Bloody Mary Soup with Pumpernickel Grilled Cheese Croutons

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2 tablespoons EVOO

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest

6 cloves garlic, chopped

3 celery ribs, chopped

2 onions, chopped

Celery salt

Coarsely ground black pepper

1/2 cup vodka

2 cups spicy tomato juice, such as Spicy Hot V-8 juice

2 cups beef stock

1/4 cup prepared horseradish

1/4 cup hot sauce, such as Frank's Red Hot Sauce

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

One 28- to 32-ounce can fire roasted tomatoes or diced tomatoes

Softened butter

8 slices pumpernickel bread

8 deli slices yellow Cheddar

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped