A Bloody Mary is a popular alcoholic cocktail typically made with vodka, tomato juice, and other savory ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and ice. While the base ingredients create the signature Bloody Mary flavor, the garnishes are what really make the drink visually appealing and add extra flavor notes with each sip. When considering what makes a good Bloody Mary garnish, you want ingredients that complement the cocktail’s savory umami taste, add pops of color, provide texture, and are fun to eat as you drink. Some classic garnish choices include celery stalks, olives, pickles, lemon and lime wedges, bacon, pepperoni, and cheese cubes. But the possibilities are endless when it comes to creative and customized garnish ideas for Bloody Marys.
What are some classic Bloody Mary garnish ideas?
Here are some of the most popular tried-and-true garnish options for Bloody Mary cocktails:
- Celery stalks – Celery adds a fresh, crisp crunch and balances the richness of the tomato juice.
- Green olives – Salty, briny olives pair perfectly with the savory spices.
- Dill pickles – Tart and tangy dill pickles complement the tomato flavor.
- Lemon and lime wedges – Bright citrus fruits cut through the thickness of the juice.
- Bacon – Smoky, salty bacon is a brunch favorite with Bloody Marys.
- Pepperoni – Spicy pepperoni adds a nice kick.
- Cheese cubes – Go for cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack or mozzarella.
These traditional garnishes adorn Bloody Marys at bars and restaurants everywhere. They cover a range of flavors from salty to citrusy to add interest with every sip. Celery, olives and pickles are classic choices that few Bloody Marys are served without. And who doesn’t love bacon or cheese with their cocktail?
What are some creative garnish ideas?
Once you have the classic garnishes covered, get creative with fun, unique ingredients! Just about anything goes when it comes to garnishing a Bloody Mary, so look around your fridge and pantry and let your imagination run wild. Here are some innovative garnish ideas to try:
- Mini cheeseburger slider – Top a small beef slider with cheese, ketchup, mustard and pickle.
- Mini taco – Make a bite-sized taco filled with meat, cheese and salsa.
- Grilled shrimp – Seasoned, grilled shrimp add a luxe touch.
- Pickle and olive skewers – Skewer assorted pickles, olives and cheese cubes.
- Mac and cheese bites – Make cheesy mac and cheese spoonfuls.
- Potato or tortilla chips – Crush chips on top for crunch.
- Fried mozzarella sticks – Bite into crispy, melted cheese.
- Stuffed mushroom caps – Fill large mushroom caps with a mixture like sausage and cream cheese.
- Deviled eggs – Halved, stuffed deviled eggs are a protein-packed garnish.
- Crispy fried okra – Crunchy, pickle-y fried okra pods.
- Cornichons – Mini French pickled gherkins.
- Pepperoni pizza roll – Mini rolled pizza with cheese and pepperoni.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless! The key is choosing items that are flavorful, easy to eat, add appealing textures and visually tie into the savory Bloody Mary concept. Edible skewers also help keep garnishes organized and make them easy to eat with one hand while holding your drink in the other.
What should you avoid when garnishing a Bloody Mary?
While you can get creative with garnishes, there are a few guidelines you’ll want to follow:
- Avoid garnishes that are difficult or messy to eat – You want to be able to easily eat your garnish without making a big mess. Avoid excessively saucy or juicy items or anything that requires extensive assembly like tacos with loose fillings.
- Skip sweet garnishes – Since Bloody Marys have a savory flavor profile, candies, cookies or sugary fruits like pineapples would clash.
- Don’t overcrowd the glass – While abundant garnishes look impressive, too many make the drink difficult to pick up and sip. Keep it reasonable so you don’t spill.
- Watch proportions – Size garnishes appropriately so they complement the drink instead of overwhelming it.
- Consider food allergies – If serving others, avoid common allergens like nuts, shellfish, eggs or dairy.
Following basic guidelines ensures your Bloody Mary garnishes enhance the drinking experience instead of detracting from it.
What are some quick, easy garnish ideas?
Want to garnish Bloody Marys without spending a ton of time assembling elaborate skewers? Here are some quicker and easier ideas:
- Olives
- Pickles
- Cheese cubes
- Salami or pepperoni slices
- Celery stalks
- Cherry tomatoes
- Lemon or lime wedges
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Sliced serrano peppers
- Pickled asparagus spears
- Peppadew peppers
All of these ingredients can simply be skewered or dropped right into the drink. Quick-pickling your own veggies like carrots, green beans or cauliflower is also an easy way to yield tasty garnishes with minimal effort.
Conclusion
Garnishes are what takes a Bloody Mary from basic to fabulous. Celery, olives, lemon wedges and pickles are standard garnishes, while creative options like sliders, shrimp and cheesy bites make for over-the-top presentations. Avoid messy or overly sweet garnishes and focus on ingredients that complement the cocktail’s savory flavor. With so many possibilities, let your imagination run wild dreaming up the perfect garnish for a show-stopping Bloody Mary!