Forget the elaborate ones, the ones with silly names, and the fad drinks.
Plus, the bloody Mary is really colorful and pretty to look at.
check that not to do this too hard, howeverjust enough to get the citrus essence onto the rim.
You’ll save those wedges for later in the process.
Next, rub the edge of the glass in the salt, and salt that rim.
You’ll get an extra bit of flavor with every sip.
Fill the glass with ice, and set it aside for a second.
Next comes the vodka: pour in two ounces of really good stuff.
Yes, it’s a neutral spirit, but a nasty vodkawillspoil the drink and overwhelm the other ingredients.
Juicy couture
The next ingredient: tomato juice.
Homemade isn’t necessarythe standard stuff in a plastic jug from the store is fine.
Spicy isn’t necessary, either (heat will be added in separately), and neither is organic.
Pour four ounces of juice into the shaker and follow it up with two dashes of Tabasco sauce.
The vodka shouldn’t bring that distinctive sting to the drinkthat’s the Tabasco’s job.
‘Tis the seasoning
The Tabasco isn’t the only source of zing (and flavor).
Next into the shaker comes two teaspoons of prepared horseradishthe kind that comes in the little bottle.
After that, toss in two dashes of Worcestershire sauce.
It’s barely detectable in the final product, but mixology is all about the careful balance of ingredients.
Finally, put in a dash of pepper and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Strain it into the salt-rimmed glass full of ice.
