Bloody Mary Ideas

I know a lot of folks swear by the "hair of the dog" as a hangover cure.  Bloody Mary's are, of course, a favorite remedy.  Strangely enough, I like Bloody Mary mix by itself most of the time, but, being a good Boy Scout, I was prepared with a pitcher of mix on New Years Day...just in case it was called for.

Luckily, we didn't need it, but discovered that this mix is just as wonderful as it looked on paper.  The pickle juice is an intriguing addition, and a welcome use for the jars of juice leftover from my summer canning.  The stuff is just too good to waste.

How about mixing up a batch for your Super Bowl party this weekend?  And scroll down past the recipe for some interesting garnish ideas.

Bloody Mary Mix
Makes 8 servings.
From Bon Appetit.

4 cups tomato or vegetable juice (I use low-sodium V-8.)
1 cup dill pickle juice (the more flavorful and spicy, the better)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and chill overnight.

Add 2 cups vodka to pitcher and stir well.  Divide cocktail among 8 ice-filled glasses.

Garnish Ideas: Sure you can throw in the ubiquitous celery stalk and lemon wedge, but how about trying some of these?  Leave them in ramekins on the bar so your guests can mix and match to their liking.

• Pepperoncini (for a sour-spicy hit)
• Pickled green beans
• Garlic-stuffed olives (They're not just for martinis.)
• Freshly shucked oysters (Cabaret anyone?  Just no raw eggs please.)
• Hard-boiled quail eggs (You can find these at Asian markets.  Hardboil them by simmering 4 minutes.  Peel and skewer a couple for your drink.  Even better...pickle them first.)
• Radishes (The long breakfast variety are perfect.)
• Beef jerky (Not sure about this one, but I'm intrigued.  Try it and let me know what you think.)