Lovely color, yes? And it tastes great, too, perfect for a small soiree on the patio.

It's a cucumber rendition of a bloody mary, pureed in a blender then strained, at my house in a [tool whose name I can't remember but will insert later] that lives in the basement until moments just like this.

This is my first-ever contribution to a blog party, where food bloggers from all over the world will make and post cocktail food and drinks. Check here for a recap!

If the idea of a 'vegetable drink' appeals to you, consider a Chilled Carrot Soup with Honey.

JEALOUS MARYS
Hands-on time: 15 minutes
Time to table: 15 minutes
Makes 1 1/4 cups

1 English cucumber, chopped
1/4 cup chopped celery
juice from a lemon, about 2 tablespoons
1/2 tablespoon bottled horseradish
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Bit of ground pepper
Drop or two of Tabasco
3 ounces vodka (I used Absolut Citron)

Collect all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Force through a fine-mesh strainer, then discard the solids. Serve over ice in small glasses.

NUTRITION ESTIMATE
Per 1/4 cup: 41 Cal (5% from Fat, 12% from Protein, 83% from Carb); 0 g Protein; 0 g Tot Fat; 0 g Sat Fat; 2 g Carb; 0 g Fiber; 9 mg Calcium; 0 mg Iron; 208 mg Sodium; 0 mg Cholesterol, Weight Watchers 1 point

SOURCE
Gourmet, August 2005