You don't normally think of Mario Batali as a mixologist, but I came across this Balsamic Bloody Mary recipe in his cool little book Holiday Food. If you're throwing a New Year's brunch or party this weekend, make a pitcher of these and offer one to every guest that walks in the door. You'll kick-start your party in a major way.
- makes 4 servings -
24 ounces vegetable cocktail, like V-8
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
Juice of 1 lime
Juice of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons freshly grated horseradish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Tabasco sauce, to taste
8 ounces vodka
4 celery stalks with leaves
1 lime, cut into wedges
4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1. In a large pitcher, combine the vegetable cocktail, celery seed, pepper, citrus juices, 2 tablespoons of the horseradish, the Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco and stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Fill 4 glasses with ice. Add 2 ounces of vodka to each and fill three-quarters full with the vegetable cocktail. Sprinkle with the remaining horseradish, place 1 celery stalk in each glass, and squeeze a lime wedge over each glass before dropping the wedge into the glass. Float a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar on the top of each drink and serve.
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