Elocina's Bloody Mary

Fill a tall highball glass with ice cubes to the brim and set aside to chill while you prepare the mix.

In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine 1.5 oz of vodka with 4 oz of tomato juice.

Add several dashes of Tabasco sauce to the shaker according to your heat preference, starting with 3-5 dashes for a medium spice level.

Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of celery salt, a pinch of black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the shaker.

Stir or gently roll the mixture in the shaker to combine all ingredients without over-diluting or losing carbonation.

Pour the mixture over the ice-filled highball glass, straining if desired for a cleaner presentation.

Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more Tabasco, salt, or lemon juice as needed to balance the flavors.

Garnish with a celery stalk, a lemon wedge, and optionally a skewer of olives or pickled vegetables before serving immediately.