'True Blood' is back: Check out NYC's best vampire haunts

Vampire fans are in for a treat tonight when "True Blood" returns to HBO for its second season.

For those who need even more to satisfy their cravings, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the undead here in New York. The show's bloodsucking stud Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) sleeps in a coffin and sinks his fangs into victims - but here are some more appealing options.

Have a Bloody Mary

Drinking real blood is gross, but a Bloody Mary has a kick that could wake even the undead.

The spicy vodka cocktail gets its color from tomato juice, and usually contains Worcestershire and Tabasco sauces, beef bouillon, horseradish, celery, an olive, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper and lemon juice.

The River Cafe in Brooklyn, deemed to have the best Bloody Mary in New York by Citysearch users last year, prides itself on presentation.

"We put slices of red and green pepper, a little bit of fresh cucumber," says bartender Larry Trap. "We wrap a little lemon wheel around the celery, so when they get the drink, it looks pretty nice." Customers can order the $13 cocktail spicy or mild.

River Cafe, 1 Water St., Brooklyn; (718) 522-5200.

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