Classic Bloody Mary Recipe

Rim the glass

Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a highball or Collins glass. Dip the wet rim into a shallow plate of coarse salt or celery salt to coat evenly. Set the glass aside.

Fill the prepared glass about three-quarters full with ice cubes and set aside while you mix the cocktail.

In a cocktail shaker (or a large mixing glass) add 2 oz vodka, 4 oz tomato juice, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 0.5 tsp prepared horseradish, 3 dashes hot sauce, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 0.5 tsp celery salt and 0.25 tsp smoked paprika (if using).

Add a small handful of ice to the shaker (enough to chill but not over-dilute). Secure the lid and roll or shake gently 6–8 seconds — you want to chill and slightly aerate the mix without over-diluting. If using a mixing glass, stir briskly for about 10–15 seconds and then strain over the ice in the prepared glass.

Taste the drink and adjust seasoning: add more hot sauce for heat, more Worcestershire for savoriness, or a pinch more celery salt/black pepper to enhance savory notes. If it tastes flat, add a few drops more lemon juice.

Garnish with a celery stalk, one or two cocktail olives (skewered if desired), a lemon wedge on the rim, and optionally a pickled green bean or dill pickle spear. Serve immediately with a straw.