Bloody Mary Recipe

Rim (optional)

If you want a salted rim, rub the lemon wedge around the glass rim, dip the rim into coarse salt, then set the glass aside. Fill the glass with ice to chill while you build the cocktail.

In a cocktail shaker or a sturdy stirring glass, combine vodka (2 oz), Zou Zou's Bloody Mix (4 oz), fresh lemon juice (0.5 oz), prepared horseradish (0.5 tsp), 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce and 2 dashes hot sauce.

Add a pinch of celery salt and a grind or two of freshly ground black pepper. Fill the shaker/stirring glass with ice (enough to come near the top).

If using a shaker: secure the lid and shake vigorously for 8–10 seconds to chill and slightly aerate. If using a stirring glass: stir briskly with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds until well chilled.

Discard the ice used to chill the serving glass if you chilled it. Fill the prepared highball or pint glass with fresh ice.

Strain the chilled cocktail from the shaker or pour from the stirring glass into the prepared serving glass over the fresh ice.

Garnish with a celery stalk and a lemon wedge. Optionally add a green olive on a pick. Give the drink a final light stir with a bar spoon to integrate the garnish juices.

Adjust seasoning to taste: add an extra dash of hot sauce for heat, more Worcestershire for umami, or more lemon for brightness. Serve immediately.