Bloody Maria with Pickled Jalapeños

Ingredients

• ½ pound jalapeños (halved lengthwise)
• 10 cloves whole peeled garlic
• 6 sprigs fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups cider vinegar
• 2 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 7½ ounce tomato juice
• 2 ounces tequila
• 1 ½ ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon red Tabasco (or other high acid hot sauce)
• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 grape or cherry tomato (as garnish, optional)