Mediterranean Mary Cocktail Recipe
Mediterranean Mary Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:1g
Carbohydrates:10g
Alcohol %:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Mediterranean Mary is a delightful twist on the classic Bloody Mary cocktail. It's a popular choice for brunch and afternoon gatherings, especially among those who appreciate the savory and tangy flavors of the Mediterranean cuisine. This cocktail was first introduced in a small bar in Greece and quickly gained popularity across the Mediterranean region due to its refreshing and unique taste.
How Mediterranean Mary Tastes?
The Mediterranean Mary is a savory and tangy cocktail with a hint of spiciness. The tomato juice provides a refreshing base, while the lemon juice and olives add a tangy kick. The vodka gives it a strong, robust flavor, and the Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco add a spicy depth to the cocktail.
Interesting facts about Mediterranean Mary
- The Mediterranean Mary is often served with a celery stalk and a lemon wedge as garnish.
- This cocktail is a popular choice for brunch due to its savory and refreshing flavors.
- The Mediterranean Mary is a twist on the classic Bloody Mary, which was originally created in the 1920s.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
- Tomato juice: 4 oz(120ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 dashes
- Tabasco: 2 dashes
- Olives: 3
- Black pepper: 1 pinch
- Salt: 1 pinch
- Celery stalk: 1
- Lemon wedge: 1
A few good options for Mediterranean Mary are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
The backbone of this cocktail, vodka is chosen for its neutrality, allowing the other flavors to shine. 2 oz is just enough to give the cocktail a kick without overpowering. No vodka, no party! - as they say. Substitute with gin for an herby twist, changing the flavor profile substantially.
Emma Rose
Tomato Juice
Tomato juice provides the body and savory base of the drink. 4 oz creates a balanced ratio with the vodka. Without it, you'd end up with an oddly flavored vodka lemonade. An alternative could be Clamato juice for a brinier taste.
Alex Green
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice adds a refreshing acidity, brightening up the drink. 1 oz is sufficient to counter the tomato while not turning the drink too sour. No lemon juice means a flatter taste profile. Lime juice could be a zesty alternative.
Mary Mitkina
Worcestershire Sauce
These two dashes pack umami and complexity. Without them, you'll miss depth in the cocktail. Soy sauce could be a substitute but use with caution—it’s saltier!
Emma Rose
Tabasco
2 dashes provide a pleasant heat. Skip it, and you'll lose the touch of spice that defines a 'Mary.' A dash of cayenne pepper sauce could be an alternative, though the heat would be different.
Alex Green
Olives
3 olives offer a briny contrast and a nod to the Mediterranean. The absence of olives would make the drink less complex. Capers could be a tangy alternative garnish.
Mary Mitkina
Black Pepper
A pinch of black pepper introduces a sharp bite, elevating the savory elements. Leave it out, and you'll notice something is missing. Ground white pepper would be a more subtle alternative.
Emma Rose
Salt
Salt works to enhance all the flavors present, akin to seasoning a dish. Just a pinch does the trick; too much, and you're on a saline drip. No salt means a less dynamic taste. A celery salt could add an extra layer of flavor here.
Alex Green
Celery Stalk
The celery stalk isn't just garnish; it adds a refreshing, earthy crunch and can be used to stir the drink. Without it, not only is the presentation lacking, but also that subtle vegetal hint. A cucumber spear could be a fresh substitute.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Wedge
For both flavor and garnish, the lemon wedge provides an extra citrus kick when squeezed into the drink. If missing, the drink loses a layer of zest. An orange wedge could be a sweeter alternative.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Mediterranean Mary Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, and pepper.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish with a celery stalk, a lemon wedge, and olives.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce according to your taste.
- Serve immediately after preparation to maintain the freshness of the cocktail.
Perfect Pairings
Seafood
- Grilled Shrimp: The zesty flavors of lemon and tomato blend perfectly with seafood, especially with charred or grilled textures.
- Fried Calamari: The cocktail's acidity and spice can cut through the richness of fried foods, making for a delightful contrast.
Snacks and Appetizers
- Cheese Platter: A selection of Mediterranean cheeses like feta or halloumi can balance the savory aspects of the cocktail.
- Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes on bruschetta will complement the tomato juice in the drink.
Meats
- Lamb Kebabs: Robust, herbed meats like lamb pair wonderfully with the bold flavors of the Mediterranean Mary.
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What you could change in Mediterranean Mary
- Vodka can be substituted with gin for a different flavor profile.
- If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce instead.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka.
Explore all drinks starting with M here
And of course - twists🍹
Aegean Mary
For a Greek take, swap vodka for ouzo, and add a splash of olive brine. Garnish with a sprig of oregano and a feta-stuffed olive. The licorice notes of ouzo and the tangy feta will transport you to the Aegean Sea.
Spicy Mediterranean Mary
Add a teaspoon of horseradish and use spicy pickled olives for garnish. This extra kick will give your Mediterranean Mary a fiery personality, perfect for those who like it hot.
Green Mary
Substitute tomato juice with tomatillo juice and add a few slices of fresh jalapeño. This version is a verdant, slightly tart twist with just the right amount of heat, perfect for when you're craving something a bit more daring and less traditional.
In case you forgot basics how to make Mediterranean Mary
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Mediterranean Mary
What type of vodka works best for this recipe?
While any vodka works for this cocktail, higher quality vodka will ultimately improve the end result, since it is one of the main ingredients.
Can I make this cocktail in advance?
For the best flavor, it is advised to make it fresh right before consumption. Mixing it ahead of time might dull the flavors and the cocktail could become watery.
Is there any particular brand of Tabasco that is recommended?
The original Tabasco sauce brand is typically used in cocktails, but feel free to use your preferred brand of hot sauce.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, however, keep in mind that this will alter the flavor. Lime juice is sourer than lemon juice and may overpower the taste of the other ingredients.
Can this cocktail be consumed by people following a vegetarian or gluten-free diet?
Yes, this cocktail is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
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