Virgin Mary Cocktail Recipe
Virgin Mary Nutrition Facts
Calories:70
Fat:0.2g
Protein:1.8g
Carbohydrates:16g
Alcohol %:0%
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 Virgin Mary is a non-alcoholic version of the famous Bloody Mary cocktail. It was created as an alternative for those who want to enjoy the flavors of the Bloody Mary without the alcohol content. The Virgin Mary is popular among designated drivers, pregnant women, and anyone who wants a refreshing and savory drink without the buzz. It is often served at brunches and daytime events.
How Virgin Mary Tastes?
The Virgin Mary has a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy taste. It is rich in tomato flavor, with a hint of citrus and a subtle kick from the hot sauce and black pepper. The Worcestershire sauce adds a touch of umami, making it a well-rounded and satisfying non-alcoholic beverage.
Interesting facts about Virgin Mary
- The Virgin Mary is sometimes referred to as the 'Bloody Shame' or 'Bloody Virgin' due to its lack of alcohol.
- The cocktail is believed to have been created in the 1920s or 1930s, around the same time as the Bloody Mary.
- The Virgin Mary is often served with a variety of garnishes, such as celery, olives, and pickles, making it a visually appealing and customizable drink.
Ingredients
- Tomato juice: 6 oz(180ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tsp
- Hot sauce: 1 dash
- Ground black pepper: 1 pinch
- Ground smoked paprika: 1 pinch
- Celery salt: 1 pinch
- Ice cubes: 1 cup
- Celery stalk: 1
- Green olives: 2
- Lemon wedge: 1
Tomato Juice
Tomato juice is the backbone of a Virgin Mary, providing a rich umami base and a smooth texture. 6 oz is the golden mean that ensures the drink is not too thick or too watery. Without it, you'd lose the signature taste, but you could substitute it with V8 or carrot juice for a twist with added complexity or sweetness.
Emma Rose
Lemon Juice
At 0.5 oz, lemon juice adds a needed zesty punch to cut through the richness of the tomato. Too much and your drink becomes a citric bomb, too little and it might taste flat. No lemon juice? Try lime for a slightly more tropical zest.
Alex Green
Worcestershire Sauce
The 1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce brings a depth of flavor with its fermented combination of vinegar, molasses, anchovies, and spices. Leaving it out might give you a bland cocktail; a potential substitute can be soy sauce for a vegetarian version, albeit with a different flavor profile.
Mary Mitkina
Hot Sauce
A dash of hot sauce delivers that well-known kick. It's the spice of life here, but don't overdo it unless you want to breathe fire. Skip it, and you might call your drink 'Mild Mary.' Sriracha is an alternative for a different kind of heat.
Emma Rose
Ground Black Pepper
A pinch of black pepper introduces a subtle warmth and complexity. It's easily adjustable to taste, and skipping it won't ruin the cocktail but will leave it a touch less spirited. White pepper could be used for a milder heat.
Alex Green
Ground Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika lends a smoky aroma and a dash of color. It complements the cocktail’s earthy notes. Go without, and you might miss a layer of sophistication. Swap with regular paprika if you prefer less smokiness.
Mary Mitkina
Celery Salt
Bringing its unique salty-bitter profile, a pinch of celery salt seasons the mix perfectly. Too much could overpower, too little might make it feel underseasoned. No celery salt? Try regular salt, but you'll lose some of the vegetal edge.
Emma Rose
Ice Cubes
Ice is essential to chill the drink, meld the flavors together, and provide a refreshing experience. Skimp on ice, and your Virgin Mary risks being lukewarm and diluted. Crushed ice is an alternative for a quicker chill.
Alex Green
Garnishes
- Celery Stalk: Provides a crunchy, vegetal contrast and a handy mixing tool.
- Green Olives: Salty bites that enrich the cocktail’s flavors.
- Lemon Wedge: Adds an extra spritz of citrus if desired and an elegant visual touch.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Virgin Mary Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, ground black pepper, ground smoked paprika, and celery salt to the shaker.
- Shake well until all ingredients are combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with a celery stalk, green olives, and a lemon wedge.
Pro Tips
- Shake well: The key to a great Virgin Mary is to shake the ingredients well to combine all the flavors.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh tomato and lemon juice for the best taste.
- Adjust to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce and black pepper to suit your taste.
Perfect Pairings
Foods
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The creamy and melty texture of a classic grilled cheese provides a comforting balance to the spiciness and acidity of the Virgin Mary.
- Fried Calamari: The crispy, light breading of fried calamari is a nice textural contrast to the smooth, rich flavors of the Virgin Mary.
- Veggie Platter: Fresh, crunchy vegetables complement the drink's vegetable base and can be dipped into the cocktail itself for an extra flavor kick!
Other Drinks
- Iced Tea: Refreshing and neutral, iced tea can cleanse the palate between sips of the flavorful Virgin Mary.
- Sparkling Water: A bubbly palate cleanser that can refresh and prepare the taste buds for more of the cocktail's complex flavor profile.
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What you could change in Virgin Mary
- Tomato juice: You can substitute it with V8 or any vegetable juice.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute.
- Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce or fish sauce can be used as a substitute, but be careful with the amount as they are stronger in flavor.
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And of course - twists🍹
Spicy Virgin Mary
Add an extra dash of hot sauce and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This fire-breathing version will be a hit with spice lovers and may even make you see visions of non-alcoholic dragons.
Garden Virgin Mary
Muddle in some fresh basil and cucumber slices before shaking. A refreshing, herby twist that will make you feel like you're sipping your garden.
Bloody Citrus Mary
Substitute the lemon juice with equal parts orange juice and lime juice, and add a pinch of grated ginger. This will give your Virgin Mary a sunny disposition with a zing that could wake the sleepiest of brunch guests.
In case you forgot basics how to make Virgin 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 Virgin Mary
Are there any other non-alcoholic substitutions that can be used in the Virgin Mary cocktail?
Yes, cucumber juice, carrot juice, and even beetroot juice can be used instead of tomato juice for a different taste twist.
Can I add alcohol to the Virgin Mary cocktail?
Yes, a splash of vodka can be added to turn a Virgin Mary into a traditional Bloody Mary cocktail.
Are there any other garnishes commonly used in the Virgin Mary cocktail?
Aside from the mentioned celery stalk, green olives, and lemon wedges, other common garnishes include pickled vegetables, a slice of bacon, or even a shrimp.
Is the Virgin Mary cocktail considered healthy?
The Virgin Mary cocktail contains a variety of vegetables in juice form and and the low calorie count makes it a healthier choice compared to other sugary beverages. However, the sodium content can be high due to the Worcestershire sauce and celery salt.
What is the best way to serve the Virgin Mary cocktail?
The Virgin Mary is best served chilled. Pre-chilling the glass before serving is also an excellent idea to maintain the freshness of the cocktail.
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