So last weekend was pretty amazing, yet I couldn't tell you a single thing we did other than fine tune our Bloody Maria recipe (not to be confused with a Bloody Mary--this bad boy has tequila in it rather than vodka). It might have something to do with the number of Bloody Marias it took to find our Ultimate Blood Maria. Maybe. But lucky for you, we figured it out and also decided to start a new holiday tradition in the process. I'm thinking you should all consider jumping on this one. A festive, holiday, build-your-own Bloody Maria Bar Brunch. Yes. We're going there. We had so much fun making our own, we invited our neighbor to come down and join us. And then I had a *doh* moment and realized we should have invited all our friends over because who doesn't love Bloody Marias on a Sunday.

Bloody Marias are amazing for the holidays because first off, they are extremely festive looking: hello red and green! They're also a good way to get in your veggies while still managing to holiday it up (read: booze it up). Best of all, they're practically a meal in a cup; my aunty even called said they look like lunch! You're pretty much set to have the easiest holiday brunch! Ok, ok, you can totally serve up other dishes--you can even make it a potluck. Have everyone sign up for a garnish so you can spend your time and whipping up quick and easy spread to go with your Bloodys. I'm thinking: a chorizo scramble with corn tortillas, crispy smashed potatoes, and maybe even a citrus salad with cilantro and mint but just a thought. Throw this Bloody Maria recipe up on a chalkboard and you're good to relax with all your guests!

Now maybe you're thinking what makes these the Ultimate Bloody Marias? Well, the secret ingredients, obviously!! My other aunty asked what the secret ingredient is and guess what I'm gonna share them (yes plural) with you too! Shhhh: the secret is caperberry juice and a few dashes of celery bitters! Cat's out of the bag but good recipes are made to be shared, right? Who wants to hoard away a good recipe? Not me. Feel free to use this recipe for your next holiday (or any other day) Bloody Maria Brunch!

Ultimate Bloody Maria

Makes one serving

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. tequila blanco
• 3 oz. tomato puree (I used San Marzano) 
• 1/2 oz. freshly squeeze lime juice
• 3-4 generous dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. grated horseradish
• 3-4 dashes Tapatio
• 3-4 dashes Cholula
• 3 pinches Beau Monde seasoning
• 1 pinch of flake salt
• 2-3 pinches black pepper
• 1/4 oz. caperberry juice
• 2-3 dashes celery bitters 

Garnishes (suggestions)

• Bacon
• Fried chorizo rounds
• Celery stalks
• Caperberries
• Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes
• Lime Wedges
• Cocktail onions
• Pickled peperoncini
• Cocktail shrimp (cooked)
• Coarse/flake salt (for salt-rim)

TOOLS

• Cocktail shaker
• 1/4 oz., 1/2 oz., and 1 oz. jigger
• Pint Glass
• Measuring spoons
• Ice
• Cocktail picks/skewers
• Shallow dish
• Straws (I used stainless steel straws)

FIX

1. Rim pint glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge along edges then dipping into a shallow dish filled with salt. Set aside.
2. Add all ingredients in cocktail shaker and fill shaker with ice.
3. Shake for 10-15 seconds. 
4. Pour into salt-rimmed glass.
5. Garnish as you please. Adding a straw is optional.
6. Serve and enjoy. P.S. Happy Holidays and Happy Pau Hana Friday!