It’s a new year, and Crush, the latest foodie destination at MGM Grand, has just the cocktail for a new you. The Kale Mary ($11), by Irishman and self-described “funologist” John O’Donnell (aka JOD), is a drink suitable from morning to night, but especially tasty for a Don Draper-meets-Dr. Oz Sunday brunch.
Formerly of La Comida, JOD was inspired by the cocktail’s leafy green namesake. “Everywhere you go, it’s kale, kale, kale!” he says. “So I thought, why not a cocktail with kale? You can get all banged up and get some of the healthy superfood at the same time. As we like to toast in Ireland, sláinte, which means ‘to good health!’”
And for those avoiding gluten, JOD uses Tito’s Handmade Vodka as the base spirit, which is made from 100 percent corn.
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz. Tito’s Handmade Vodka
3 oz. homemade Bloody Mary mix
½ oz. fresh kale juice
½ oz. fresh orange juice
½ tsp. fresh horseradish
black pepper
Cholula hot sauce
sprig of kale
lime wheel
kosher salt
Method: Rim glass with kosher salt. Add ice. Build the cocktail by layering vodka, Bloody Mary mix, each juice, horseradish, a pinch of black pepper and a splash of Cholula. Garnish with kale sprig and lime.
