I recently developed an affinity for Bloody Marys. I always found it bizarre that I didn’t like them because I love all things tomato – salsa, marinara, and most of all ketchup. So it would make sense that I would like them, right? So I tried one again a few months back, and something finally clicked. Ever since then, I’ve been trying them everywhere I go. So I thought it would be fun to try a variation of the classic bloody.
I immediately thought of basil. The perfect combination, right? Yes. So I concocted the Bloody Mario, an Italian twist on the classic. Mike and I enjoyed them while eating takeout sushi and watching 12 Years A Slave (a strange combination of things, I know). On a side note, have you guys seen that movie? I thought it was excellent, albeit quite depressing.
Anyways. I used some untraditional ingredients, including V8 instead of regular tomato juice. I think it adds a more complex flavor to the drink. Also, Sriracha for some extra zing.
Okay, so here’s what you’ll need to make your very own Bloody Mario….
Main Ingredients:
– 3 ounces V8 Juice
– 2 ounces vodka
– 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated horseradish
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
– Sriracha to taste
Preparation:
In a shaker, combine all main ingredients. Add ice and shake vigorously. Then pour mixture into a highball glass over ice. Mix the chopped basil leaf into the drink with a spoon. Place the rest of the garnishes on an olive pick or toothpick and serve!
The basil flavor is not overwhelming, but definitely noticeable. Very pleasing, in my opinion. I found the mini mozzarella balls in the olive bar at my local grocery store. If you can’t find them, then cut a small cube out of a normal sized ball of fresh mozzarella. And the horseradish comes in a jar and was stored in the dairy section, oddly enough. If you can find fresh horseradish in the produce section though, get that. I hear it tastes even better than the jarred variety.
I hope you enjoy your delicious basil creations, everyone…. cheers!
xo,
Faith
{Design Fixation}