DIY Moonshine Bloody Mary Bar
As living, breathing card-carrying gay men, we have a pretty surreal appreciation for brunch. To some, brunch may seem to be just a really late breakfast on a weekend, but to those in the know, brunch is a time when the family (figuratively and sometimes literally) comes together to let loose, enjoy each other’s company, and, usually, to responsibly drink large quantities of delicious cocktails. Brunch is basically gay Thanksgiving, but minus the horrible history and also it can happen every single week. #Blessed
One of the staples of brunch is the Blood Mary. This cocktail, when done well, is basically a meal in a glass. It combines tomato juice, spicy spices, vegetables, tons of toppings, and usually vodka (and sometimes tequila). We’re giving this classic a spin with moonshine from our partners for this post, Belle Isle Moonshine.
Belle Isle Moonshine is made from 100% organic corn, and tastes like a vodka with character. It can be used in a similar fashion to any clear spirit, and some of their infusions can be used to make some pretty fantastic creations (looking at you, Cold Brew Coffee infusion!). We’re using their classic Black Label moonshine to create a standard Bloody Mary, and also their Honey Habanero moonshine to create our spin on a Bloody Maria, which is just a Bloody Mary made with tequila.
The process behind this Bloody Mary bar is so so simple. We’re just making the mix by combining a few vegetables and tomato juice, and serving it alongside the moonshine for guests to add themselves. Of course, there’s also a ton of toppings to choose from, which is really the best part of making a Bloody Mary. Below you’ll find your shopping list for this DIY Bloody Mary bar, which can be put together in about 45 minutes and will cost you roughly $50, while providing 6 folks with about 2 Bloody Marys each. This recipe can be doubled or tripled as necessary. We will expect an invitation.
DIY Bloody Mary Bar
Takes 45 minutes & serves 6 & costs about $50
Bloody Mary Mix
1/2 white onion, chopped
1 jalapeño, deseeded and chopped (add another if ya want it spicy!)
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
Juice of 4 limes
Juice of 2 lemons
2 tablespoons pickle juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons hot sauce of choice, optional
Salt & fresh cracked black pepper to taste
2 quarts tomato juice
Liquor
Belle Isle Black Label Moonshine (this one will act similar to vodka for a classic Bloody Mary)
Belle Isle Honey Habanero Moonshine (this option gives you something a little spicy and sweet, it’s so good!)
Add-ins
Sharp cheddar cheese cubes
Mozzarella cheese cubes
10-12 strips bacon, cooked according to package instructions
Green olives
Fresh veggies, such as celery stalks and cherry tomatoes
Pickled vegetables (we went with okra, cornichon, and garlic!)
Lemon and lime wedges
Hot sauces
Skewers for guests to make their own garnish
In a blender, pulse the onion, jalapeño, celery, garlic, horseradish, lemon and lime juice, pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce until smooth. Transfer to your serving container or pitcher, add the tomato juice and salt and pepper and stir or whisk to combine.
Place on your serving counter or bar cart alongside your moonshine options and a jigger. Arrange your add-ins, and enjoy! Guests can make their Bloody Marys as strong or as weak as they’d like, but our recommendation is 1.5 oz of moonshine per 6 oz of Bloody Mary mix.
xoxo Beau & Matt
This post is sponsored by Belle Isle Moonshine. Thank you for supporting the companies that keep Probably This alive and running! As always, all opinions are our own.