Rub the lime wedge around the rim of a 16-oz highball or pint glass. Combine a small plate of sea salt and cracked black pepper (about equal parts). Dip the moistened rim into the salt-pepper mix to coat evenly.

Fill the glass with cubed ice and set aside while you make the cocktail.

Make Bloody Mary Mix

In a mixing glass or shaker (without shaking), combine 6 oz tomato juice, 1 tsp prepared horseradish, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 3 dashes hot sauce, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 tsp celery salt and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika.

If using, add 0.5 oz pickle brine for extra tang and 0.25 oz olive brine for savory depth. Taste the mix and adjust seasoning: add more hot sauce for heat, more lemon for brightness, or a pinch more celery salt to round flavors.

Stir the mix thoroughly with a bar spoon until well combined (about 15–20 seconds). Do not shake vigorously — you want a silky, slightly viscous texture, not froth.

Build the Cocktail

Pour 2 oz vodka into the prepared, ice-filled glass.

Slowly add the Bloody Mary mix over the vodka. Stir gently with a bar spoon 8–10 times to integrate spirit and mix without diluting too much.

Garnish — Blood Brothers style

Skewer the candied bacon, cherry tomato and cocktail cherry on a short pick or cocktail skewer. Place the celery stalk in the glass as a straw/spoon.

Rest the skewer across the rim of the glass and add the lime wedge on the rim or drop into the drink if desired.

Optional finishing touch: grate a tiny pinch of smoked paprika over the top and add a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately.