Well, Easter this year is going to look a lot different from previous years. In the past, we have attended traditional Easter services with the story of Christ’s resurrection being told and inspirational hymns being sung. We have enjoyed sunrise services on beautiful Spring mornings for Easter, watching the sun come up to bring light, warmth, & love to everyone attending. Both types of services were moving and delightful ways to start the holiday celebration.

From there, we would gather with family and friends to celebrate. That always included lots of love and laughter and food. Always food! For morning gatherings, there were quiches, ham, deviled eggs, and other brunch foods, along with pies and cookies for dessert, before the egg hunt for the kids. Given the breakfast & lunch menu, there were typical brunch cocktails served.

With the COVID-19 Pandemic still upon us and social distancing changing the way we worship and observe Easter this year, the holiday is going to be a bit distinct, but still a glorious celebration. In that vane of different but still affirming, I am offering up this riff on a Bloody Mary to complement the traditional Easter brunch fare.

Bunny Marys

Bunny Marys (adapted from delish.com) Serves: 2 – 4,  Time Required: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups carrot juice
• 8 ounces vodka
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (juice of 1/2 a lemon)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 lemon, sliced into half moons, for rimming and garnish
• 1 carrot, peeled and cut into sticks
• grape tomatoes
• pepperoncini peppers
• green olives

Directions:

In a large pitcher or measuring cup, combine the carrot juice, vodka, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Stir.

Mix together the carrot juice, vodka, Worcestershire & hot sauce.

Combine the salt and pepper on a small shallow plate. Rim the glasses with a lemon slice, then dip the glasses in the salt and pepper mixture to coat.

Fill the glasses with ice then divide the cocktail mixture evenly among them.

Split the cocktail between the glasses.

Garnish each cocktail with carrots, tomatoes, pepperoncini, and olives.

Garnish & enjoy!

Hoppy Easter!  ~Linda

Bunny Marys (adapted from delish.com) Serves: 2 – 4,  Time Required: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups carrot juice
• 8 ounces vodka
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (juice of 1/2 a lemon)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 lemon, sliced into half moons, for rimming and garnish
• 1 carrot, peeled and cut into sticks
• grape tomatoes
• pepperoncini peppers
• green olives

Directions:

In a large pitcher or measuring cup, combine the carrot juice, vodka, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Stir.

Combine the salt and pepper on a small shallow plate. Rim the glasses with a lemon slice, then dip the glasses in the salt and pepper mixture to coat.

Fill the glasses with ice then divide the cocktail mixture evenly among them. Garnish each cocktail with carrots, tomatoes, pepperoncini, and olives.