What’s a Bloody Mary and Why Does it Need a Garnish?
You probably already know what a Bloody Mary is. At least, the general idea of it. Tomato juice, vodka, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt and really anything else you want to toss into it.
But where things get really fun is the garnish. People go all out with Bloody Mary garnishes. You can see anything from simple items like olives and celery stalks to bizarre add-ons like slider hamburgers!
Why do people do this? It’s supposed to be a drink, so why turn it into a meal? Well, for starters, tomato juice isn’t everyone’s favorite beverage on its own. Hence the vodka and hot sauce.
Second, come on now. Tomato juice is pretty much just a cold version of tomato soup anyway. Might as well add some tasty food to the equation and make the flavors explode!
Garnish, Garnish, Garnish
The most important thing with Bloody Marys is to have fun. It’s a lighthearted breakfast or brunch item, so no need to think too much about it.
Shove one celery stalk into the glass or stab a skewer into several garnishes and go nuts! Here are some of our favorite Bloody Mary garnish ideas.
Fresh or Pickled Veggies
Ah, the classic. The minimum you’ll see in even the most basic Bloody Mary is a celery stalk or a few olives. But you can also include cucumbers, carrots or any other veggies.
Why vegetables? Because they absorb salt and spice exceptionally well and are a great blank canvas food to accommodate the overall flavor profile.
Vegetables also complement the somewhat basic tomato soup flavor we mentioned earlier.
Fresh Fruits
Believe it or not, a little sweetness or tartness can really bring a refreshing counterpoint to the Bloody Mary. Especially citrus fruits like lemons and limes.
Think about it; have you ever had chili lime flavor? It’s divine. The same profile can be infused into a Bloody Mary when the hot sauce component mixes with the fruit garnish.
Meats
This is where things really turn into a party. Meat in a beverage? What madness! Fried or salty meats are the perfect addition to a rich, spicy Bloody Mary.
Popular options can include bacon, pepperoni, sausage, fried chicken, shrimp and even entire hamburgers. But there’s one type of meat that might be the ultimate Bloody Mary accompaniment…
Jerky, of Course!
Jerky and meat sticks have been a staple in the Bloody Mary for a long time – especially in communities where people go hunting and make their own homemade meat snacks! Have you ever had a Bloody Mary with a venison stick? Phenomenal.
But if you want a new twist on that mouthwatering experience, pork jerky can be a revelation. Specifically the sweet and savory taste of Korean Barbecue pork jerky or Korean Barbecue pork snack bites.
These snacks are fire-grilled and made with 100% pork. They’re seasoned and marinated with a combination of garlic, sesame, soy sauce and brown sugar that’ll add a striking twist to the classic Bloody Mary.
Cheese
And last but, certainly never least: cheese! The most common cheeses people go for include cheddar, Swiss and pepper jack for those who like to bring the heat.
But you don’t have to limit yourself. Venture out! Try something like brie, gouda or even bleu cheese. No matter what you choose, the creamy goodness of cheese is always welcome at the Bloody Mary table.
Choose Golden Island for a Better Bloody Mary
Planning on hosting a Bloody Mary bar during your next big gathering? Maybe you just like having them as part of your weekend ritual. Either way, try jolting your taste buds with something sweet and savory!
Golden Island has the perfect Bloody Mary companion with our Korean Barbecue Recipe meat snacks. Shop for our pork jerky and snack bites today and send your favorite Bloody Mary recipe in a new, exciting direction!
Golden Island Jerky does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
