Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (720 ml) tomato juice, good quality
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1-2 teaspoons prepared horseradish, grated (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (vegan options available)
  • ½ teaspoon celery salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ¼ teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of smoked paprika
  • Optional: 2-3 dashes of your favourite bitters (alcohol-free versions available)
  • Celery stalk
  • Lemon wedge
  • Lime wedge
  • Green olives, pitted
  • Pickled okra, optional
  • Bacon strips (vegetarian substitute: sun dried tomatoes)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pitcher, combine tomato juice, lemon juice, lime juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, black pepper, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and bitters (if using).
  2. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more horseradish for extra kick, hot sauce for more heat, or lemon/lime juice for more tang.
  4. For best results, chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
  5. Fill two glasses with ice.
  6. Pour the Virgin Mary mixture into the prepared glasses.
  7. Garnish each glass with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, lime wedge, green olives, a strip of crisp bacon or sun dried tomatoes and pickled okra, if desired.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy!