Tomatini - The Perfect Summer Cocktail
The moment I saw the idea for a tomato martini I knew I had to make one! It seemed like the perfect summer afternoon cocktail, and since I had an abundance of tomatoes coming from the garden, I felt like it was a fun and creative way to use them too. I even went as far as to go to the store that day to get the things I needed…lol…something that usually doesn’t happen to me with drinks, but I was so excited to play around with creating something new and different.
This cocktail uses the tomato juice from ripe tomatoes to give it it’s unique and delightful flavor. This cocktail isn’t sweet which I love and is the perfect drink to go along with that colorful summertime dinner, lunch, breakfast or snack :) You can use any type of tomatoes, but since you are collecting the juice drippings from the tomatoes, the juicier the better. If you have your own tomatoes from the garden then this drink is that much more satisfying!
Tomatini Cocktail
THE RECIPE - Makes 1 Tomatini
2 oz Vodka
1 to 2 oz (depending on the strength you like) Fresh tomato juice* or store bought tomato juice.
1/2 tsp White Balsamic Vinegar*
1 1/2 tsp dry vermouth
Ice
Olive and tomato to garnish
To Prepare the Tomatini - Put all of the ingredients except the ice and garnish in a cocktail shaker. Add the ice and shake to chill. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with an olive and tomato. Enjoy!
*To Prepare the Tomato Juice - Cut up 2 ripe tomatoes into 1 inch chunks and set in a strainer over a bowl. Let sit 2 hours. You can move the tomatoes around a bit to let as much juice fall as possible. This should yield at least 1 oz plus of juice. Use the leftover tomatoes in a sauce or other dish.
If you don’t have the time to wait, 1 small tomato can be muddled in the shaker before the liquid ingredients are added…or you can use a store bought tomato juice.
*White wine vinegar or even plain white vinegar can be used in place of the white balsamic if needed. The balsamic has a nicer flavor and finish but both are very delicious.