Originally published on June 23, 2017
I have always been fascinated by the classic cocktail, Bloody Mary. It’s not so much about the actual drink, or even the liquor in it, but all of those yummy garnishes that stick out of the top of the glass. Of course, it all started with just a celery stalk but people have taken it to a whole new level, adding pickle spears, asparagus, pepperoncini, cherry tomatoes, and even chunks of cheese and sliders. Yes, little burgers on top of your drink! How fun is that?
Here I’ve kept it to just the classic version. It was my first time enjoying one and so, I wanted to get the full purely authentic experience. And I have to say, while celery is one of my favourite vegetables, the actual drink was pretty good too. If you’re not a fan of vodka, you can substitute tequila, but it then becomes a Bloody Maria (which not only sounds really fun but probably tastes just as good!)
And of course, if you don’t have a severe shellfish allergy you can also substitute the plain tomato juice for Clamato, making it a Caesar. Being that the Caesar originated in Canada in 1969 at the Calgary Inn (now known as the Westin Hotel), it’s a perfect cocktail for the upcoming Canada Day weekend!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup tomato juice
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- 3 dashes of hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Frank’s
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon wedge
- Celery seed, for garnish
- 1 celery stalk, for garnish
Directions:
1.) Place about 1/4 cup of celery seed on a plate. Run the lemon wedge, flesh-side down, along the rim of a tall cocktail glass. Turn the glass upside down and place the rim in the celery seed. Turn the glass back and forth a bit to make sure the entire rim is coated.
2.) Fill the glass with ice cubes and then pour in the tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Using a straw or spoon, mix the drink very well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
3.) Garnish with a celery stalk and anything else you wish to sit atop your drink!
4.) Serve and enjoy!