Name: Rye Leawoods Bloody Mary Recipe
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 6 cups tomato juice; 2 tbs prepared horseradish; 2 tbs Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbs fresh lemon juice; 0.5 cups prepared Clamato (optional); 1 tsp prepared black pepper; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika or sweet paprika; 1 tsp celery salt; 1 tsp hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco); 0.5 tsp kosher salt; 2 oz vodka; 1 cup ice (cubed); 1 to taste lemon wedge (for garnish); 1 to taste celery stalk (for garnish); 1 to taste optional garnish: cocktail shrimp or pickled green bean; 1 to taste salt and pepper for glass rim

Method

Prepare Bloody Mary Mix

Combine and season

In a large pitcher or bowl, pour 6 cups tomato juice and, if using, 1/2 cup Clamato. Add 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon celery salt, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.

Whisk and taste

Whisk vigorously until the horseradish is evenly distributed and the seasonings are fully incorporated. Taste and adjust: add more hot sauce for heat, more lemon for brightness, more horseradish for bite, or a pinch more salt if needed.

Chill

Cover and refrigerate the mix for at least 1 hour (preferably 2–4 hours) to allow flavors to meld. Mix will keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days; stir or shake before using.

Optional quick adjustment

If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the mix through a fine mesh sieve to remove any coarse horseradish bits. For a spicier house version, stir in additional hot sauce or 1/2–1 tsp cayenne.

Assemble Each Cocktail (per serving)

Prepare the glass: Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a highball or pint glass. Dip the rim into a shallow plate with a mix of celery salt and freshly ground black pepper to coat. Fill the glass with cubed ice, leaving space for liquid and garnish.

Add vodka: Measure 2 oz vodka and pour over the ice.

Add Bloody Mary mix: Pour approximately 4–5 oz (about 1/2 cup) of the prepared Bloody Mary mix into the glass over the vodka. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine—do not shake—so the texture remains slightly thick.

Garnish and finish: Add a celery stalk and a lemon wedge. Add any optional garnish such as a pickled green bean, olive, pickle spear, or cocktail shrimp. Taste and adjust on ice with additional hot sauce, Worcestershire, lemon, or salt & pepper as desired.

Serve: Serve immediately while cold. Provide a straw and a napkin; warn guests the drink is savory and spicy.