She Strengthens

Summer Nights Just Got a Whole Lot Brighter

Elevate Your Cocktail Game with Fresh Tomato Juice and Basil

When it comes to crafting the perfect summer cocktail, few ingredients shine brighter than fresh tomato juice and fragrant basil. By combining these seasonal stars with a splash of vodka, you’ll be sipping on a refreshing evening martini that’s sure to impress.

Harvesting the Flavors of Summer

Start by crushing 1 1/2 pounds of heirloom tomatoes, then strain the juice to extract every last drop of flavor. You should end up with around 1 cup of juice, which will form the base of your cocktail. Next, muddle a medium basil leaf with 2 ounces of vodka, adding a pinch of kosher salt to bring out the flavors.

Chill Out with a Refreshing Twist

Place five martini glasses in the freezer to chill, then fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add your vodka-basil mixture. Shake until the outside is frosted, about 30 seconds, then strain into one of your chilled glasses. Garnish with a lemon twist and a pinch of salt, and you’re ready to toast the summer season in style.

Get the Most Out of Your Garden Harvest

Looking for more ways to incorporate fresh herbs into your cocktails? Explore the world of herb-infused drinks and discover how to make the most of your garden harvest. And if you’re craving more summer-inspired cocktails, be sure to check out our light and refreshing summer Bloody Mary recipes.

Recipe Details

• Yields: 5 drinks
• Difficulty: Easy
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds heirloom tomatoes, cored and cut into large chunks
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 10 ounces vodka
• 5 medium basil leaves
• Ice
• 5 lemon twists