Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a highball or pint glass. Spread the kosher salt and celery salt (mix if desired) on a small plate and dip the rim into the salt to coat. Set glass aside.

Mix

Fill a cocktail shaker or mixing glass with ice. Add Tito's vodka, tomato juice, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, prepared horseradish, hot sauce, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir gently for 20–30 seconds to chill and combine. Do not vigorously shake — a Bloody Mary is traditionally stirred.

Adjust seasoning

Taste the mixture and adjust to preference: add a few more dashes of hot sauce for heat, more horseradish for bite, or a pinch more celery salt or black pepper to boost savory notes.

Serve

Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice. Strain or pour the mixed Bloody Mary into the glass over ice. Garnish as directed in the Garnish section.

Garnishes (assemble all the garnishes)

Prepare garnishes on a small platter or skewers so they are easy to add to the finished cocktail.

Skewer combination

Thread 1–3 large green olives, a cherry tomato, a folded slice of salami/pepperoni and a pickled pearl onion onto a cocktail pick. Place the skewer across the top of the glass or stand it upright in the drink.

Celery & citrus

Insert a celery stalk into the glass for stirring and visual appeal. Add a lemon wedge and a lime wedge on the rim or on a garnish pick for squeezing.

Pickles, peppers, and beans

Add a dill pickle spear and a pepperoncini into the glass (or on separate skewers). Tuck 1–2 pickled green beans alongside the celery stalk or spear them on a separate pick to rest across the glass.

Bacon & shrimp

Rest a cooked bacon strip across the rim or stand it upright on a skewer. If using shrimp, hang a cooked peeled large shrimp over the rim or skewer it with olives and tomatoes.

Final touches

Sprinkle a small pinch of freshly ground black pepper or smoked paprika over the top. Offer extra hot sauce, Worcestershire, and lemon on the side for guests to tweak their drink.