Bloody Mary Bar

For your next party, be it an evening get-together or brunch, you can have a cooler full of beer and a countertop with a few liquors and mixers, and that’s OK. But to really break the ice and get guests to start mixing (in more ways than one), why not lay out a Bloody Mary bar with all the fixings? Even your non-drinking guests can build creative beverages. Here’s how it’s done:

Prepare the Base

Set out pitchers with tomato or V8 juice. Put little or no seasoning in this; your visitors will spice up their own. Perhaps have one pitcher with Clamato. For a special touch, freeze some tomato juice ice cubes.

Set Out the Booze

Plain vodka is fine, but how about flavored for those who want it? Cucumber, pepper and dill are good choices. For a kicky variation, offer tequila.

Sauces and Spices

Almost everyone uses salt, pepper, Tabasco and Worcestershire, but why stop there? Set up a caddy or carousel with all the choices: sriracha, barbecue sauce, teriyaki, salsa, cayenne, horseradish, wasabi, smoked paprika, celery salt, curry powder, caraway, cumin and anything else that strikes your fancy. Each of these will tempt at least one of your visitors. Don’t forget lemon and lime slices, garlic cloves and chunks of ginger.

To Pickle or Not To Pickle: The Vegetables

In addition to dill and sweet cucumber pickles, offer cocktail onions and pickled garlic and jalapenos, as well as pickled okra, asparagus, and green beans. Multiple olive selections are always appreciated. Unpickled choices include celery, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Set small plates near the vegetables (along with snacks such as mixed nuts and pretzels) so folks will feel free to take veggies even if they don’t put them in their drinks.

Meats and Cheeses

Cube hard cheeses and cut meats and sausages into chunks. Provide bamboo skewers so guests can build their own “loaded swizzle sticks.” Offer jerky, bacon, and shrimp.

How about a competition for the tastiest Bloody or most original skewer? And in the competition for top Dallas, Texas, apartments, it’s hard to beat South Side Flats. Check the website or call 833-280-0099 to discover how exciting living next door to downtown Dallas can be.