Less than two months ago, Clark and I were sitting at a bar in LaGuardia International Airport at 9am. It was the first bar to open in the terminal and we were two of the first people there. Two Bloody Marys, please and thanks.

It was another first for us – drinking a Bloody Mary. Surprisingly, neither of us had ever tried this common cocktail before that early airport morning. We sat there, feeling 50 years older than we actually were, and talked about important things and unimportant things and fears and hopes and goals. The bottom of the glass came way too fast, as it always seems to do.

It’s funny to think about sharing firsts at this point in the game. We’ve been together almost 10 years now. That’s plenty of time for lots of firsts, and apparently, there’s still plenty of time for lots more. Even if it’s something as simple as trying a Bloody Mary together.

We both took our first sips and looked at each other like, “Whoa. Where has this been all of our lives?” Spicy, hearty, and buzzy. The more we sipped, the more we talked. It was one of those times where you feel like it’s just two of you in a place, and maybe you’re the only two people on earth. Nothing else matters.

Ever since that day at LGA, we’ve both been on a Bloody Mary kick. After a few failworthy mixes, we stumbled upon Hoosier Momma and gave it a try. Not only is this mix the best I’ve tasted, it’s also gluten-free and made right here in Indiana [hence the name.] Who doesn’t love to support local business?

The chili rim is a must. Unless you don’t like spicy things. Otherwise, go for it. Mix the spices together in a dish, run one of those leftover lime wedges around the rim, and give the glass a twist in the good stuff. It adds something to every single sip.

I enjoyed this mix simply, with just vodka, but I can really appreciate this jazzed-up take on the traditional cocktail. After foot upon foot of snow, I’m dreaming about tropical locations more often than not these days.

Mango and lime are like little slices of sunshine that brighten up this recipe. Since a Bloody Mary is usually a breakfast drink, you might as well add fruit, right?