If you have been invited to visit friends at their lake or beach home this summer, you most certainly will take something to say thank you but it isn’t always easy to figure out what to take. I’ve got the perfect answer for you- make them a Bloody Mary gift basket! This is always a favorite when I show up with it- and it is so easy to assemble.
Get a nice, sturdy basket. I get mine at the farmer’s market.
Start with your favorite Bloody Mary mix. I like Zing Zang, Major Peters, McClure’s, and Tabasco. Sometimes, I make my own and bottle in canning jars, but it has to be kept cool. Here is that recipe.
Next, add some or all of the following:
VODKA
HOT SAUCE
OLD BAY SEASONING
PICKLED OKRA- Wickles makes a good one!
CORNICHONS OR PETITE PICKLES
PICKLED GREEN BEANS
PICKLED PEARL ONIONS
CELERY SALT
HORSERADISH
GREEN OLIVES
PRETTY COCKTAIL NAPKINS
STIRRERS
FUN PLASTIC CUPS (some places will not allow glass on the beach, so disposable or reusable plastic is good. Swoozie’s has fun ones, and you can always find them on Etsy or Amazon.)
You can add fresh peppers from your garden, too, if you have them.
Wrap it all up with cellophane and tie it with a bow. Your hostess will love it!