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April 22, 2007
Drink Your Vegetables
Sunday, late morning — it's the perfect time for a Bloody Mary. Just what constitutes this popular beverage is worthy of some debate, but here's my take on it:
- Start with a potato vodka. Yes, they can be a little sweeter, and thus good for White Russians and such, but in a Bloody Mary this manifests itself as mildness. You don't want a harsh liquor this early in the day. I use Monopolowa, mainly because its price is so comparatively low for a very decent product.
- I've never done this, but I am just speculating that fresh-grated horseradish is the ticket. If you don't have that, then a packaged version such as Heluva Good works pretty well. (Someone once shockingly questioned me about adding horseradish to this drink, but they were thinking of horseradish-flavored mayonnaise, like the packets at Arby's, or something found in the condiment aisle. Don't mistake this for actual horseradish, okay? These are two very different things.)
- Try Spicy V8 instead of plain tomato juice. The additional vegetable juices really fill out the flavor, and the spices mean less hot sauce is needed, thereby reducing the vinegar content.
- I'll leave the brand of Worcestershire sauce up to you, but Lea & Perrins is the typically accepted choice.
- I buy the store brand of what's essentially original Tabasco.
- A little bit of celery salt cuts the bitterness of horseradish, but don't use too much!
- Fresh-ground black pepper. Enough said.
- This last one is so critical that if you don't have it, you'd be better off just foregoing the entire beverage. You must squeeze a healthy-sized wedge of fresh lime into the drink. It adds so much sparkle and mouth-watering goodness, it's foolhardy to omit.
- Almost forgot. Garnish with a leafy celery stalk.
What about proportions? Well, I can't give you all the information, now, can I? Go, experiment for yourself, and let me know the outcome. Also, this recipe is free of any flavors from the sea, such as clam juice. On occasion I like to have an ocean-tinged version. And if you're short on time and/or ingredients, Southeastern Salvage here in Chattanooga sometimes carries a bottled mix that is pretty good. You'd want to add the fresh black pepper and lime juice, even still.
Drink responsibly: use quality ingredients, care in mixing, and the proper containers; and don't overdo it.
I'm in the Kitchen | By joe lance | 12:32 PM