Looking for the best Virgin Mary Recipe?! I got you covered! A virgin mary is essentially a non-alcoholic bloody mary. All the flavor without any of the alcohol!

As I am writing this, it’s New Year’s Eve. So, HAPPY NEW YEAR! A new year always feels like a fresh start. A time to reflect on how things are going, what is working, and what isn’t working. It’s an opportunity to adjust your current habits to pivot in the direction of your desired outcome. I’d love to know, what are keeping in 2024. What are you letting go of in 2024?

In the first month of the year, many people take on a “dry January” challenge. “Dry January” is a movement that encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the entire month. Since this challenge is so popular (I plan on taking on the challenge myself), I wanted to provide some non-alcoholic cocktail recipes (or “mocktails”) here on the blog. In today’s mocktail recipe, we will be using my cajun spice blend for a spicy twist!

This post is all about a Virgin Mary Recipe!

The Bloody Mary

A Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail known for its robust and savory flavor profile. Typically, it consists of vodka, tomato juice, and various spices and flavorings. The exact ingredients can vary, but common additions include Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, black pepper, and a garnish of celery or a citrus wedge. Some variations may also include horseradish, pickles, olives, or other savory elements, making it a customizable drink to suit individual preferences.

The name “Bloody Mary” is thought to have originated either from Queen Mary I of England, known for her harsh persecution of Protestants, or from a waitress named Mary at a Chicago bar who served the cocktail and was likened to the infamous Queen. Regardless of its origin, the Bloody Mary has become a beloved brunch and daytime cocktail, celebrated for its bold taste and versatility.

The Virgin Mary

Usually, when you want to enjoy a beverage but hold the alcohol – you may ask for a specific drink to be “virgin”. This is just another way to say “non-alcoholic” or “mocktail”.

A “Virgin Mary” is the non-alcoholic counterpart to the classic Bloody Mary. It offers all the robust flavors of the original cocktail without the addition of vodka. This alcohol-free version is a popular choice for those who prefer to abstain from alcohol or are seeking a refreshing alternative.

The base of a Virgin Mary typically consists of tomato juice, and similar to its alcoholic counterpart, it can be seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, black pepper, and other spices to achieve that signature savory and spicy flavor. The absence of vodka makes it a suitable choice for various occasions, including brunches, lunches, or any time you crave the bold taste of a Bloody Mary without the alcohol content.

Garnishes for a Virgin Mary can include celery sticks, olives, pickles, or a wedge of lemon, just like a traditional Bloody Mary. It’s a satisfying and flavorful option, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the distinctive taste of this classic cocktail, whether they choose to partake in alcohol or not.

Stirred, Not Shaken

Traditionally, a Bloody Mary is stirred, not shaken. Stirring is preferred because it helps to mix the ingredients without creating excessive foam or bubbles. This method maintains a smoother and more consistent texture for the drink. Additionally, shaking might cause the tomato juice to become frothy, and the goal with a Bloody Mary is usually to have a well-mixed, but not overly aerated, beverage.

What is Celery Salt?

Celery salt is a seasoning made from ground celery seeds and salt. It adds a savory and slightly tangy flavor to dishes. In the context of a Bloody Mary, a pinch of celery salt can enhance the overall taste and complement the other ingredients in the mocktail.

Benefits of Dry January

If you missed my post on Margarita Mocktails, you didn’t get a chance to read about some of the benefits of a “dry January” (or any other non-alcohol month you choose to challenge yourself with). Let’s do a review of some of the reasons why you may want to consider an alcohol-free month:

A Healthier Start
- Abstaining from alcohol can improve your health in a multitude of ways including increasing energy levels, better sleep, and a revitalized sense of well-being as your bodies detoxify from the effects of alcohol
Clarity of Mind
- Sobriety beings about mental clarity and enhanced focus!
Financial Benefits
- Not drinking alcohol means not spending money on alcohol. With the alcohol prices these days, the financial savings you’ll get from not buying alcohol are significant!
Social Connections
- Since you may not want to hang out at bars or social outings surrounding alcohol, this is a great time to explore other interests and make deeper social connections.
Personal Growth and Reflection
- Embracing a month without alcohol provides a valuable opportunity for self-reflection. Participants can assess their relationship with alcohol, identify triggers for consumption, and establish healthier habits moving forward.

I challenge you to take on an alcohol-free challenge sometime in 2024! I know you will love the effects when you experience them yourself!