Tomato Martini Recipe

Tomato Martini

1. 1

   Prepare (if making tomato water)

   If using tomato water for extra bright tomato flavor: roughly chop 2 ripe tomatoes and place in a bowl. Lightly salt and let sit 10 minutes. Strain through cheesecloth or a fine sieve, pressing gently to extract clear tomato liquid. Chill and measure 0.5 oz for the cocktail. (If not using, proceed with extra tomato juice.)

2. 2

   Chill glass

   Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice water while preparing the cocktail to thoroughly chill.

3. 3

   Mix ingredients

   In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz tomato juice, 0.5 oz tomato water (or additional tomato juice), 0.25 oz dry vermouth, 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice, 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce, 1 dash hot sauce, 0.25 tsp simple syrup (optional), a pinch of sea or celery salt, and a grind or two of freshly ground black pepper.

4. 4

   Add ice and shake

   Add a generous handful of ice (about 1 cup) to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–18 seconds — until the shaker is well chilled and slightly frosted. Vigorous shaking helps integrate the tomato and create a silky texture.

5. 5

   Taste and adjust

   Strain a small taste (or briefly open and pour a teaspoon) to check seasoning. Adjust with an additional pinch of salt, a few more dashes of Worcestershire, or a touch more simple syrup if the tomato is too acidic. If you want a drier martini, add 0.1–0.25 oz more dry vermouth.

6. 6

   Strain and serve

   Discard ice from the chilled glass (if used). Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled martini or coupe glass using a Hawthorne or fine-mesh strainer to remove ice shards and any tomato solids for a smooth presentation.

7. 7

   Garnish

   Garnish with a single fresh basil leaf floated on top or a skewered cherry tomato. Optionally slide a celery stalk into the glass or rest it on the rim for aroma and a classic savory note.

8. 8

   Serve

   Serve immediately while cold. Recommend enjoying as an aperitif or alongside savory small plates.