Smoky Bloody Mary

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/4 cups flavored vodka (bacon flavored), or regular vodka
• 3 and 1/4 cups tomato juice
• 6 slices peppered bacon
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• 1 tbsp horseradish
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce with smoked chipotle peppers
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp ground celery seeds with salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 6 celery stalks with leaves

Preparation:

1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels.
2. Meanwhile, in a pitcher, combine tomato juice, vodka, lemon juice, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill the cocktail until serving.
3. Pour the cocktail into 6 large glasses filled with ice. Garnish the Bloody Mary with bacon slices and celery stalks.