Michelada
The Michelada has a unique, tangy taste that combines the flavors of beer, lime, and spices. It is savory, slightly spicy, and has a hint of saltiness. The overall taste is refreshing and invigorating.
Cajun Mary Cocktail Recipe
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Cajun Mary Nutrition Facts
Calories:120
Fat:0g
Protein:1g
Carbohydrates:7g
Alcohol %:14
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: January 7, 2024
Contents
History
The Cajun Mary is a spicy twist on the classic Bloody Mary cocktail. It's believed to have originated in the southern United States, particularly in Louisiana where Cajun cuisine is popular. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their drinks. It's often enjoyed as a brunch cocktail or a hangover cure.
- Origin: Southern United States
- Ideal for: Brunch, hangover cure
- Taste profile: Spicy, savory
How Cajun Mary Tastes?
The Cajun Mary is a spicy, savory, and tangy cocktail. The heat from the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce is balanced by the acidity of the tomato juice and the lime. The vodka adds a smooth, strong kick.
Interesting facts about Cajun Mary
- The Cajun Mary is a variation of the Bloody Mary, which is named after Queen Mary I of England.
- The spiciness of the cocktail can be adjusted according to personal preference.
- It's often served with a stalk of celery as a garnish, which can be used to stir the drink.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Tomato juice: 3 oz(90ml)
- Cajun seasoning: 1 tsp
- Hot sauce: 1 tsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tsp
- Lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Celery stalk: 1
- Garnish with lime wedge and celery stalk:
A few good options for Cajun Mary are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
Vodka is the alcohol base that gives the Cajun Mary its kick. At 1.5 oz, it's enough to make its presence known without overpowering the other flavors. If you skip the vodka, you'd have a spicy tomato juice - not quite the punch you're looking for in a cocktail. Alternative: Try with a clear tequila for a 'Bloody Maria' twist!
Mary Mitkina
Tomato Juice
Tomato juice is the heart of this drink, setting a robust base for the seasonings. At 3 oz, it balances out the vodka and carries the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce nicely. No tomato juice means losing the Mary in Cajun Mary, which would be a real faux pas. Too much could overwhelm the drink and make it too thick.
Mary Mitkina
Cajun Seasoning
The Cajun seasoning is where this drink gets its name. It adds a Southern twist with its mix of garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Without it, you're missing the spirit of Louisiana. A teaspoon is just right for a single serving - too much could blow your socks off!
Alex Green
Hot Sauce
At 1 tsp, hot sauce adds a capsaicin-fueled heat that will wake up your taste buds. This amount gives warmth without setting your mouth on fire. Leave it out, and the cocktail might be a tad bland for those seeking a thrill. Too much, and it might just become a liquid fireball.
Mary Mitkina
Worcestershire Sauce
This sauce adds complexity with its tangy, umami flavor profile. At 1 tsp, it complements the other savory elements without overpowering them. Without Worcestershire sauce, the drink loses a certain 'je ne sais quoi.'
Mary Mitkina
Lime Juice
Ah, lime juice - the zest of life. Half an ounce is just enough to add that bright zing and cut through the richness of the tomato juice. No lime juice makes for a less refreshing and flatter cocktail. With too much, the drink becomes a lip-puckering experience.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Cajun Mary Drink
- Rim a highball glass with Cajun seasoning.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add vodka, tomato juice, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lime juice to the glass.
- Stir well to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a celery stalk.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
- Serve immediately after making to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Fried Alligator Bites: The spicy kick of the cocktail complements the exotic flavor of alligator.
- Cajun Shrimp: Echoes the bold flavors in the Cajun Mary and can handle the heat.
- Fried Okra: The crispiness and earthiness go well with the tangy and spicy elements of the drink.
Main Courses
- Jambalaya: The complexity of the Jambalaya pairs nicely with the hearty and robust flavors of the Cajun Mary.
- Blackened Catfish: The spices on the fish are complemented by the cocktail's zest.
- Gumbo: The savory depth of gumbo is balanced by the acidity and spice in the cocktail.
Brunch Items
- Grillades and Grits: The rich, hearty flavors will be cut through by the acidity and spicy notes in the drink.
- Biscuits and Gravy: The spiciness of the Cajun Mary adds an extra dimension to a classic comfort dish.
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What you could change in Cajun Mary
- Vodka: Can be substituted with tequila for a different flavor profile.
- Tomato Juice: Can be substituted with Clamato juice for a more savory taste.
- Cajun Seasoning: Can be substituted with any other spicy seasoning.
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Cajun Mary
- Swap vodka for mezcal
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika
- Use a smoked salt rim The smokiness of mezcal and smoked paprika will change the drink from a spicy kick to a deep smoky hug. It's for those who like a bit of smoke in their jazz.
Cajun Mary with a Pickled Twist
- Add 1 oz of pickle juice
- Garnish with a pickled okra Pickle juice will add a vinegary punch and make this cocktail even more tangy. It's a pucker-up partner in crime to the zingy lime.
Garden Cajun Mary
- Muddle in 2-3 cherry tomatoes
- Garnish with basil leaves The freshness of cherry tomatoes and basil adds a garden-fresh spin to the Cajun Mary. It's like a Sunday farmer's market in a glass!
In case you forgot basics how to make Cajun Mary
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing 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).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Cajun Mary
Are there any specific types or brands of vodka that are best for making a Cajun Mary?
While any type of vodka can be used in a Cajun Mary, higher quality vodkas may make the cocktail smoother. Brands like Tito's, Grey Goose or Smirnoff are popular choices.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Cajun Mary?
Yes, the Cajun Mary can be made without alcohol by simply omitting the vodka and adding more tomato juice or even some sparkling water.
What can I pair with a Cajun Mary?
The Cajun Mary is a perfect brunch cocktail, so it would pair well with typical brunch items like omelettes, quiche, or even burgers.
Is this cocktail spicy?
Yes, the Cajun Mary is a quite spicy cocktail because of the addition of hot sauce and Cajun seasoning. However, you can adjust the level of spiciness according to your personal preference.
Aside from lime wedge and celery stalk, what other garnishes can be used for a Cajun Mary?
You could also garnish your Cajun Mary with pickles, olives, or even a strip of crispy bacon!
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