Ode to Tomatoes

Anna Wonson | Washington, D.C.

illustration cocktail

At Washington, D.C.’s Little Coco’s, the Ode to Tomatoes is inspired by the “smell of a summer garden.” A housemade tomato water and tomato brine from pickled tomatoes lends umami, earthy flavor to this dirty Martini–like drink. For a more “purely tomato” flavor, general manager Anna Wonson says that the water and brine can be prepared without fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka, preferably Republic Restoratives Civic Vodka
  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka, preferably Republic Restoratives Civic Vodka
  • 1 ounce tomato water (see Editor’s Note)
  • 1 ounce tomato water (see Editor’s Note)
  • 1/4 ounce tomato brine from pickled tomatoes (see Editor’s Note)
  • 1/4 ounce tomato brine from pickled tomatoes (see Editor’s Note)

Garnish: pickled tomato (see Editor’s Note)

Directions
  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir to combine.
  2. Strain into a chilled coupe.
  3. Garnish with a pickled tomato.
Editor's Note

Tomato Water
2 quarts heirloom cherry tomatoes
1/2 ounce fresh basil leaves
1/2 ounce fresh parsley leaves
1 teaspoon kosher salt

1. Chop tomatoes in half, toss with salt, and let them sit for 15 minutes
2. Pulse tomatoes, herbs and salt in a food processor or blender.
3. Pour over cheesecloth and let strain overnight in the fridge
4. Keeps, refrigerated, for 3 to 4 days.

Pickled Tomatoes
2 quarts heirloom cherry tomatoes
large handful basil leaves
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
2 cups white vinegar
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1. Layer the tomatoes and the basil leaves in a glass canning jar.
2. Toast the black peppercorns and coriander seeds in a pan briefly, until you can just start to smell them.
3. Add the vinegar, water, sugar and salt to the pan.
4. Stir over heat until the sugar and salt are dissolved and hot, but not boiling. (If the liquid is too hot, the tomatoes will pop and not retain their shape.)
5. Pour the brine into the jar, cover, and refrigerate for 2 days before use.