Bloody Mary Recipe

Bloody Mary Cocktail

1. 1

   Prep the glass

   Fill a highball or pint glass with ice to chill it while you prepare the cocktail. If you prefer a salted rim, run the lemon wedge around the glass rim and dip into a shallow plate of celery salt; otherwise simply chill with ice.

2. 2

   Combine ingredients

   In a cocktail shaker (or a large mixing glass), add the following in order: 2 oz vodka, 4 oz tomato juice, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 3 dashes hot sauce, 0.5 tsp prepared horseradish (if using), 0.25 tsp celery salt, 6 turns freshly ground black pepper, and 0.125 tsp smoked paprika (if using).

3. 3

   Mix

   Add 1 cup ice to the shaker, cap it, and roll or gently shake the mixture for about 8–10 seconds to chill and slightly dilute. If you used a mixing glass, stir with a bar spoon for about 10–15 seconds and then strain out any broken ice into the serving glass.

4. 4

   Assemble and garnish

   Dump the ice from the chilled serving glass (or leave if preferred) and fill the glass with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with 1 celery stalk and 1 lemon wedge; add 2 optional garnishes such as cocktail olives or a pickled green bean on a small skewer. Adjust hot sauce, celery salt, or horseradish to taste and give a quick stir before serving.

5. 5

   Serve

   Serve immediately with a long stirring spoon or straw so the drinker can re-stir as the flavors settle.