Tomato Caprese Cocktail
Not your mother’s caprese salad.
·Aug 31, 2023
Inspired by the plethora of savory, tomato-based drinks that have been popping up in bars across the U.S., this is equal parts shrub, cocktail, and appetizer. If you’re the Bloody Mary friend at brunch looking for a unique way to enjoy peak season tomatoes, give this drink a try. Make it even lighter with the addition of sparkling water, and don’t skip out on the caprese garnish.
Tomato Caprese Cocktail
Not your mother’s caprese salad.
Rhoda Boone, Culinary Director
- For the basil simple syrup:
- 1 cup basil leaves (about 1 ounce)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- For the tomato juice:
- 1 pound fresh tomatoes (about 2-3 medium tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- For the cocktail:
- 5 basil leaves
- ½ ounce basil simple syrup (see above)
- 2 ounces tomato juice (see above)
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Sparkling water or club soda (optional)
- ½ teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
- Any of the following to garnish: whole cherry tomatoes, ciliegine or “cherry size” fresh mozzarella balls, basil leaves, sliced salami
Make the basil simple syrup: Add basil, sugar, and ½ cup water to a small Stainless Clad Saucier or Saucepan. Heat over medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved, 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve set over a Medium Bowl. Discard solids and refrigerate syrup until cold. You should have about ¾ cup syrup, enough to make about 12 cocktails.
Make the tomato juice: Slice tomatoes in half using a Utility Knife. Place cut side on a coarse grater and grate tomatoes into a Medium Bowl, discard skins. Add salt and stir to combine. Let sit for 5 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve set over another Bowl. Discard solids and refrigerate juice until ready to use. You should have about 1 cup juice, enough to make about 4 cocktails.
Make the cocktail: Add basil leaves and basil simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and muddle gently, releasing oils from basil. Fill shaker about halfway with ice. Add tomato juice, vodka, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. Shake vigorously until outside of shaker is very cold, 15–20 seconds. Fill a White Wine Glass with ice and strain cocktail into Glass. Top cocktail with sparkling water and a drizzle of olive oil (if using) and skewer any desired garnishes and add to Glass.
