My Bloody Mary Recipe, with a Nod to the Master

Today I'd like to pause a while and raise a glass to all my followers who've been trying out my recipes and giving their generous feedback - and why not a glass of Bloody Mary?

It is thought the name came from England's Mary Queen of Scots and the drink is said to have been made first at Harry's Bar in Paris, France, in the 1920s. Hemingway may not have invented it himself, but he sure did a lot for its popularity.

Per glass:

2.5 oz vodka
3 oz chilled tomato juice
a dash Worcestershire sauce

1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Pinch celery salt
Pinch black pepper
Several drops Tabasco

Pour ingredients into a highball glass containing a large piece of ice. (I keep a bottle of Absolut vodka in the freezer compartment in case of emergency.) Garnish with a stick of celery.

You can adapt this recipe to suit your taste, of course- a little more vodka, a little more spice, or to quote the great man:

“Keep on stirring and taste it to see how it is doing. If you gets it too powerful weaken with more tomato juice. If it lacks authority add more vodka.”

Variants:

• Respect abstinent friends with a Virgin Mary
• Add carrots, pickle to the garnish for a wholesome brunch
• Use Clamato in place of tomato juice for a Bloody Caesar
• Add a little extra spice by persuading your other half to pose as a waiter, complete with freshly laundered, starched napkin, and present your drink on a silver tray

Cheers!

Jesse