I'll be honest I'm not a fan of summer. It's hot, sticky, and I hate to sweat. But the great thing about summer is all the wonderful produce available. Amazing fruits and vegetables to brighten up your cocktails and inspire creativity.
A summer cocktail should be light, refreshing, and easy to drink. When I set out to make my summer cocktail I knew I wanted to make a shrub, a vinegar based syrup. I love shrubs because they can deliver a punch of flavor in a small dose. I decided to make my shrub using some colorful heirloom cherry tomatoes and fresh mint. The combination has a pleasant taste that keeps you coming back for more.
TOMATO MINT SHRUB
for an 8 ounce shrub
12 mint leaves
4 ounces Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes
1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 cup Sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine in air tight jar.
Shake frequently.
Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before use.
Use within 1 to 2 weeks
The Tomojito Sour was inspired by the Mojito but takes things a step further with the addition of heirloom tomatoes and yellow chartreuse. Combined with rum, lime, and mint it makes for a cocktail that is both delicate and delightful.
TOMOJITO SOUR
1.5 ounces White Rum
.75 ounce Tomato Mint Shrub
.5 ounces lime juice
bar spoon of Yellow Chartreuse
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine ingredients in a shaker.
Shake with ice.
Double strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
Optional: top with club soda
Garnish with a cherry tomato and mint.
