New Virgin-NON Virgin Bloody Mary

 Ingredients: 2 ripe pear-shaped tomatoes, fresh mint leaves, ginger the size of an almond, 20-40 ml of vodka, 1 teaspoon of sugar for the virgin version.

After a long wait, here is my recipe for the contest! We are in the middle of the warm season, and nature offers us a multitude of fresh fruits and vegetables, so I thought to recreate a well-known long drink: Bloody Mary. Everyone knows that this delicious cocktail is made from tomato juice, mixed with vodka, salt, pepper, and sometimes a few drops of Tabasco sauce. Some of you may have consumed it, while others may not, but I highly recommend it. So, without further ado, let's get to work!

The ingredients used are similar to those in the classic recipe, but I made a few interesting modifications that give it a unique taste. Instead of Tabasco sauce and black pepper, I chose a special ingredient that Moldovans have always appreciated: ginger! It adds a spicy yet fresh note, perfect for hot days. And to elevate this drink, I added fresh mint leaves, which provide a refreshing and aromatic taste. Additionally, I replaced the store-bought tomato juice with freshly squeezed tomatoes to enjoy the authentic flavor of seasonal vegetables.

The first step is to take care of the tomatoes. Wash them well, then peel and seed them. Cut them into small cubes and place them in a blender or a mixing bowl if you are using an immersion blender. Add the fresh mint leaves, torn by hand, and a cube of peeled ginger, about the size of an almond. These ingredients will add a note of freshness and aroma to the drink.

If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, now is the time to add a bit of brown sugar or a little honey, depending on how sweet you want the drink to be. Blend the ingredients until you obtain a smooth and creamy mixture.

For serving, prepare a tall glass, adding the equivalent of two crushed ice cubes. Pour the vodka into the glass, followed by the freshly blended tomato juice. Stir gently to combine all the flavors. Finally, garnish the glass with a mint leaf or a slice of tomato if you want a more attractive appearance.

The drink is now ready to be enjoyed! This version of Bloody Mary with ginger and mint is perfect for cooling off on hot summer days, while also bringing a touch of creativity to traditional recipes. Enjoy it!

 Tags:  tomatoes sugar pear gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes fat-free recipes