Today is the eighteenth birthday of the daughter of one of my favourite families. She was a tiny scrap when I first held her, barely three weeks old. Even then she had the most beautiful eyes. And I knew I loved her. I thought about posting embarrassing baby photos, and I have plenty, but I have resisted. It was hard. But I have decided to save them. A better occasion may come along. Or there may be a time when a little blackmail could be in order!
On Saturday, I spent the day with her mother. This gave me the opportunity to put together a little extra something to go with her birthday present. A bloody mary kit.
But not just any bloody mary kit. Oh no. This is The Best Bloody Mary Kit In The World. So I hope you are all sitting up and taking note. You will never taste a finer version, I promise you that. She had better appreciate it. But then again, she is eighteen. She will just knock it back *sigh*.
First of all you have to make your flavoured vodkas. This cannot be rushed. So plan ahead.
Chilli Vodka
500ml Vodka, 2 green chillies (skins pricked): Put chillies into vodka, leave for 3-4 days, siphon off into clean sterilised bottles and seal. Will keep for up to a year.
Basil Vodka
As above only with 8 basil leaves.
Garlic Vodka
As above only peel and halve 2 large garlic cloves.
I did not use 500ml of vodka. I scaled it down and made 3 lots of 100ml. I also left all the ‘bits’ in as I know it will be consumed pretty soon and they do look pretty. Now for the recipe proper. Are you ready?
The Best Bloody Mary In The World
Serves 6
50ml each Garlic, Basil, Chilli Vodka
50ml each Whisky, Sherry, Ginger Wine
good dash of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce
few drops of Tabasco sauce
tomato juice to top up
1-2 lemons sliced
black pepper
Put all the ingredients except the tomato juice, lemon slices and black pepper into a large jug and stir well. top up with tomato juice and add black pepper to taste.
Run a lemon slice around the rims of 6 glasses and pour in the Bloody Mary mixture. Garnish each glass with a fresh slice of lemon and serve.
Happy Birthday, gorgeous girl!
The alchemist in her lair, with shelves and tables groaning under the weight of foraged items and exotic spirits from around the world.
The recipes sound great, but I’m not so sure about giving this to an 18 year old. Maybe 21?
In the UK 18 is the legal age for being able to drink. Glad you like the recipe.
I apologize. As an idiot American, I didn’t realize you were in the UK until reading more of your blog which I am enjoying immensely.
Pingback: Jam, Jelly & Rellish by Ghillie James | 'I know a bank where the wild thyme grows'
I am SO making that for my sister’s birthday in the summer. What a GREAT idea and I can suddenly think of several other friends that would LOVE it as well.
Bloody Mary kits it is! (I wonder if that would be inappropriate for the teachers? Nah! They are young, they drink!)
Mars xx
Pingback: Of King Lear, Floozy Vocab and Christmas Hampers | 'I know a bank where the wild thyme grows'
Pingback: Butterbeer Kits | 'I know a bank where the wild thyme grows'