GORDON’S BSK BLOODY MARY

WEEKEND brunch wouldn’t be complete without a Bloody Mary, but when it comes to the perfect combination of ingredients, there is much debate. At my London restaurant, Bread Street Kitchen, this is our house spice mix and we think it’s hard to beat. Make up a batch and simply mix with vodka and tomato juice for the ultimate mid-morning tipple. SERVES 20-30, serving 2-3 tsp per drink. Makes about 310ml.

FOR THE SPICE MIX

● 2 fresh basil leaves ● ½ rosemary sprig, leaves stripped ● ½ celery stick, trimmed ● 2 pitted green olives ● 1 green chilli, deseeded ● ½ shallot, roughly chopped ● ½ tsp paprika ● ½ tsp cayenne pepper ● ½ tsp black peppercorns ● ½ tsp garlic salt ● ½ tsp Dijon mustard ● ½ tsp horseradish sauce ● 250ml Worcestershire sauce

FOR EACH BLOODY MARY

● 2-3 tsp BSK Bloody Mary Spice Mix (see above) ● 1 shot of vodka (25ml) ● 150ml fresh tomato juice ● Ice cubes, to serve (optional) PUt all the ingredients for the spice mix into a blender and blitz together until smooth. Pour into a sterilised bottle or jar, seal and store in the fridge for up to five days.

to make each Bloody Mary, add 2-3 teaspoons of the spice mix to the vodka and tomato juice, stirring to combine. Pour into a glass over ice (if using) and serve straight away. GORDON SAYS: For a delicious Virgin Mary, simply omit the vodka.

BUCK’S FIZZ MARY

THIS is Buck’s Fizz with a twist. The fresh ginger and orange vodka added to the classic combination of fresh orange juice and sparkling wine make it spicy and warming – perfect for celebrations. The quantities are easily doubled or tripled if serving to a gathering of friends and family. SERVES 2 ● 50ml orange or mandarin vodka ● 40ml orange juice ● 20ml ginger juice (see tip below) ● Champagne or prosecco, to serve FOr the ginger juice, grate a thumb- sized piece of fresh root ginger, then press it through a small sieve, collecting the juice in a bowl underneath. Mix together the vodka, orange juice and ginger juice in a jug, then pour into the bottom of two champagne flutes. Fill the glasses with champagne or prosecco and give each a quick stir before serving.