A Tomato Martini is a simple, elegant upgrade to the classic vodka cocktail. Made with fresh cherry or grape tomatoes, basil, vodka, and a squeeze of lemon, it's bright, refreshing, and tastes like summer in a glass. Finish it with a drizzle of smoked olive oil, and you've got a cocktail that's a little fancy and, of course, delish!
Tomatoes in a martini? Have I gone mad? Absolutely not. May I remind you what's in a Bloody Mary? That's right: tomatoes and vodka. See? I'm not crazy; I'm just squeezing out every last bit of summer, literally and figuratively.
A classic martini is a classic for a reason, but honestly, I can't drink them. All I taste is vodka. Enter the tomato. I mean, I am Italian after all, so this was pretty much meant for my palate. The fresh tomato adds just the right amount of bright, juicy flavor to make this martini something I actually want to drink. And hopefully you will too!
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Key ingredients
All you need to make this easy summer martini is fresh tomatoes (grape or cherry), vodka, basil, and a little lemon.
I prefer cherry tomatoes for this cocktail, mainly because they're a bit sweeter, but grape tomatoes work just as well. You could also use a whole tomato cut into chunks. If going this route, choose a ripe, juicy tomato on the vine for the best flavor.
Step-by-step instructions
Grab a cocktail shaker, some ice, and the ripest tomatoes you can find. Don't skip salting the tomatoes, as this helps draw the flavorful tomato juice right out of those bad boys!
Step 1. In a cocktail shaker, add the sliced tomatoes, basil, and a pinch of salt. Allow them to sit for 10-15 minutes to draw the juices out. Muddle (squish) the tomatoes, releasing as much juice as possible.
Step 2. Add the vodka and fresh lemon juice to the shaker along with a bunch of ice.
Step 3. Shake, shake, shake until the shaker is too cold to touch. Put some muscle into it!
Step 4. Double strain the martini into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil.
*These are abbreviated instructions. The full list of directions can be found in the recipe card below.
👩🍳Expert tips
- Don't skip salting the tomatoes. This is an important step to help draw the juices out of the tomatoes. The salt will also enhance the flavor.
- Chill your glasses. This pro move will keep your martini nice and cold.
Variations
Want to switch things up a bit? Play with the flavors to make it your own.
- Dirty Tomato Martini. Keep some of the classic recipe by adding olive juice for a brinier, more savory flavor.
- Spicy Tomato Martini. Hear me out. Add a pinch of Calabrian chili paste when muddling the tomatoes to give it a spicy kick.
🍅Avoid this rookie Mistake
The first time I made this, I didn't cut the tomatoes in half, and when I went to muddle them, they burst like the dickens, and I had tomato juice all over the ceiling. It was basically like popping tiny juicy balloons. True story!
How to serve your tomato martini
Serve your Tomato Martini ice-cold in a chilled martini or coupe glass. I like to keep the garnish simple with a few olives, 1-3 cherry tomatoes, and maybe a fresh basil leaf. And don't skip that drizzle of smoked olive oil (or regular). It adds a subtle smoky richness that really makes the drink.
This is a fun cocktail for a summer party, a date night, or an Italian-inspired brunch. Pair it with salty snacks, a cheese or butter board, crostini and hummus, or anything fresh off the grill. And if you're serving it before noon, well, just tell yourself (and your guests) that it's a Bloody Mary😎.
Don't forget the garnishes
Honestly, isn't it all about the garnishes? Cocktails should look as good as they taste. Here are some of my faves:
- Cherry or grape tomatoes on a metal or bamboo skewer. Choose 1 or 3 (it's more appealing to the eye to garnish with odd numbers).
- Olives. Or olives plus tomatoes. Just like the classic!
- Olive oil. I never skip this one. Use what you have on hand, or get fancy and try this smoked olive oil that I'm obsessed with lately.
- Fresh herbs. Top with fresh basil, a sprig of thyme, or rosemary.
- Pro Tip: Briefly light a sprig of rosemary with a match until it starts to smoke, then extinguish the flame. Garnish the martini with the smoked rosemary for a subtle smoky aroma as you sip. If you use smoked rosemary, skip the smoked olive oil so the smoky flavor doesn't become too overpowering.
- Mozzerella. You know those tiny mozzarella "pearls" sold in brine? They would be perfect. Thread them on a skewer the same as you would do for the others.
- Lemon twist or peel. It's simple and highlights a component that's already in the drink.
- Celery. A small celery stalk or some celery salt in place of the regular salt will remind you of a Bloody Mary!
- Shaved Parmesan or Pecorino. This one is fancy pants! Take a vegetable peeler and shave a long slice of Parmesan or Pecorino from a block. Then gently place your sliver on top of the drink.
Storage and prep
If you're serving a crowd, make the tomato mixture ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to a day. I actually think it gets even better after the tomatoes have had some time to mingle.
When you're ready to serve, shake it up with the vodka and lemon, pour, and garnish. Just don't mix the finished martinis ahead of time. They're best shaken ice-cold and served right away.
Frequently asked questions
You don't need to break out your fanciest bottle, but I would use a smooth vodka since there aren't many ingredients to hide behind. The tomato is the star here, so choose something you actually enjoy drinking. Make sure you don't reach for any "flavored" vodkas.
Yes, you can add a light spritz of vermouth if desired.
Technically, yes, but fresh tomatoes are my first choice for this martini. They give you that bright, fresh summer flavor that makes the cocktail special. If canned tomatoes are all you have, use good-quality whole peeled tomatoes, drain them well, and give them a quick blend before salting. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a little deeper and less fresh than using ripe summer tomatoes.
Of course! Smoked olive oil adds a subtle, savory, smoky finish, but regular extra-virgin olive oil will still give you that silky, fruity finish. You can also skip the oil altogether if you prefer. I'm just obsessed with smoked olive oil lately.
Absolutely! Gin gives this martini a more botanical, herby flavor, which works nicely with the fresh tomatoes and lemon. I'd recommend using a smooth, not overly juniper-forward gin so it doesn't overpower the tomato. If you're a gin martini person, this may be your jam.
Perfect pairings
Serve your tomato martini with a warm salad, and of course, carbs!
Made this recipe? I'd love to hear about it. Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below the recipe. Snapped a photo? Tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram so I can see your creation!
📖Recipe
Tomato Martini
Equipment
- cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
- fine mesh strainer
- martini or coupe glass
Ingredients
- 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes (fresh), plus a few extra for garnishing
- 1-2 small fresh basil leaves
- pinch kosher salt or homemade basil salt
- 1¾ ounce vodka
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2-3 drops olive oil, smoked or regular for garnishing
- fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for garnishing
Instructions
- Add the tomatoes, basil, and salt to a cocktail shaker. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes (fresh), plus a few extra for garnishing, pinch kosher salt or homemade basil salt, 1-2 small fresh basil leaves
- Add ¾ to 1 cup of ice to the shaker, followed by the vodka and lemon juice. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass using a fine-mesh strainer to catch any tomato pulp. Garnish with fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs, then finish with a few drops of smoked or regular olive oil. Cheers!1¾ ounce vodka, ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2-3 drops olive oil, smoked or regular for garnishing, fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for garnishing
Notes
- Don't skip salting the tomatoes. This is an important step to help draw the juices out of the tomatoes. The salt will also enhance the flavor.
- Chill your glasses. This pro move will keep your martini nice and cold.
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary based on ingredients, measurements, and substitutions.
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