For Wake County Commissioner Sig Hutchinson — who enjoys a Bloody Mary with his wife after their Sunday bike ride — the key is in the mix.

“As part of our family tradition — which we still uphold — Nancy’s mom, Me Maw, always enjoyed ringing in the holiday season with a pitcher of Bloody Marys while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Whether it’s a family holiday, a special occasion, or even a toast to a Saturday morning bike ride on the Neuse River Greenway, nothing is better than the taste (and anticipation!) of the perfect Bloody Mary. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to perfect this magnificent libation.” — Sig Hutchinson

Ingredients
1 to 2 shots vodka
6 ounces Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix
Gourmet Village Rim Trim
Dash of Lea & Perrins Original Worcestershire Sauce
Texas Pete Original Hot Sauce Limes
Olives
Celery Sticks
Celery Salt

Directions
Prepare the glasses: circle the tops with lime juice and dip into a saucer of rim trim, then knock off excess. Fill glasses with ice and add a celery stick, with leaves sticking out at the top. Set aside.
Fill a shaker with ice and add vodka, Bloody Mary mix, Worcestershire Sauce, 1⁄4 of a squeezed lime, and hot sauce to taste (optional, but not really). Shake or stir vigorously. Strain into glasses and add a touch of celery salt to the top. Garnish with two olives on a toothpick and a thin wedge of lime.