Move over, Bloody Mary — it’s time for a Bunny Mary

A Minnesota cocktail company makes a mixer that could be the new must-have brunch cocktail.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
March 27, 2024 at 3:00PM
Mixly's Bunny Mary cocktail mixer is a base of carrot juice with lemon and dill notes, garnished with pickles, onion and olives.
Mixly's Bunny Mary cocktail mixer is a refreshing addition to a brunch cocktail bar. (Provided)

A quick glance at local cocktail menus and liquor store shelves is proof that there’s a place at the table for savory drinks. And during brunch season, the Bloody Mary is the granddaddy of them all.

But Eden Prairie-based Mixly Cocktail Co. has a new entry to consider: the Bunny Mary. The maker of handcrafted cocktail mixers debuted its latest flavor offering earlier this year at the Winter Fancy Food Show.

The blend of fresh-squeezed carrot juice, lemon and dill is a playful twist on the classic Bloody Mary. It’s slightly sweet, thanks to the carrots and a hint of honey, with bright citrus and savory notes from the lemon and dill. For a brunch cocktail, combine two parts of the cocktail mixer with one part spirit (both vodka and gin work well) or one part soda water for a spirit-free option. Feeling spicy? Add a dash or two of hot sauce. A refreshing addition to your brunch cocktail bar, serve it over ice and garnish with pickles, lemon wedges, pearl onions, olives or baby carrots. A celery-salt rim wouldn’t be out of line.

“It’s savory yet refreshing,” said Johnna Rossbach, Mixly’s founder and president. “While it makes a delightful cocktail, it’s really a unique mocktail. Most mocktails are fruit-forward, so we’re bringing a unique offering to those looking for a nonalcoholic, savory drink.”

Mixly, which started making its juice-based mixers in 2020, offers several flavors, from grapefruit jalapeño to strawberry pomegranate. Mixers are sold in many area stores (find a store locator mixlycocktailco.com) as well as stores across the country. It’s also available online. A 16-ounce bottle is $20, and makes about five drinks.

Mixly's Bunny Mary cocktail mixer is a base of carrot juice with lemon and dill notes, garnished with pickles, onion and olives.
Mixly's Bunny Mary cocktail mixer is a refreshing addition to a brunch cocktail bar. (Provided)
about the writer

about the writer

Nicole Hvidsten

Taste Editor

Nicole Ploumen Hvidsten is the Minnesota Star Tribune's senior Taste editor. In past journalistic lives she was a reporter, copy editor and designer — sometimes all at once — and has yet to find a cookbook she doesn't like.

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