Bloody Mary Mix and Dry January – my favorite mocktails for the start of the New Year

I normally do not fall for those seasonal themes, so dry January, Movember, and were never really on my radar of must-do’s. But, since I’ve been having some tummy troubles, and I’ve developed a new plan for my health and wellness, so, eschewing wine for 4 weeks wouldn’t be a big deal. Besides, I love me some Bloody Mary Mix and while a Virgin Mary is a no-brainer when I go out, I thought that there must be more that I can do with this classic spicy flavored drink mix that works from breakfast to a night out.

Let’s get ready for a flavor fiesta! It turns out that this hearty tomato juice based mixer is a versatile base for a whole garden of mocktail delights. Here are my five favorites that I’ll be drinking not only in January but all year long.

Spicy Sunshine Cooler 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Bloody Mary mix
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• a dash of hot sauce (for that extra zing!).

Method:

1. 1. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
   2. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy the sunrise in your glass!

Garden Party Punch

Ingredients

1. 1. • 1 cup Bloody Mary mix
      • 1/2 cup apple juice
      • 1/4 cup cucumber juice, soda water.

Method

1. Mix Bloody Mary mix, apple juice, and cucumber juice in a pitcher.
2. Pour into glasses over ice, top with soda water, and stir gently.
3. Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of mint.

Tropical Mary Mocktail 

Ingredients

• 1 cup Bloody Mary mix
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon coconut cream.

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake, shake, shake!
3. Strain into a chilled glass.
4. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry.

Smokey BBQ Sipper 

Ingredients

• 1 cup Bloody Mary mix
• 1/4 cup lemonade
• a few drops of liquid smoke.

Method

1. In a glass filled with ice, mix Bloody Mary mix and lemonade.
2. Add a few drops of liquid smoke for that BBQ aroma.
3. Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of rosemary.

Savory Celery Spritz 

Ingredients

• 1 cup Bloody Mary mix
• 1/4 cup celery juice
• soda water

Method

1. Combine Bloody Mary mix and celery juice in a tall glass filled with ice.
2. Top with soda water.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a celery stick and an olive.

Remember, it’s all about playing with flavors and having fun! 🍹🎈 Let your creativity flow and feel free to tweak these recipes to suit your taste. Cheers to a mocktail adventure!