Hello! It’s Ashley, from Lemon + Lavender, blogging my favorite day drink. Well one of my favorites. The Bloody Mary is your traditional brunch cocktail, it’s a hangover remedy, or a great way to enjoy happy hour! I’ve been a fan of making my own for quite some time. I rarely order them out because I am quite the Bloody Mary snob. So here I am today sharing my coveted recipe with Valley & Co. readers. It’s all about the secret ingredient and fresh lime juice. I also love to garnish with a dill pickle spear of a lovely sprig of celery, although these things are difficult to find here in West Africa so our bloodies are sans celery stalks today!

• 2 oz. of vodka (I prefer Stoli)

• 8 oz. of tomato juice

• 1/4 tsp. of Worcestershire sauce

• 1/8 tsp. of Tabasco

• 1/2 tsp. of dill pickle juice (the secret ingredient)

• Fresh ground pepper
• juice from 1/2 a lime