The Perfect Bloody Mary

There's nothing like a cocktail to start (or end) a weekend morning. And a perfect Bloody Mary is my favorite. (Bar trivia: the Bloody Mary was invented during the 1920s at Harry's Bar in Paris.) But while I may have a stocked food pantry, I rarely have the ingredients for a Bloody Mary on hand and my secret weapon is Stirrings Simple Bloody Mary Mix.

This cocktail mix isn't your run-of-the-mill mix -- it tastes fresh and packs a punch of ground horseradish, lemon, and Worcestershire. I just add really good vodka, a cracking of freshly ground pepper, and a fun garnish like pickled okra, green beans, or jalapenos. But there are endless variations on this classic drink: the Bloody Maria, which swaps vodka for tequila; the Bloody Caesar, made with the addition of clam juice or Clamato juice; and the Bloody Bull, made with beef bouillon. So stay classic or go wild with a variation, but don't skip the Bloody Mary at your next brunch.

CLASSIC BLOODY MARY

• 4 parts of Stirrings Bloody Mary Mixer*
• 1 part good-quality vodka (I like Grey Goose.)
• Celery stick and squeeze of lime (for garnish)

Pour ingredients in a tall glass with plenty of ice. Stir to combine ingredients. Garnish with celery stick and squeeze of lime.

*One 32-ounce bottle of mix makes about 8 cocktails.