My Best "original" Bloody Mary

Hajar Elizabeth's Note:

When the bloody mary cocktail was first invented it was originally made with gin. I used to drink them years ago with vodka and they were ok but I am not a big vodka lover except for Stoli ice cold. I had known of the original drink so I went back through food history archives and have created this "original" alternative to vodka. Even those who detest gin seem to love these. The gin doesn't taste like gin in these but gives a zippier flavor! I use the lower amount of gin usually as I don't like them to taste more like alcohol than a bloody mary. Just drink more of them or use the higher amount!! This is also great without the alcohol.

• Total Time: 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 46 ounces tomato juice
• 3/4-1 1/4 cup gin
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1/4-1/3 cup lime juice
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce or 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika, very red and fresh
• 1 -2 teaspoon flaked salt, regular salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• fresh lime wedge
• 2 -3 celery ribs, processed finely (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a large pitcher except the celery and lime wedges. Add plenty of ice.
2. If you use the celery, process it very finely. Then take a clean piece of cloth or a dish towel and place celery in the middle. Wrap the cloth around the celery and squeeze, while twisting for the juice. Add the juice to the mix. I know this may seem time consuming though in my opinion the flavor is more fresh and appealing than using celery salt.
3. Garnish with lime wedges or any of the myriad garnishes you like for bloody mary's, sit back, relax and enjoy!