How to make a tomato martini, the viral fall cocktail trend that’s dividing TikTok. – Photo courtesy of Design by Kyley Warren
As a longtime tomato cynic, I really wanted to hate tomato martinis — hell, I expected to hate them. The idea of corrupting a sophisticated, classy drink like a martini with a pureed, V8-like substance sent literal shivers down my spine.
But after learning how to make Bar Rêve‘s infamous, savory sip at home, and actually trying one for myself in celebration of National Vodka Day (Oct. 4), the viral fall cocktail has (to my dismay) made me a believer.
Here’s why the controversial drink is proving to be autumn’s most unexpected cocktail trend — yes, even for the biggest tomato haters (hi!) — and how to make the tomato martini for yourself at home:
The viral tomato martini drink served fresh at Bar Rêve in New York City. – Photo courtesy of Bar Rêve
Tomato Martini recipe
The Tomato Martini is by far one of the most popular fall drinks. Served nationwide, but most famous at Brooklyn’s Belle Époque-inspired cocktail lounge Bar Rêve, the drink was originally created in partnership with Carbone to celebrate the launch of their new limited-edition MALIN+GOETZ candle.
Ingredients:
1.25 oz Spring44 Vodka
.25 oz Dry Vermouth
2 oz batched tomato blend, clarified with agar agar (a derivative of red seaweed):
2000 g of roma, vine, and cherry tomatoes
150 g celery
50 g Serrano pepper
50 g Worcestershire
25 g Melinda’s Ghost pepper hot sauce
35 g salt
20 g black pepper
70 g lemon juice
Method:
Stirred and served in a Nick & Nora glass.
Why TikTok can’t stop drinking tomato martinis
Tomato martinis are far from a niche concept; in fact, the “Tomatini” was first created by bartender Jimmy Barrat back in 2010, and has since evolved into a staple summer cocktail — best enjoyed in peak tomato season.
But as people crave cozier (and frankly, more controversial) cocktail recipes come fall, the tomato martini is becoming a year-round favorite — particularly for those with a more savory-leaning flavor palette.
