Virgin Mary
The Virgin Mary is the quintessential savory mocktail, offering all the complex, spicy flavors of a Bloody Mary without the vodka. It's a rich and tangy beverage centered around tomato juice, invigorated by a mix of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, citrus, and spices. Often enjoyed during brunch, it serves as a delicious and refreshing alternative for those abstaining from alcohol.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Virgin Mary is classified as a classic mocktail. It is the non-alcoholic version of the famous Bloody Mary cocktail, often served as a brunch beverage or a savory non-alcoholic alternative.
Serving
Served cold over ice in a tall Highball glass, this non-alcoholic drink is often presented with an elaborately garnished, salt-rimmed glass.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Wet the rim of the glass with a lemon or lime wedge and dip in celery salt or a spice blend.
Backstory
The history of the Virgin Mary is directly tied to its alcoholic predecessor, the Bloody Mary. It emerged as a popular alternative for those who enjoyed the complex, savory flavor profile of the Bloody Mary but preferred not to consume alcohol. The name is a clear play on the original, referencing its "virgin" or non-alcoholic state.
Origin
The drink's origin is concurrent with the rise in popularity of the Bloody Mary in the mid-20th century in the United States. It doesn't have a single inventor but evolved naturally as a non-alcoholic option on bar and restaurant menus.
Virgin Mary
The drink is universally known as the Virgin Mary. It is sometimes humorously called a "Bloody Shame" or "Bloody Virgin" due to its lack of alcohol compared to its counterpart, the Bloody Mary.
Original name
Virgin Mary
Alternative names
- Bloody Shame
- Bloody Virgin
Characteristics overview
The Virgin Mary boasts a complex savory and spicy flavor profile with a distinct tomato aroma. It's a thick, non-fizzy, opaque red drink that feels refreshing any time of year.
Flavor
Savory, spicy, tangy, umami, vegetal
Aroma
Tomato, celery, peppery, citrus
Taste balance
Salty, sour, umami
Aftertaste
Lingering spice, savory, clean
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, vibrant red
Texture
Thick, pulpy, smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is intensely savory and salty, with moderate sourness and adjustable spice. It is completely non-alcoholic, not creamy, and has no carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The base for this drink is tomato juice, seasoned with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Pinches of celery salt and black pepper are essential for its classic savory flavor.
- Tomato Juice120 ml / 4 ozUse a high-quality, pure tomato juice for the best flavor.
- Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed is essential for brightness.
- Worcestershire Sauce2 dashes (approx. 2 ml)Standard versions contain anchovies; use a vegan version for a vegan drink.
- Tabasco Sauce2-3 dashesAdjust to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Celery Salt1 pinchCan also be used to rim the glass.
- Black Pepper1 pinchFreshly ground is best.
- Prepared Horseradish1/4 teaspoon(optional)Adds a sharp, pungent kick.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a mixing glass and a bar spoon. The drink is typically "rolled" between two tins or gently stirred rather than shaken to avoid thinning the tomato juice.
- Mixing glass or shaker tin for rolling the drink
- Bar spoon for stirring
Instructions
The process involves building the ingredients in a mixing glass, chilling them by stirring or rolling with ice, and then straining into a prepared, ice-filled Highball glass before garnishing.
1. Prepare the glass. Rub a lemon or lime wedge around the rim of a Highball glass and dip it into a plate of celery salt.
2. Fill the prepared glass with ice cubes.
3. In a separate mixing glass or shaker tin, combine the tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, black pepper, and optional horseradish.
4. Fill the mixing glass with ice and gently stir or "roll" the drink by pouring it back and forth between two tins. This chills and mixes without over-diluting.
5. Strain the mixture into the ice-filled Highball glass.
6. Garnish with a fresh celery stalk and a lemon or lime wedge.
Garnishing
A celery stalk is the traditional garnish, often accompanied by a lemon or lime wedge. More elaborate garnishes can include skewered olives, pickles, or even shrimp.
- Celery Stalk: A classic and essential garnish, placed inside the glass.
- Lemon or Lime Wedge: Placed on the rim of the glass.
- Olives, Pickled Onions, or Pickled Beans: Skewered and placed across the glass rim (optional).
Dietary Information
This drink is typically not vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or soy-free due to standard Worcestershire sauce. However, versions can be made to fit these diets by using specific vegan and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce alternatives.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✕ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✕ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a low-calorie beverage, with minimal carbohydrates and sugars primarily coming from the tomato juice.
Calories
Averagely 30-50 kcal / 125-210 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 7-10 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 5-8 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is a staple for brunch and breakfast gatherings. It's also an excellent choice for any daytime social event or for individuals seeking a flavorful, healthy, non-alcoholic beverage.
- Brunch
- Breakfast
- Daytime Drinking
- Healthy Alternative
Pairing suggestions
The Virgin Mary pairs exceptionally well with classic brunch foods like eggs Benedict or a full breakfast. Its savory character also complements seafood, especially oysters, and various salty snacks.
- Eggs Benedict
- Bacon and Eggs
- Oysters
- Salty Snacks
The Virgin Mary: The Quintessential Savory Mocktail
The Virgin Mary is a globally recognized non-alcoholic classic, perfect for those who appreciate savory and complex flavors. It offers the full taste experience of a Bloody Mary—spicy, tangy, and rich—without any alcohol, making it a staple at brunch tables. Easy to prepare and customize, its iconic celery stalk garnish makes it instantly identifiable as a refreshing and satisfying beverage for any time of day.