Bloody Mary with Lovage

Bloody Mary with Lovage

Combine all, except lovage stalks:

1 quart tomato juice

1/2 cup lime juice

2 tablespoons prepared horseradish

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce (or to taste)

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 cups good-quality vodka or gin (we prefer Tanqueray, or, in England, Gordon's non-export)

Garnish:

6 10-inch lovage stalks, leaves cut off

Combine all ingredients except lovage in a pitcher and stir well. Pour over ice in 6 tall glasses and garnish with the lovage stalks, which should be used as straws.

Yield:  6 drinks.