Delicious drink recipes: homemade Bloody Mary and sangria

Cool off as early as brunch or as late as sunset with these delicious homemade cocktail recipes.

Keep this mix ready to go in the refrigerator and you can whip up fantastic Bloody Marys in a flash — or just serve it over ice as a spicy tomato juice treat. You can buy Bloody Mary mixes, but the homemade version is livelier and much, much cheaper.

Makes 600 millilitres (2 1/2 cups)

• 550 ml (2 1/4 c) tomato juice
• 50 ml (1/4 c) lemon juice
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp) black pepper
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp) salt
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp) celery seed
• 5 ml (1 tsp) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp) hot red pepper sauceIn a one litre (four cup) jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the ingredients. Cover the jar tightly and shake to blend well. Refrigerate for up to one week; shake well before using.

Makes one serving

An eye-opener for breakfast or brunch, this spicy drink stands up to even the most flavourful foods. Homemade with your own mix, it's a treat without being a threat to your pocketbook.

• 125 g (1/2 c) cracked ice
• 70 ml (2 1/2 oz) vodka
• 155 ml (5 oz) Bloody Mary Mix (above)
• 1 celery stalkIn a tall glass, place the cracked ice.Pour the vodka and Bloody Mary mix over the ice. Garnish with the celery stalk.

The colour of garnets, full of fruit and always welcome regardless of the season, sangria is an easy-to-make, delightful wine punch that is served as a refreshing appetizer or cooling drink at Spanish restaurants. Homemade is fresher-tasting and a lot less pricey.

Makes about 1.5 litres (six cups)

• 2 oranges, sliced
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 175 ml (3/4 c) brandy
• 1 bottle (750 ml/3 c) red wine of choice
• 1 bottle (750 ml/3 c) sparkling cider, chilled
• Ice cubes1. In a large punch bowl or glass pitcher, combine the first four ingredients.

  2. Pour the red wine and sparkling cider over the fruit mixture, gently stirring until the punch is well blended. Just before serving, add ice cubes as desired.

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