Celebrate New Years Day With The Ultimate Grilled Bloody Mary Recipe

Picture yourself on New Year’s Day, still feeling the after-effects of the previous night’s celebrations. Three things are essential for recovery: fresh air on an outdoor patio, deliciously grilled food, and a premium Bloody Mary. Combining all three might just be the most efficient way to kickstart your day. So, why not prepare some grilled bacon sliders to pair with your drink while enjoying the warmth of an outdoor heater? The following recipe for a top-notch Bloody Mary, along with grilled bacon sliders and grilling tips, will help you start the new year the right way.

Creating a Premium Bloody Mary

Heading to the nearest grocery store or convenience store for a pre-made Bloody Mary mix usually indicates poor planning. Instead of settling for subpar mixes, gather the finest ingredients well in advance of New Year’s Day. Here’s what you’ll need for an unforgettable Bloody Mary:

• Old Bay Seasoning
• 3 ounces of Grey Goose, Absolut, Cîroc, or your preferred top-shelf vodka
• 1 teaspoon of dried dill
• 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground celery seeds
• 3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• 3 dashes of Tabasco sauce
• 1 ounce of pickle brine
• 4 ounces of tomato-vegetable juice
• 1 lemon wedge
• 1 teaspoon of red horseradish

Once you’ve got your ingredients ready, creating a great Bloody Mary becomes a breeze. Squeeze the lemon wedge into a shaker, add all the ingredients, and shake well. Pour the mixture over ice in a 16-ounce glass and rim the glass with Old Bay Seasoning. Finally, garnish with a slider for an extra touch of indulgence.

Making a Perfect Slider Garnish

While the Bloody Mary provides a refreshing pick-me-up, a perfectly grilled bacon slider is the perfect complement. Holidays call for something extra special, and this grilled bacon slider recipe will do the trick when prepared to perfection.

Gather These Ingredients

• 1 pound of lean ground beef (Angus if possible)
• 4 slices of thick bacon
• 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
• Sliced dill pickles
• Lettuce
• 1 sliced tomato
• ½ onion, sliced
• American or Swiss cheese
• Slider rolls (potato bread if available)
• Condiments
• Skewers

Combine the ground beef with BBQ sauce and garlic powder in a bowl. Shape the mixture into 2- to 3-ounce patties. A thicker slider ensures juiciness when cooked on a high-quality grill. Flip the patty only once during cooking to lock in the flavors. As the patty nears completion, fold a slice of cheese over it, close the lid, and cook on low heat until melted.

Prepare your slider rolls in advance by adding your choice of condiments to one side and layering lettuce, tomato, and onion on the other. Have the buns ready to receive a warm, juicy burger topped with grilled bacon.

Grilling Bacon on an Outdoor Gas Grill

The aroma of sizzling, smoky bacon is worth waking up early for on New Year’s Day. However, cooking bacon can be tricky, especially on an outdoor gas grill. Here are some insider tips to achieve maximum flavor while avoiding flare-ups:

The main challenge with bacon is managing the grease, which can easily ignite when exposed to an open flame. To avoid this, use a cast-iron skillet with high sides to contain the grease. Lightly coat the skillet with non-stick oil or grease, then arrange the bacon slices without overlap. Cook at medium-low heat with the lid closed until one side is nearly crispy. Flip the bacon and continue cooking until done.

Alternatively, you can use indirect heat by placing the skillet on the unlit side of the grill. This method allows for slower cooking, infusing the bacon with more smoke and flavor. Although it takes longer, the result is worth the wait.

Handling a Grease Fire

In case of a grease fire, remember safety comes first. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire with water, as it can worsen the situation. Follow these steps instead:

• Leave the skillet untouched.
• Close the lid or cover the flames with a lid.
• Turn off the heat.
• Smother the flames with salt or baking soda.
• Use a fire extinguisher if the flames spread.

If you feel the situation is escalating, call the fire department immediately.

Assuming all goes well, remove the grilled bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to absorb excess grease. Cut the bacon in half and place it on the slider rolls.

Building Your New Year’s Day Grilled Bloody Mary

Assemble your grilled bacon sliders and insert a long skewer that reaches the bottom of the Bloody Mary glass and rests on the rim. You can also add a long celery stalk, cherry tomatoes, olives, lime wedges, or any other garnishes you like. While there’s no wrong way to enjoy a grilled Bloody Mary on New Year’s Day, there’s certainly a right way—top it off with sliders made on a high-quality grill.