Seasoning

• Your favorite hot sauce (Tabasco is my go-to)

Off The Board

• Your favorite bloody mary mix

How to Make a Bloody Mary Bar

• Place the Maple Glazed Wavy Bacon on a small plate and add the shrimp to a bowl. Place in the center of the board to anchor it. Then add the olives, artichokes, giardiniera, cornichons, chili flakes, EBS, salt, and Tajín to small bowls and add to the board. 

• Add the produce to the board being sure to separate similar colors, and keep the larger items, like the carrots and celery, around the edge of the board.

• Place the cheese on the outside of the board and add the mini Tabascos to the board or leave the hot sauce on the side.

• Serve the mix in a large pitcher, et voila!

Note: if you want to use the Tajín, salt, and/or EBS to rim the bloody mary glasses, put them on small flat plates instead! To rim, use a lime wedge to wet the rim of the glass then coat the rim in your preferred seasoning.

How to Make Maple Glazed Wavy Bacon

Heat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil that measures 1½ times the length of the tray, then pinch ½-inch folds about every inch until the tray is fully lined. Lay out the bacon (from a 10-ounce pack) across the folds, creating waves and being careful not to overlap the pieces. Brush each piece with maple syrup (about 2 tablespoons total) then sprinkle with ground black pepper. Bake for 10 minutes then turn the tray and bake another 5 to 10 minutes, or to desired doneness.

Other Bloody Mary Garnish Ideas

If none (or some) of the classic toppings tickle your fancy, try some of these crazy bloody mary toppings:

• Sliders

• Hard boiled or deviled eggs

• Meatballs or sausage

• Potato wedges

• Pizza

• Pickled onions

• Chicken wings

• Shishito peppers

• Fried mac and cheese balls

• Soft pretzels

• Onion rings

See how much you can fit on your fancy cocktail pick or opt for a bigger skewer like these.

Show Me Your Boards

I hope this post inspires you to create delicious brunch cocktails. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful spreads and snacks you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share! 

And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.

Find this recipe in The Cheese Board Deck, available now!

Photos by my friends at Salt Worth Creative, who also shot The Cheese Board Deck.