When you think of brunch cocktails, the Bloody Mary is likely one of the first drinks to come to mind. This savory, spiced drink has become a weekend staple for its bold flavors and versatility. However, if you’re looking for something a little lighter, a touch more unique, and full of vibrant, fresh flavors, look no further than the Bunny Mary. A creative take on the classic, this cocktail is perfect for those who love the boldness of a Bloody Mary but want a twist that’s both refreshing and visually appealing.
The Bunny Mary replaces traditional tomato juice with fresh, vibrant carrot juice, offering a naturally sweet and earthy base. Combined with the zing of fresh ginger and the sharp bite of scallions, this drink takes on a more nuanced, yet still wonderfully bold, flavor. What really sets it apart, though, is its clever use of green olive brine and hot sauce, which adds a savory kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the carrots. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just to enjoy on a leisurely afternoon, this drink is sure to become your new brunch favorite.
The Ingredients: Simple, Fresh, and Flavorful
The beauty of the Bunny Mary lies in its straightforward ingredients, which are easy to find and pack a lot of punch. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Fresh carrot juice: About 1 1/4 cups of freshly pressed carrot juice serve as the base of this drink, providing a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Fresh ginger: A small piece (about 1 inch) of fresh ginger adds a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of the carrot juice.
Scallions: A small scallion, chopped, introduces a mild onion flavor, adding depth to the drink’s profile.
Kosher salt: A touch of kosher salt enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and balances out the acidity of the citrus.
Vodka: The base spirit, vodka, brings a neutral, clean flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine.
Lemon and lime juice: Freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice provide a burst of acidity that brightens up the entire drink.
Green olive brine: A splash of green olive brine adds an unexpected, savory touch that gives the Bunny Mary a more complex and satisfying flavor.
Hot sauce: For those who like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce (such as Tabasco) gives the drink a spicy kick, making it even more invigorating.
To garnish, you can use carrot ribbons, fresh carrot tops, and green olives—all adding visual appeal and complementing the flavors beautifully.
How to Make the Bunny Mary
Making this vibrant cocktail is simple, and the process only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to bring the Bunny Mary to life:
Blend the base ingredients: Start by placing the carrot juice, fresh ginger, scallion, and kosher salt into a blender. Blend everything together for about 30 seconds until completely smooth.
Strain the mixture: Once blended, pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove any solid bits. Use the back of a spoon to press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the remaining solids.
Mix the drink: Into the pitcher with the carrot juice mixture, add the vodka, lemon juice, lime juice, green olive brine, and hot sauce (if you’re using it). Stir everything well to combine, creating a beautifully balanced drink.
Serve with ice: Fill four glasses with ice, then divide the mixture evenly between the glasses. This will ensure that each serving is refreshing and chilled.
Garnish: Add the finishing touches by garnishing each glass with carrot ribbons for a playful, elegant presentation. A few sprigs of fresh carrot tops can be added for extra color and a touch of green. Finally, a couple of green olives on a skewer not only adds to the aesthetic but also contributes a savory bite that complements the rest of the drink.
Why the Bunny Mary Works
The Bunny Mary is a refreshing departure from the traditional Bloody Mary. The sweet and slightly earthy carrot juice gives the drink a much lighter, cleaner taste, making it a great choice for those who might find tomato juice too heavy. Ginger adds an unexpected warmth, while the scallions bring a delicate onion-like flavor that rounds out the drink’s complexity.
The use of green olive brine is a stroke of genius—it’s a flavor often found in cocktails like martinis, but here, it adds a savory and briny quality that balances the sweetness of the carrot juice. The vodka serves as the perfect neutral base, while the citrus juices provide the essential acidity to cut through the richness of the other ingredients.
For those who love a bit of heat, the hot sauce is optional, but it elevates the drink, giving it that spicy kick that plays off the sweetness and savory notes. The final garnishes—carrot ribbons, carrot tops, and green olives—not only make the drink look beautiful but also enhance the overall flavor profile.
The Perfect Drink for Brunch or Anytime
This cocktail isn’t just for brunch; it’s a great way to kick off any afternoon gathering. The Bunny Mary is light enough to enjoy in the middle of the day, yet complex enough to satisfy those craving a flavorful and fun drink. It’s the perfect option for guests who love a savory cocktail but want something different from the classic Bloody Mary.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a lazy afternoon, the Bunny Mary offers a delightful combination of freshness, spice, and savory depth. Its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it as visually appealing as it is delicious, ensuring it will be a hit at any gathering.
So, the next time you’re looking to shake up your usual cocktail routine, reach for the Bunny Mary. With its bright flavors and creative twist, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your cocktail repertoire.
