Tomato Basil Tom Collins
A drink for the bloody mary haters (me) - June Dinner Party Debrief, Part 1
I have a confession. I hate Bloody Marys. I really, really try to like them. I’m told that you just have to find the right one, but none of them are enjoyable for me. I can’t get behind the deep, intense savoriness. They are heavy to me, not refreshing. And I know I’m not alone.
Each August, I host a tomato themed brunch. Each dish features tomatoes as the main ingredient, and I wanted to extend that to drinks. Obviously, bloody marys were off the table, so I went in a sweet and light direction after seeing so many tomato lemonades and syrups on tiktok.
I was admittedly skeptical (while I have a relatively adventurous palette, I can be weird about things that in my mind shouldn’t be sweet being sweet), but chat, this shit is GOOD. Fruity and unexpected. The basil adds a bit of a vegetal quality
I made a tomato syrup with equal parts sliced cherry tomatoes and sugar with a few leaves of torn basil mixed in. I served it over club soda (or with vodka for those who wished) and THIS is the light, summery, and refreshing drink I want at brunch.
Q & Gay
I want to batch a cocktail for a backyard pizza night I’m hosting, what should I make?
Batching cocktails is one of the best things you can do as a host. Mixing individual cocktails takes a lot of time and energy. My typical drink setup is:
One batched nonalcoholic drink that can be spiked for those who choose
Water pitchers
Some mixed canned sodas or bevys I have on hand
My goal in entertaining is making my life easier and making everyone feel included. While it seems simple, I have a lot of friends that don’t drink and I don’t want them to feel othered. Having one batched NA drink not only makes my job easier, but everyone has something special to drink.
Here are some options that I love:
Large Batch Strawberry Basil Spritz
Tomato Basil Syrup
