Name: Virgin Bloody Mary
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 150 ml tomato juice ((rich, savory base)); 30 ml fresh lemon juice ((adds brightness)); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ((umami depth)); ½ tsp hot sauce ((adjust for spice preference)); ½ tsp prepared horseradish ((adds a signature kick)); ¼ tsp celery salt ((enhances the savory flavors)); ¼ tsp tsp black pepper ((adds mild heat)); Ice cubes ((to chill the drink)); Celery stalk and olives ((for garnish))

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The Bloody Mary is one of the most famous cocktails in the world, known for its bold, savory flavors and distinctive spice. This Virgin Bloody Mary keeps all the classic elements intact but removes the alcohol, making it a refreshing, healthy, and versatile mocktail. Whether you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up, a brunch staple, or simply an exciting alternative to sweet mocktails, this alcohol-free version is the perfect choice.

Tomato juice serves as the rich, umami-filled base, while fresh lemon juice adds brightness. Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and horseradish provide the depth and spice that define the drink, and celery salt and black pepper enhance its complexity. For an authentic experience, a crisp celery stalk and a few olives make excellent garnishes.

This Virgin Bloody Mary is easy to customize based on your spice tolerance and personal preference. Whether you like it extra spicy, tangy, or mild, you can tweak the ingredients to create the perfect balance. Detailed ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions are provided at the end of this recipe to help you craft this savory mocktail effortlessly.

What’s the Difference Between a Bloody Mary and a Virgin Mary?

The key difference between a Bloody Mary and a Virgin Mary is the absence of vodka. A traditional Bloody Mary includes vodka as the base spirit, while the Virgin Mary is completely alcohol-free. Despite this, the Virgin Mary retains all the complexity and boldness of the original, thanks to the carefully balanced mix of tomato juice, citrus, spices, and savory seasonings.

Because it contains no alcohol, a Virgin Bloody Mary is often enjoyed as a morning or brunch drink, offering a flavorful and nutrient-rich start to the day. Many people also appreciate it as a hangover remedy, as the combination of tomato juice, lemon, and spices provides hydration and essential vitamins. Additionally, it’s a great choice for those who love savory drinks but prefer to avoid alcohol.

How Do You Make a Virgin Bloody Mary?

Making a Virgin Bloody Mary is incredibly simple and requires only a handful of ingredients. The key to a great Bloody Mary is balance—achieving the perfect mix of acidity, spice, and umami.

The first step is to combine tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and spices in a mixing glass or shaker. This ensures that all flavors meld together before serving. Once well-mixed, pour the drink over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a celery stalk, olives, or even pickles for an extra touch of flavor.

Unlike many mocktails, which tend to be fruity and sweet, the Virgin Bloody Mary is a savory drink with a bold kick, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional cocktails. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want a refreshing non-alcoholic option, this drink is both easy to prepare and endlessly customizable.

What Is a Non-Alcoholic Substitute for Vodka in a Bloody Mary?

Since vodka has a neutral flavor, it doesn’t significantly impact the taste of a Bloody Mary. However, if you’re looking for an alternative that enhances the complexity of the drink, there are a few great options:

Non-Alcoholic Distilled Spirits – Alcohol-free spirits like Seedlip Garden 108 or Ceder’s Crisp can add a botanical depth.
Olive Brine or Pickle Juice – A splash of olive brine or pickle juice can enhance the umami and salty notes, making the drink more complex.
Siegfried Wonderoak or Other Non-Alcoholic Dark Spirits – While typically used in darker cocktails, Siegfried Wonderoak (check out our review) adds subtle smoky and oak-aged flavors that work well in a Virgin Bloody Mary.

Ultimately, a Virgin Bloody Mary is delicious as is, but adding a non-alcoholic spirit or brine can bring even more depth to the drink.

Tips for Customizing Your Virgin Bloody Mary

Adjust the spice level: Add more hot sauce or horseradish for extra heat.
Make it smokier: A dash of smoked paprika or a non-alcoholic dark spirit like Siegfried Wonderoak can add depth.
Try different garnishes: Pickled green beans, lemon wedges, or even cheese cubes can make this drink more exciting.
Add effervescence: A splash of soda water can give the drink a lighter, fizzy texture.

Calories of a Virgin Bloody Mary

Tomato juice (150 ml): ~30 calories
Lemon juice (30 ml): ~10 calories
Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): ~5 calories
Hot sauce, horseradish, celery salt, and black pepper: ~2 calories
Garnishes (celery stalk, olives, etc.): ~5 calories

Total Calories: ~50–55 calories per serving.

A Virgin Bloody Mary is a bold, flavorful, and savory mocktail that’s packed with complex flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it as a brunch drink, a morning refreshment, or a spicy alternative to sweet mocktails, this alcohol-free version delivers all the satisfaction of the classic. Try it today and experience the perfect balance of spice, acidity, and umami!