Clear Tomato Garden Glass

Tomato water carries a surprising amount of tomato flavor while looking much lighter than a normal vegetable juice. Basil adds a green aroma and lemon gives the finish a small lift. The refrigerator draining step is the project here; pressing the pulp speeds things up but makes the liquid cloudier. This is a delicate, savory highball rather than a thick tomato cocktail. It rewards a ripe, flavorful tomato and works particularly well beside a small plate of salty snacks.

Ingredients

• 1 large tomato Ripe tomato, washed and roughly chopped
• 3 leaf Basil leaves
• 1/8 oz Lemon juice
• 4 oz Sparkling water, chilled

Make it

1. Mash or briefly blend the tomato. Put it in a paper coffee filter or clean fine cloth set over a bowl in the refrigerator.
2. Let drain for about 4 hours without pressing, to collect relatively clear tomato water. Discard the pulp or use it in cooking.
3. Lightly bruise the basil in the collected liquid, add lemon juice and strain. Top with sparkling water and serve chilled.

Benefits

Tomato and basil · refreshing fluids

Tomato, basil, and lemon makes room for more water in your day. The 4 oz base carries a savory, juicy base without needing alcohol to give it character.

A sparkling setting for tomato

Pairing tomato with basil and lemon puts a savory, juicy base into a fizzy glass, with bubbles making the texture part of the pleasure.

Total time includes 4 hours of refrigerator draining. Yield varies with the tomato; use all the collected liquid for one serving.