V8 Recipe

Combine juices

If you have fresh vegetables, juice or blend and strain tomatoes, carrots, beets, celery and spinach to yield the amounts listed. Otherwise use store-bought tomato and vegetable juices. In a large pitcher combine 3 cups tomato juice, 1 cup carrot juice, 1/4 cup beet juice, 1/2 cup celery juice and 1/4 cup strained spinach juice. Stir to combine.

If using whole vegetables and a blender: roughly chop vegetables, add a little water (about 1/4 cup) and blend until smooth. Pour the puree through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth and press with a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible. Measure to the required quantities before proceeding.

Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (if using) to the pitcher with the combined juices.

Taste the mixture. If it tastes too tart or bright, add up to 1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey to round flavors. If you want a smoky note, stir in 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. Adjust salt, pepper, and hot sauce incrementally until the flavor matches your preference.

Whisk briskly for 30 seconds to fully incorporate seasonings and ensure uniform flavor.

Fill serving glasses with ice (about 1/2 cup per glass). Pour the seasoned V8 mixture over the ice and stir gently to chill. If making in advance, cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld; stir again before serving.

Garnish each glass with a fresh celery stalk or a lemon wedge. Serve immediately.

Leftovers: refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Shake or stir well before serving, as separation will occur.