Berry Bomb
The Berry Bomb is sweet and fruity with a fizzy kick from the Sprite. The raspberry vodka adds a tart berry flavor that's balanced by the soda's sweetness. It's a light and effervescent drink that goes down easily.
Mediterranean Mary Cocktail Recipe
Jump to Recipe ⬇️
Mediterranean Mary Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:1g
Carbohydrates:10g
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 Mediterranean Mary is a delightful twist on the classic Bloody Mary cocktail. It's a popular choice for brunch and afternoon gatherings, especially among those who appreciate the savory and tangy flavors of the Mediterranean cuisine. This cocktail was first introduced in a small bar in Greece and quickly gained popularity across the Mediterranean region due to its refreshing and unique taste.
How Mediterranean Mary Tastes?
The Mediterranean Mary is a savory and tangy cocktail with a hint of spiciness. The tomato juice provides a refreshing base, while the lemon juice and olives add a tangy kick. The vodka gives it a strong, robust flavor, and the Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco add a spicy depth to the cocktail.
Interesting facts about Mediterranean Mary
- The Mediterranean Mary is often served with a celery stalk and a lemon wedge as garnish.
- This cocktail is a popular choice for brunch due to its savory and refreshing flavors.
- The Mediterranean Mary is a twist on the classic Bloody Mary, which was originally created in the 1920s.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
- Tomato juice: 4 oz(120ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 dashes
- Tabasco: 2 dashes
- Olives: 3
- Black pepper: 1 pinch
- Salt: 1 pinch
- Celery stalk: 1
- Lemon wedge: 1
A few good options for Mediterranean Mary are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
The backbone of this cocktail, vodka is chosen for its neutrality, allowing the other flavors to shine. 2 oz is just enough to give the cocktail a kick without overpowering. No vodka, no party! - as they say. Substitute with gin for an herby twist, changing the flavor profile substantially.
Emma Rose
Tomato Juice
Tomato juice provides the body and savory base of the drink. 4 oz creates a balanced ratio with the vodka. Without it, you'd end up with an oddly flavored vodka lemonade. An alternative could be Clamato juice for a brinier taste.
Alex Green
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice adds a refreshing acidity, brightening up the drink. 1 oz is sufficient to counter the tomato while not turning the drink too sour. No lemon juice means a flatter taste profile. Lime juice could be a zesty alternative.
Mary Mitkina
Worcestershire Sauce
These two dashes pack umami and complexity. Without them, you'll miss depth in the cocktail. Soy sauce could be a substitute but use with caution—it’s saltier!
Emma Rose
Tabasco
2 dashes provide a pleasant heat. Skip it, and you'll lose the touch of spice that defines a 'Mary.' A dash of cayenne pepper sauce could be an alternative, though the heat would be different.
Alex Green
Olives
3 olives offer a briny contrast and a nod to the Mediterranean. The absence of olives would make the drink less complex. Capers could be a tangy alternative garnish.
Mary Mitkina
Black Pepper
A pinch of black pepper introduces a sharp bite, elevating the savory elements. Leave it out, and you'll notice something is missing. Ground white pepper would be a more subtle alternative.
Emma Rose
Salt
Salt works to enhance all the flavors present, akin to seasoning a dish. Just a pinch does the trick; too much, and you're on a saline drip. No salt means a less dynamic taste. A celery salt could add an extra layer of flavor here.
Alex Green
Celery Stalk
The celery stalk isn't just garnish; it adds a refreshing, earthy crunch and can be used to stir the drink. Without it, not only is the presentation lacking, but also that subtle vegetal hint. A cucumber spear could be a fresh substitute.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Wedge
For both flavor and garnish, the lemon wedge provides an extra citrus kick when squeezed into the drink. If missing, the drink loses a layer of zest. An orange wedge could be a sweeter alternative.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Mediterranean Mary Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, and pepper.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish with a celery stalk, a lemon wedge, and olives.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce according to your taste.
- Serve immediately after preparation to maintain the freshness of the cocktail.
Perfect Pairings
Seafood
- Grilled Shrimp: The zesty flavors of lemon and tomato blend perfectly with seafood, especially with charred or grilled textures.
- Fried Calamari: The cocktail's acidity and spice can cut through the richness of fried foods, making for a delightful contrast.
Snacks and Appetizers
- Cheese Platter: A selection of Mediterranean cheeses like feta or halloumi can balance the savory aspects of the cocktail.
- Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes on bruschetta will complement the tomato juice in the drink.
Meats
- Lamb Kebabs: Robust, herbed meats like lamb pair wonderfully with the bold flavors of the Mediterranean Mary.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Mediterranean Mary
- Vodka can be substituted with gin for a different flavor profile.
- If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce instead.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka.
Explore all drinks starting with M here
And of course - twists🍹
Aegean Mary
For a Greek take, swap vodka for ouzo, and add a splash of olive brine. Garnish with a sprig of oregano and a feta-stuffed olive. The licorice notes of ouzo and the tangy feta will transport you to the Aegean Sea.
Spicy Mediterranean Mary
Add a teaspoon of horseradish and use spicy pickled olives for garnish. This extra kick will give your Mediterranean Mary a fiery personality, perfect for those who like it hot.
Green Mary
Substitute tomato juice with tomatillo juice and add a few slices of fresh jalapeño. This version is a verdant, slightly tart twist with just the right amount of heat, perfect for when you're craving something a bit more daring and less traditional.
In case you forgot basics how to make Mediterranean Mary
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing 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!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Mediterranean Mary
What type of vodka works best for this recipe?
While any vodka works for this cocktail, higher quality vodka will ultimately improve the end result, since it is one of the main ingredients.
Can I make this cocktail in advance?
For the best flavor, it is advised to make it fresh right before consumption. Mixing it ahead of time might dull the flavors and the cocktail could become watery.
Is there any particular brand of Tabasco that is recommended?
The original Tabasco sauce brand is typically used in cocktails, but feel free to use your preferred brand of hot sauce.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, however, keep in mind that this will alter the flavor. Lime juice is sourer than lemon juice and may overpower the taste of the other ingredients.
Can this cocktail be consumed by people following a vegetarian or gluten-free diet?
Yes, this cocktail is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
More similar recipes to Mediterranean Mary!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
highball glassPin It
Strawberry Blonde
The Strawberry Blonde cocktail offers a delightful blend of sweet and sour notes, with the freshness of strawberries shining through. The vodka provides a clean, crisp base, while the lemon juice adds a zesty tang. The simple syrup rounds out the drink with a touch of sweetness, and the club soda introduces a fizzy element that makes the cocktail light and refreshing.
Alpine Mule
The Alpine Mule offers a harmonious blend of spicy and sweet, with a botanical undercurrent. The Old Tom Gin provides a slightly sweeter base than typical gins, while the Génépy contributes a complex herbal profile. The lime juice adds a necessary tartness, and the ginger beer brings a peppery fizz that makes the drink both invigorating and comforting.
Bloody Caesar
The Bloody Caesar is a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy cocktail. The combination of Clamato juice, vodka, and hot sauce creates a bold and robust flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Little Devil
The Little Devil cocktail offers a complex and intriguing taste profile, with a combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The sweetness of the grenadine and triple sec is balanced by the tartness of the lime juice, while the tequila and Tabasco sauce add a fiery kick.
Bloody Bull
The Bloody Bull is savory, tangy, and slightly spicy. The beef bouillon adds a rich, meaty flavor that's balanced by the acidity of the tomato juice and lemon. The vodka gives it a kick without overpowering the other flavors.
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.
Prairie Oyster
The Prairie Oyster cocktail is a savory, rich, and slightly spicy drink with a unique texture. The combination of the raw egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce creates a velvety and bold flavor profile that is both satisfying and invigorating.
Red Snapper
The Red Snapper is a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy cocktail. It has a rich tomato flavor, balanced by the sharpness of the lemon juice and the heat of the hot sauce. The Worcestershire sauce adds a touch of umami, while the gin provides a subtle herbal note.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
French 75
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.
Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a savory, spicy, and tangy cocktail with a strong tomato flavor. The vodka adds a subtle kick, while the Worcestershire and hot sauce provide a complex depth of flavor. The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, and the celery salt and black pepper give it a slight earthiness.
Angry Lobster
The Angry Lobster is a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail. It has a robust flavor with a fiery kick from the hot sauce and a refreshing tang from the lime juice. The sweetness of the pineapple juice balances the heat, making it a well-rounded cocktail.
Chavelas
Chavelas has a unique taste that is both spicy and refreshing. The beer provides a light, crisp base, while the tomato juice adds a tangy sweetness. The lime gives it a citrusy punch, and the hot sauce brings a fiery kick. It's a well-balanced cocktail that is both savory and thirst-quenching.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Tequila Mockingbird
The Tequila Mockingbird is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of tequila, lime juice, and green crème de menthe creates a refreshing and invigorating taste, while the jalapeño adds a subtle kick.
Quarantine
The Quarantine cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and slightly spicy flavors. The fruity notes from the orange and pineapple juices are balanced by the tangy lime and the subtle heat from the ginger syrup, while the rum adds a smooth, warming finish.
Screwdriver
The Screwdriver cocktail offers a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The smoothness of the vodka is complemented by the tangy and refreshing taste of the orange juice, making it a well-balanced and easy-to-drink cocktail.
Mimosa
The Mimosa has a refreshing, light, and fruity taste. It is slightly sweet with a hint of tartness from the orange juice, and the sparkling wine adds a bubbly effervescence.
Peach Bellini
The Peach Bellini has a refreshing, fruity, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of peach puree and Prosecco creates a light, bubbly, and smooth texture.
Dirty Martini
The Dirty Martini has a bold, savory taste with a hint of saltiness from the olive brine. It is a strong, slightly bitter cocktail with a smooth finish.
Smokey Martini
The Smokey Martini has a bold, complex flavor profile, with a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly bitter notes. The smokiness from the Scotch whisky is the star of the show, while the dry vermouth adds a subtle herbal undertone. The olive brine brings a touch of saltiness, enhancing the overall depth and richness of the cocktail.
Dirty Martinez
The Dirty Martinez offers a briny, slightly salty taste with a rich herbal undertone from the gin. It's robust, complex, and has a savory finish that lingers on the palate.
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, sweet, and slightly strong cocktail. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a well-balanced cocktail with a slightly sweet, tart, and fruity taste. The combination of cranberry juice, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and zesty flavor, while the vodka adds a smooth and subtle kick.