Smokin’ Mary: Vodka And Slightly Spiced Tomato

Credits: c/o The Alchemist and Love Potatoes / Potatoes: More than a bit on the side campaign.

Smokin’ Mary – vodka and slightly spiced tomato juice teamed with sweet caramelised onion chutney and smoke, with a chorizo and halloumi garnish.

Hello friends, so how are you today?

Smokin’ Mary anyone?

Served in highball glass.

Smokin’ Mary:

1. Add 300ml of (smoked) tomato juice to a cocktail shaker

2. Stir in a teaspoon of caramelised onion chutney

3. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper

4. Add shot of vodka

5. Add cubes of ice and roll the cocktail shaker to combine the flavours gently

6. Serve in a tall glass and garnish with charred mini cherry tomatoes on a cocktail skewer

Pair with:

Spicy Potato Wedges.

Why:

The sweet and smoky flavours featured in this twist on a Bloody Mary, will perfectly complement potato wedges and provide warming, feel-good refreshment.

This cocktail needs to pack enough of a punch to balance out the spicy wedges, while still holding its own.

The smoke will add an interesting edge to the drink – and draw out the flavours of the cayenne pepper and chilli powder used to create the wedges.

When turning up the heat in a meal, it is always best to serve a long drink with plenty of ice that can be slowly enjoyed – or gulped down if needed!

The chorizo and halloumi garnish adds a bit of fun to the beverage, and both also can be enjoyed with the Tzatziki dip served with the wedges.

Spicy Potato Wedges:

Ingredients:

800g smooth potatoes, such as Desiree

2 tbsp olive oil

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

½ tsp cayenne

1 tsp medium chilli powder

1 tsp dried mixed herbs

Tzatziki dip, to serve

Method:

1.) Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan-assisted/Gas Mark 6. Mix the oil, garlic, cayenne, chilli powder and mixed herbs in a large bowl. Chop each potato in half, then chop each half into quarters on the diagonal. Toss the potatoes through the chilli mix until coated.

2.)Turn out onto a large baking tray and season. Transfer to the oven to bake for 30 minutes until golden and tender.

3.) Last but not least, serve with a simple tzatziki dip.