What does a Virgin Mary taste like?
A Virgin Mary tastes like a spicy, tangy tomato juice: savory and salty, with horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire, lemon and black pepper, but no vodka.
Virgin Mary
spicy savory tomato
A Virgin Mary is a Bloody Mary without the vodka: tomato juice seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, lemon, celery salt and black pepper. It's savory rather than sweet, like a cold, zippy soup in a glass. The horseradish gives a nose-tingling heat, the hot sauce adds a chili kick, and lemon keeps it bright. How spicy it is depends entirely on the bar's mix. Without vodka, the tomato and spice come through even more clearly. Garnishes range from a celery stick to a small salad.
Where you’ll see it
On brunch menus and at bars with a Bloody Mary list, served over ice in a tall glass with a celery stick, lemon and often olives or pickles. Some places let you pick the heat.
Order it if you want something savory and spicy instead of sweet with brunch.
Quick questions
- Is a Virgin Mary spicy?
- Usually a little, from hot sauce, horseradish and black pepper. It ranges from mild to fiery depending on the mix, so ask.
- What is the difference between a Virgin Mary and tomato juice?
- The seasoning. A Virgin Mary adds Worcestershire, hot sauce, horseradish, lemon, celery salt and pepper, so it tastes far more savory and tangy.