The Boston area brunch scene is currently mourning the loss of one of the best Bloody Mary bars in town with closing of East Coast Grill, a Cambridge institution.

A fitting tribute would be to set out a savory spread of garnishes and invite guests to create their own morning cocktails.

Riding an over-the-top trend, Bloody Marys have taken on a mind of their own, as restaurants try to top one another’s pizazz. Oysters, hamburger sliders—Alaskan king crab? They’ve all appeared in the glass. At home, keep it classic with pickled vegetables, cubed cheeses and cured meats. You can gild the lily with a salt and spice rim, shrimp cocktail, or crispy bacon!

The key to a great Bloody Mary bar — besides a bevy of tasty toppings — is a killer bloody mix. There are off-the-shelf options, but your best bet for a fresh, spicy mix, is to make your own. Stir it up the evening before to allow flavors to meld in the fridge. Come morning, you’ll have the best piquant base for your eye-opener beverage, worthy of all the great garnishes that go with it.

Ingredients

  • 64 ounces Vegetable Juice
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoon shot sauce (Franks Red Hot and Tobasco Sauce are preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive brine
  • 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons freshly grated horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

Directions

  1. In a large pitcher or glass jar, add all ingredients and stir to incorporate.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for several hours, or overnight.

Tools and equipment needed

  • Pint glasses
  • Skewers or large toothpicks
  • Straws

Suggested garnishes

  • Sliced lemons and limes
  • Celery stalks
  • Green olives
  • Pepperoncinis
  • Pickled spicy green beans
  • Dill pickles or fresh cucumber spears
  • Cubed mozzarella
  • Salami or pepperoni
  • Cooked shrimp
  • Crispy bacon

To make your Bloody Mary Cocktail, fill a large pint glass or mason jar with ice. Add 2-3 ounces of vodka (or feel free to omit), then top with Bloody Mary mix. Garnish your drink with sliced lemon and lime, celery, pickled vegetables, cured meats, or cheese. Use your imagination! Add a straw, and enjoy.

With Bloody Mary's, don't feel like you need to procure a specialty or batch vodka; the truth is, you won't taste the difference. For a quality affordable vodka, consider Tito's, which is likely available at your neighborhood liquor store.

For a great selection of antipasto garnishes, check out Bob's Italian Foods in Medford or Monica's Mercato & Salumeria in the North End.