A tomato basil spritz is a gin cocktail made with 2 ounces of gin, 1 1/2 ounces of fresh tomato water, 1 ounce of basil syrup and the juice of half a lemon, shaken cold and topped with soda water. It tastes like a garden, and it uses up the last ripe tomatoes before the weather turns and you start reaching for something warm.
Tomato gives it body, basil gives it lift, and lemon keeps it from tasting like soup. The sugar is not doing all the work, which is the appeal.
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 15 minutes |
| Total time | 45 minutes, including steeping and cooling the syrup |
| Servings | 1 |
| Key ingredient | Fresh tomato water |
| Best for | Patio dinners, brunch, late tomato season |
| Flavor profile | Savory, bright, herbal |
Why You Will Love This
It tastes strange for about half a sip, and then it clicks. Tomato water has the juicy brightness of fresh tomatoes but is clear enough to drink like a spritz.
It is for anyone who wants something more interesting than another berry mocktail . If you like herbal, savory drinks, try the pineapple basil smash or the cucumber basil martini next.
What You Will Need
Tomato water
- 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- A pinch of salt
Basil syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 20 fresh basil leaves
For one drink
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 1/2 ounces tomato water
- 1 ounce basil syrup
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Chilled soda water, to top
- Tomato slice or cherry tomato, to garnish
- Ice
The tomato water and syrup both make more than one drink needs, so this is easy to multiply for friends.
How to Make It
- Make the tomato water. Chop the tomatoes, add a pinch of salt and blend until smooth. Pour into a fine sieve or cheesecloth over a bowl and let it drip for about 15 minutes. Chill it.
- Make the basil syrup. Stir the water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil. Take it off the heat, add the basil leaves and steep for about 15 minutes. Strain, discard the basil and let the syrup cool completely.
- Add the gin, tomato water, basil syrup and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
- Shake for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or wine glass.
- Top with soda water and garnish with a tomato slice.
Herbalist Notes
Basil can make a drink smell sweet without adding much sweetness. Steeping it in warm syrup, off the heat, keeps the flavor fresh instead of cooked.
Tomatoes contain glutamates, the compounds behind savory depth, so a small glass tastes satisfying without feeling heavy.
Make It Your Own
Swap a little of the lemon for lime if your tomatoes are especially sweet. Leave the gin out and top with a little extra soda for a lighter, alcohol-free glass that still tastes of the garden.
Before You Start
Do not press the blended tomatoes hard through the sieve. Pressing makes pulp, and the drink loses its clean spritz texture.
Tomato water is best the day you make it. Keep it in the refrigerator if you prep ahead, and add the soda only when you serve.
Common Questions
Does this taste like tomato juice?
No. Tomato water is lighter, clearer, and less thick than tomato juice. It gives the drink a savory garden flavor without the weight of a Bloody Mary.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes. Leave out the gin and add a little more soda water. The drink still has structure from lemon, basil syrup and tomato.
What food goes with it?
Serve it with grilled vegetables, burrata, bruschetta, or anything with olive oil and herbs. It drinks like a light aperitif, not a sweet mocktail .
