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The Bloody Mary is one of the few acceptable — or even desirable — morning cocktails, perfect as a hair-of-the-dog hangover tonic, or as a way to get the day started off right. Better yet, done right this pungent example of savory mixology is almost a meal in a glass, loaded with the vital nutrients, roughage and vodka that are essential parts of a balanced breakfast.

Problem is, very few people have spent the time to perfect nature’s perfect breakfast cocktail. It’s a complicated endeavor that is usually beyond the amateur mixologist, with a list of ingredients longer than most morning recipes. And don’t even think of reaching for store-bought mixers — you might as well throw some vodka in a can of Campbell’s condensed tomato soup and call it a day.

With a little preparation, some experimentation, and a fair amount of gratifying taste testing, however, even Bloody Mary newbies can learn to make a mean mix. Here are a few tips:

• Tomato juice is vital. Don’t let anyone convince you to try a shortcut by using V-8, especially the chemical spill that is Spicy V-8.
• Celery salt and black pepper are essential, but once you’re comfortable with your bloody talents you can experiment with more unusual ingredients like cardamom, wasabi, beef bullion, or dill.
• Tabasco adds spice, but also contributes bracing acidity that will cut through the thick, often sweet tomato juice.
• Some people will encourage you to add anchovies, but that’s a dangerous road only experts should embark on. Stay simple with spicy, savory Worcestershire sauce, which will add that funky anchovy zing.
• Fresh horseradish, and plenty of it. It may seem obvious, but don’t use creamed horseradish. That’s just nasty.
• Fresh lime (or lemon, if that’s all you have) will wake up the whole concoction. If the only citrus you have on hand comes in a green plastic bottle, drink the vodka straight and go back to bed.
• Garnishes should be profuse and imposing, often sprouting from the glass like a complex floral centerpiece. Celery is a given, but any raw or pickled veggie will add color and flavor, with olives, mushrooms, meat, shellfish and even anchovies fair game when artistically skewered. A good bloody mary can be a meal replacement.

Now that you’re prepared, try out the basic recipe below until you perfect it. Depending on how much taste testing you engage in, you’ll probably need another dose tomorrow. Feel free to experiment once your headache dulls.

Fill a tall glass 2/3 full with tomato juice. Add a dash of celery salt, dash freshly ground pepper, dash or two of Tabasco, 1/8-1/4 teaspoon horseradish, 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce, healthy squeeze of fresh lime juice. Add vodka to taste. Garnish heavily.

(Photo from intangiblearts/flickr.)

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