Have Bloody Mary Bar, Will Travel

Recently I attended a meet-up with a group of Los Angeles based food bloggers.  We were getting together to talk shop about our business: cooking, eating, drinking, and telling the world all about it.

The meeting was “catered” pot-luck style so there were plenty of great dishes to be found at this brunch-time gathering.

Unfortunately I didn’t have time to grill something for my peers before the event so I was at a loss for what to bring.  Knowing that all kinds of foods from savory to sweet would be present, I decided to bring a beverage.  At the same time, I didn’t want to bring a case of sodas or some old bottle of wine.

The always quick thinking Nicole of Skinny People Do suggested I put together a Bloody Mary bar.  I was immediately taken by the idea.  Not only would it have a visual appeal and fulfill a purpose — we gotta drink, right? — it would also be fun for everyone to mix up a classy drink just the way they liked it.

After a bit of research and a quick run to the grocery store, my Bloody Mary bar was packed and ready to go.  Here’s what I took along:

• 1.75 Liters of Vodka, stored in the freezer the night before the event
• 2 bottles of Major Peters Bloody Mary Mix, one regular and one spicy
• Celery
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce
• Soy Sauce
• Horseradish
• Olives
• Capers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Lemons and Limes
• Bamboo skewers (for the olives, tomatoes, and citrus and for stirring)
• Cups
• A small bag of ice
• A serving tray to display the bar

Everything fit nicely into a rolling cooler for easy transportation.  Setting up the bar was also a breeze since all I had to do was set out the bottles and cups.

I had no problem getting everyone to start mixing up their own custom made Bloody Mary!

I have to give a shout out to Patti from Worth the Whisk for hosting the meet up and for mentioning me on her blog.  Thanks, Patti!