Ginza Mary

The Ginza Mary is a creative and flavorful variation of the traditional Bloody Mary, swapping out the usual vodka for Japanese sake. This substitution, along with the addition of wasabi and soy sauce, infuses the drink with distinctive notes of umami and a sharp, spicy kick. It retains the familiar tomato juice base and tangy citrus but transforms the overall experience into something uniquely Japanese. This cocktail is perfect for brunch or as a savory appetizer drink, offering a delightful alternative to its Western counterpart.
Ginza Mary

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Ginza Mary is classified as a savory cocktail due to its tomato base and umami-rich ingredients. It is a creative twist on a brunch classic, placing it firmly in the cocktail category for those who prefer savory flavors over sweet.

Serving

Serve this medium-sized, cold cocktail in a highball glass over ice. The alcohol content is relatively mild, making it suitable for daytime drinking.
Serving size
Approximately 200 ml / 6.8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Optionally rim the glass with celery salt or a mix of salt and togarashi.

Backstory

While its exact origin story is not precisely documented, the Ginza Mary is believed to have originated in the upscale bars of Tokyo's Ginza district. It emerged as Japanese bartenders began reinterpreting classic Western cocktails with local ingredients. The substitution of sake for vodka and the addition of wasabi and soy sauce was a natural evolution, creating a drink that reflects the core flavors of Japanese cuisine.
Origin
The Ginza Mary originates from Japan, most likely created in the modern cocktail era in Tokyo. It represents a fusion of Western classic cocktails and traditional Japanese flavors.

Ginza Mary

This cocktail is most commonly known as the Ginza Mary, named after the upscale district in Tokyo. It is also sometimes referred to as a Tokyo Mary or more descriptively as a Japanese Bloody Mary, highlighting its origin and its relationship to the classic cocktail.
Original name
Ginza Mary
Alternative names
  • Tokyo Mary
  • Japanese Bloody Mary

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a complex savory flavor profile dominated by umami and a spicy kick from wasabi, with a thick, satisfying texture. Its aroma is a fragrant mix of fresh tomato and pungent Japanese seasonings, making it a refreshing choice year-round.
Flavor
Savory, Umami, Spicy, Tangy, Vegetal
Aroma
Tomato, Wasabi, Soy sauce, Citrus
Taste balance
Salty, Sour, Umami
Aftertaste
Long, Savory, Spicy kick
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Opaque, Red, Cloudy
Texture
Thick, Pulpy
Seasonality
All-season, Refreshing

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely savory and salty, with moderate sourness and spiciness, but low in sweetness and bitterness. It is a still, non-creamy drink with a relatively mild alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The key ingredients are sake and tomato juice, enhanced with classic seasonings plus a Japanese twist from soy sauce and wasabi paste. Fresh lemon juice provides necessary acidity.
  • Sake60 ml / 2 oz
    A dry Junmai sake works well.
  • Tomato Juice120 ml / 4 oz
    Use high-quality tomato juice for the best flavor.
  • Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential.
  • Worcestershire Sauce2 dashes
    Check for vegan/vegetarian versions if needed.
  • Soy Sauce1 dash
    A light soy sauce (usukuchi) or tamari works well.
  • Wasabi Paste1/4 teaspoon
    Adjust to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • Celery Salt1 pinch
    For seasoning and optional glass rim.
  • Black Pepper1 pinch
    Freshly ground is recommended.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker and strainer to properly mix and chill the ingredients before serving. Alternatively, it can be built and stirred directly in the serving glass.
  • Boston shaker for mixing and chilling the ingredients.
  • Strainer to pour the drink without the shaker ice.

Instructions

The process involves combining all liquid ingredients and seasonings in a shaker with ice. Shake briefly to chill, then strain into an ice-filled highball glass and garnish.
1. If desired, rim a highball glass. Moisten the rim with a lemon wedge and dip it into a small plate of celery salt.
2. Fill the highball glass with fresh ice cubes.
3. In a cocktail shaker, combine the sake, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, wasabi paste, celery salt, and black pepper.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake gently for about 10 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients without over-diluting.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared highball glass over the fresh ice.
6. Garnish with a celery stalk and an optional cucumber spear before serving.

Garnishing

A classic celery stalk is the standard garnish, providing a crunchy, fresh contrast. A cucumber spear can be added for a cooler, complementary flavor.
  • Celery Stalk: Place one fresh, crisp celery stalk into the glass.
  • Cucumber Spear: Optionally add a long spear of fresh cucumber for extra freshness.

Dietary Information

This drink contains soy and often gluten from soy and Worcestershire sauce. Worcestershire sauce also typically contains anchovies, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans; check labels for compliant versions.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✕ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✕ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail is relatively low in calories, with most of its carbohydrates and sugars coming from the tomato juice. The overall nutritional impact is modest for a single serving.
Calories
Approximately 140-170 kcal / 585-710 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 7-9 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is an excellent choice for brunch, providing a savory alternative to mimosas. It also serves well as a pre-dinner appetizer drink or for any occasion when a rich, umami-forward beverage is desired.
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Appetizer Drink
  • Savory Craving

Pairing suggestions

The Ginza Mary pairs exceptionally well with Japanese cuisine. Its savory, umami notes complement the flavors of sushi, sashimi, edamame, and grilled items like yakitori. It's a fantastic companion for a variety of Japanese appetizers.
  • Sushi and Sashimi
  • Edamame
  • Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)
  • Yakitori (Grilled Skewers)

Ginza Mary: A Savory Sip from Tokyo

The Ginza Mary is a sophisticated and savory cocktail that offers a delightful Japanese twist on the classic Bloody Mary. By replacing vodka with sake and introducing wasabi and soy sauce, it creates a unique umami-rich experience with a pleasant spicy finish. It is visually appealing with its deep red color and classic celery garnish. Easy to prepare and perfect for brunch or as an appetizer, the Ginza Mary is an excellent choice for those seeking a flavorful, non-sweet cocktail.

Similar cocktails

Bloody Mary

The classic version uses vodka as the base spirit and typically Tabasco sauce for heat instead of wasabi.

Red Snapper

A variation of the Bloody Mary that uses gin instead of vodka, adding botanical notes.

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