HOLIDAY MARY

With a hearty dose of vitamins and a wonderful mouth feel, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for a brunch or for afternoon entertaining. You can juice the celery and add it to the bowl, or simply chop it up finely, which adds a crunch to the cocktail.

1 To a pitcher or punch bowl, add 1½ cups (375 mL) Canadian whisky, 5 cups (1.25 L) tomato juice, 2 to 4 tbsp (30 to 60 mL) horseradish (to taste), ½ cup (125 mL) lemon juice, 1 tbsp (15 mL) Worcestershire (to taste), 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 mL) Tabasco (to taste) and 1 cup (250 mL) chopped fresh celery. Stir to mix. Pour into glasses with ice, add a dash of salt to each if desired, and garnish with a celery stalk.

Makes about 10 servings