Over the past few years, I've had some really delicious bloody mary's and some truly horrendous ones, too. One of those horrendous ones happened this past weekend, and I'm not even exaggerating when I say it tasted like smoky, toxic poison. Oddly enough, it was at a (normally) legit bar & brunch spot in SF where I've had only great things in the past. Strange.
So, after this less-than-stellar bloody mary experience, I was determined to make my own darn version - one that actually tasted good (or, you know, didn't taste like poison), and was loaded up with all kinds of fun garnishes... because let's be honest, when it comes to bloody mary's, the more garnishes, the better, am I right? Plus, I was pretty excited to use the pickled green beans I made a few weeks ago for the swizzle sticks!
Anyway, this is what I ended up with, and I have to say, it's pretty deeelicious!
The Ultimate Bloody Mary
- 3 cups tomato juice, chilled
- 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
- 1 Tbsp. prepared horseradish
- 1/2-1 Tbsp. dijon mustard, to taste
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small clove of garlic, minced
- 3/4 tsp. tobasco, or other hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. celery salt
- 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- vodka
For garnish, any of the following:
- pickled green beans (I recommend these, or make your own)
- large green olives
- pickled pepperoncini peppers
- cherry tomatoes
- lemon or lime wedges
- celery sticks
Pour the tomato juice in a pitcher. In a small bowl, wisk together the horseradish, dijon mustard, worcestershire, tobasco, minced garlic, and the lemon and lime juice. Add this mixture to the tomato juice, and add in the salt, pepper, and celery salt. Mix everything together, and give it a taste. If desired, add additional worcestershire, horseradish, hot sauce, salt, or whatever you like. Chill the mix for at least an hour before serving.
When ready to serve, add your desired garnishes to a skewer. Fill a glass with ice, and add 1 shot of vodka. Top with bloody mary mix, give it a stir, and add your garnish skewer. Enjoy!
Oh, and Happy Happy Friday!
