Bloody Mary Mix

Combine the the first 7 ingredients (water through lemon pepper) in a large pot. Heat to a boil, stir and cook just until the spices are dissolved. Remove from heat, cool and then pour into a large pitcher with a lid. Once cooled, then add the vodka (and optional horseradish if preferred). Put the lid on and put it into the refrigerator.

When serving, stir mixture very well. Fill a cocktail glass with ice, then add enough mix to fill about 1/2 of the glass. Then finish filling the glass with a high-quality Clamato juice.

Make up some great relish skewers to serve alongside the drink. I use a skewer with seasoned cooked bacon (I cook mine with brown sugar and Sriracha hot sauce).