I'm getting ready for Sunday's tweet-up brunch, and I'm making my ingredient list for the bloody mary bar. Now hear this:

I make a mean bloody mary.

You should see me stir, blend, and concoct with the best of 'em. In fact, the pursuit of a better bloody once resulted in a broken foot for me. True story.

Anyhoo, it occurred to me that I make the same list over and over again (always forgetting things), so I thought I'd throw it on here to share. Here's the things I always try to have on hand:

The Base
Good vodka (I prefer Absolut, & Absolut Peppar is *great* for this.)
Tomato Juice (I prefer V8. Spicy.)
You'll catch on quickly that I like mine spicy spicy.

Garnishes / eats
Celery, always. For the drama.
Olives (Mine are jalapeno stuffed)
Pickles
Limes
Jalapenos
Some people think bloody mary's are a breakfast drink.
I think it's *lunch*. Garnish me up, baby!

To Coat the Rim
Lemon or Lime Juice
Season salt
Sea salt

The Guts
Worcestershire Sauce (Lea & Perrins is just the best.)
Horseradish (fresh)
Celery salt
Tabasco
More sea salt
Cracked black pepper

Do It
Throw it all on a tray. Add a bucket of ice, a cocktail shaker, & a flat bowl to do rim-coating in, and you're set. Set it all up beforehand, and your guests can help themselves. It's the lazy hosts answer to playing bartender. And if they don't like it? They can drink it fast and make another. :-)

Some ideas worth thinking about:

*Marinating things with bloody marys. I saw flank steaks and burgers. What else could be done?

*The garnish makes the drink. Giant shrimp look cool. I think I might try cucumbers. Some people use sausage, string beans, or asparagus. What else?

It's time for the ladies to do some Tweet-Up-Ing! I'm gonna have a brunch for all the Des Moines Twitter ladies. We'll eat, drink, wear funny hats, and gather donations for the shelter.

Sunday, August 24th, 11a-1p.

Wanna come? Sign up on Upcoming and then DM me on Twitter for the address. Bring your friends.

See ya soon!