Weekend Woes: Avoiding the Brunch Barrage

Chicago is a brunch city. There’s no doubt about that. On any given Saturday or Sunday morning, you’ll find yourself facing a one to three hour wait at the majority of establishments. The wait is never ideal, but I am a big fan of the concept of brunch. Brunch is the perfect encapsulation of weekend culture: slowing down, partaking in life’s indulgences, and socializing with your favorite people.  

Back to the waiting part though – yuck. Brunch is also better enjoyed when the weather is beautiful and outdoor patios are open for business. Since we’re not quite there yet, why not hold this weekend’s brunch from the comfort of your own home? There are all sorts of food options to go for, but it wouldn’t be a weekend brunch without some tasty beverages to help set the atmosphere for a relaxing weekend ahead. Here’s a recipe for a classic that comes straight from The Chopping Block's Bloody Mary Brunch demonstration cooking class. 

Bloody Marys

Lemon or lime wedge

Your favorite spice blend 

3 oz pepper flavored vodka (my favorite is the peppercorn vodka made by CH Distillery; plain vodka can also be used)

1 cup tomato juice or vegetable juice such as V8

4 to 5 dashes of Worcestershire sauce

Tabasco hot sauce, to taste

Fresh lemon juice, to taste

Celery salt, to taste

Fresh ground black pepper, to taste 

1. Moisten the rims of four glasses by running the lemon or lime wedge around them. Lightly dip the rims in your favorite spice blend or in celery salt. 

 2. Mix together the vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire, hot sauce, lemon juice, celery salt, and pepper in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake for several seconds to chill the drink.  Pour into prepared glasses.

3. Serve with the garnishes of your choice.

Naturally, it is important for the bloody mary itself to taste delicious, but another key element to making a stand-out bloody mary is in the garnishes.  You can keep it simple with some of the classics or really go to the lavish side of the spectrum with some over-the-top add-ons.  

Some examples of simple to moderate garnish suggestions include: 

• Baby corn
• Bacon
• Beef stick
• Blanched or pickled asparagus
• Celery stalks
• Cheese cubes
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cocktail onions
• Cured meats
• Parsley sprigs
• Pickle spears
• Pickled green beans
• Pepperoncini peppers
• Poached shrimp
• Lemon or lime wedges
• Stuffed green olives
• Skewers of cherry tomato, basil, and fresh mozzarella cheese

If you really want to get out of hand with your bloody mary garnishes, then it’s time to consider turning to a dose of fried chicken, onion rings, or a hamburger slider to top off the glass.  

Whether keeping it simple or going a little crazy, you can opt to throw your garnishes on a skewer, drape them over the edge of the glass, or stick them straight into your drink.  

Another alternative to skip the long brunch wait is to enjoy a relaxing morning with us in Bloody Mary Brunch class!