A Make-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar

With Sunday brunches filling our calendars throughout the year, we turned to terrain culinary guru Susan S. for a creative take on a classic cocktail. On a sunny morning at Styer's, Susan set up the Bloody Mary bar shown above, fully stocked with all the makings to toast the season. This DIY drink station makes it easy to host a larger gathering, and offers a conversation-starting space for guests to gather and get creative. We started with zesty Bloody Mary Mix and herb-infused pickles from The Real Dill, then had a great time mixing and matching our Bloody Mary garnishes. Read on for Susan's tips, her favorite recipe, and a few more combinations we love. Cheers!

Make-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar
Mixers: Real Dill Bloody Mary Mix, vodka, ice
Veggies: Caraway Garlic Dill Pickles, Habanero Horseradish Dill Pickles, blanched asparagus, celery, carrot sticks, bell peppers, cucumbers, radishes, scallions, cherry tomatoes
Garnishes: bacon, shrimp, Genoa salami, mozzarella balls, lemon & lime wedges, pretzel sticks, cocktail onions, olives, fresh herbs
Extras: wooden skewers, straws, glasses or jars

Susan says, "When you're preparing your Bloody Mary bar, be creative with the setup as well as the ingredients. If you have some pretty planters or trays in the garden shed, clean them and line them with a fresh cloth, then use them to display your herbs and mixers. I also used a row of Weck jars at the back of the board to show off some of the colorful vegetables. There are endless combinations, but here are some of my favorites!"

Susan's Best Bloody Mary: shrimp, bacon, asparagus, scallion, fresh dill & lots of lime
Shrimp Caprese: tomato, mozzarella, shrimp, basil, asparagus & lime
Garden Fresh: celery, cucumber, radish, bell pepper, olives, bacon & basil
In a Pickle: Caraway Dill pickle, cherry tomato, shrimp, bell pepper & thyme