Bunny Mary

While it may sound like the punchline to a joke (“What is a rabbit’s favorite drink to order at brunch?”), a Bunny Mary is a real cocktail—and it is really delicious. At its heart, this tasty concoction is a riff on a classic Bloody Mary, replacing the tomato juice with—you guessed it—carrot juice. It’s a perfect cocktail to serve at a springtime get-together or Easter brunch. Plus, it’s easy to batch for a crowd.

Bunny Mary Ingredients

• Vodka: Although you don’t need to reach for the super high-end stuff, do use a brand of vodka you like in this Bunny Mary recipe.
• Carrot juice: Look for pure carrot juice rather than one blended with other vegetables, fruits or spices. Though carrot juice has a similar body to tomato juice, it has a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Lime juice: A little bit of lime juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the cocktail. Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
• Hot pepper sauce: A dash of hot sauce adds just the right kick of spice. If you love things with a bit of heat, feel free to add more.
• Spice mix: A spice mix made from celery salt, smoked paprika, cayenne and black pepper adds some spicy flavor to the drink. It is used to rim the glasses, and it’s added to the Bunny Mary mix as well.
• Garnishes: When it comes to Bloody Mary garnishes, it seems the sky’s the limit. This Bunny Mary cocktail keeps it simple with a skewer including a grape tomato, a green olive and a cornichon. A sprig of fresh Italian parsley mimics the look of carrot greens.

Directions

Step 1: Make the spice mix

In a small bowl, mix together the celery salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Set aside 1/2 teaspoon of the spice mixture.

Step 2: Rim the glass

Rim the edge of a serving glass with a lime wedge, then sprinkle or dip the top of the glass into the spice mixture to coat. Fill the glass with ice.

Step 3: Mix the cocktail

Fill a cocktail shaker about 3/4 full of ice. Add the carrot juice, vodka, lime juice, hot sauce and 1/2 teaspoon spice mix to the shaker. Cover and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds or until chilled. Strain into the prepped serving glass.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Add a grape or cherry tomato, a cornichon and a green olive to a skewer and set it atop the glass. Pop a sprig of Italian parsley into the cocktail and serve the Bunny Mary immediately.

Taste of Home

Bunny Mary Variations

• Sweeten it: For a little added sweetness, add 1/2 ounce maple syrup or honey syrup to the cocktail. To make honey syrup, combine 1/4 cup each water and honey in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer the mixture, uncovered, until reduced by half. Transfer the honey syrup to an airtight container and refrigerate until chilled. Use any leftover honey syrup in a sweet and citrusy Bee’s Knees cocktail.
• Bring on the brine: For added saltiness and zest, add a splash of pickle, caper or olive brine.
• Make it a Bunny Maria: Switch up the spirits and use blanco tequila in place of the vodka to make a Bunny Maria or use rum to make a Cubarita. Try silver, gold or spiced varieties of the latter.
• Skip the alcohol: For a Bunny Mary mocktail, simply skip the vodka.
• Substitute the spices: Play around with the spices to make a Bunny Mary that perfectly suits your tastes. Old Bay seasoning, za’atar or even everything bagel seasoning are tasty places to start.

How to Store Bunny Marys

Bunny Marys are best made right before serving, but you can make the Bunny Mary mix ahead of time (see below). For the best flavor, wait to add the vodka until right before serving. Bunny Mary mix can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about four days.

Can you make Bunny Marys ahead of time?

Bunny Marys make a great batched cocktail. To make four servings, combine 1/2 cup vodka, 1 cup carrot juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce. Pour the mixture into a pitcher and stir until combined, then cover and chill in the refrigerator. To serve, pour the Bunny Mary mix into individual glasses rimmed with spices and filled with ice.

Bunny Mary Tips

What’s the best glass to use for a Bunny Mary?

Highball, Collins or pint glasses are classic cocktail glassware for serving Bunny Marys. Their heights lend well to taller garnishes like celery sticks and parsley sprigs. However, any glassware that can fit about 8 ounces of liquid will work, including old-fashioned or even large stemless wine glasses.

What else can you serve with Bunny Marys?

A Bunny Mary recipe is the perfect cocktail to serve at an Easter or springtime brunch. They pair well with all your savory or sweet brunch favorites, like egg strata, Belgian waffles or baked French toast.