Savory Mary Recipe

Prepare glass

Combine the coarse salt and cracked black pepper on a small plate. Rub the lemon wedge around the rim of a highball or pint glass, then dip the rim into the salt-and-pepper mixture to coat evenly. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.

Mix savory Mary

In a cocktail shaker or large mixing glass filled halfway with ice, add vodka, tomato juice, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, hot sauce, celery salt, smoked paprika (if using), and freshly ground black pepper. Stir vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. Do not shake vigorously (to avoid frothing the tomato juice); stirring extracts flavors and integrates the horseradish.

Finish and serve

Strain the mixture into the prepared ice-filled glass. Taste and adjust: add an extra dash of hot sauce or a pinch more celery salt if desired. Give a final light crack of black pepper over the top.

Garnish with a celery stalk and a lemon wedge on the rim. Optionally, run the lemon wedge over the surface of the drink for extra citrus aroma before serving.