1 3/4cupsvegetable juice(I use V8; tomato juice can be substituted. See notes)
1tablespoonWorcestershire sauce(shake the bottle first)
1tablespoonfresh-squeezed lemon juice,plus 1 wedge for rimming the glass
1-2teaspoonsTabasco(2 gives a real kick)
1/2teaspoonprepared horseradish
3ouncesvodka(I like Tito's)
Optional Garnishes
Celery ribs with leaves
1lemon wedge
Green olives
Grape tomatoes
Instructions
On a small plate, use a fork to combine 1 teaspoon each of Old Bay, paprika, and celery seed. Run a lemon wedge around the top edge of two glasses, then dip the glasses into the spice mixture.
Fill a cocktail shaker or large liquid measuring cup halfway with ice.
Add the vegetable juice, Worcestershire, lemon juice, Tabasco, horseradish, 3/4 teaspoon Old Bay, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon celery seed and vodka. Gently shake the cocktail shaker (to avoid foam) or whisk the ingredients in the measuring cup to combine.
Add some ice to the glasses and divide the Bloody Mary evenly between the two. Add any optional garnishes, then serve immediately.
Notes
I tried this recipe with both 100% tomato juice (the traditional option) and V8. I think the V8 does a better job of balancing and enhancing the spices in the Old Bay. It makes the drink taste like it has a lot more going on.Old Bay has salt in it, which is why I recommend diluting it with other spices to rim the glass. If it's not available at your local grocery store, you can buy it on Amazon.