Bloody Mary Recipe

Rim the glass

Run the lemon wedge around the outside rim of a highball glass or pint glass (lightly moisten the rim). Dip the moistened rim into the coarse salt or celery salt so a thin, even line of salt adheres. Set the glass aside.

Combine ingredients

Fill a cocktail shaker or mixing glass halfway with ice (about 1 cup). Add vodka (2 oz), tomato juice (4 oz), fresh lemon juice (1/2 oz), Worcestershire sauce (2 tsp), hot sauce (3 dashes), prepared horseradish (1/2 tsp) if using, a pinch of celery salt, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.

Mix

Stir the mixture briskly with a bar spoon for 10–15 seconds to chill and slightly dilute. If you prefer a frothier, more aerated texture, give it a very brief shake (5 seconds) and pour gently—note that shaking will change the texture and make it slightly cloudy.

Strain and serve

Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice. Strain the mixed cocktail into the glass over the ice. Taste and adjust: add an extra dash of hot sauce for heat, more Worcestershire for umami, or a squeeze more lemon for brightness.

Garnish with a celery stalk and the lemon wedge on the rim. Add a green olive on a cocktail pick if desired. Serve immediately with a stirrer or straw.