Fourth of July

Heirloom "Tomato-rita"

by:
July 25, 2010
0
0 Ratings
Heirloom "Tomato-rita"
  • Serves 1
Author Notes

Having been to the Farmer's Market in Brattleboro, VT, Saturday, it was a pleasure to sample all their labeled heirloom tomatoes. What a wonderful market! There are several great Asian, African and Indian places to have lunch right at the market while you listen to local music. There were also samples of olive oils, wines, and many amazing heirloom tomatoes. The "Gorilla Orange Blossom" caught my eye in particular because I had not heard of it before. So, of course I thought it perfect to try out margarita-style: It makes a bold, tart drink. You could also use the Amana Orange, Aurora, Burbank, Cosmonant Volkov, Indian Moon, Orange Oxhart, Tangerine, Prize of the trials, Golden Peach, Valencia, among other heirloom varieties, but I thought this one perfect for this drink idea. Ideally, select a variety that is orangy in color, has overtones of orange flavor, and is very juicy. Now that I just tried this with a red heirloom, I can testify how delicious that is as well. Eating the fruit at the end is just the best! OK, that fills my margarita quota for the summer. —Sagegreen

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup chopped "gorilla orange blossom" tomato (or other orange to reddish variety)
  • 1 ounce juice fresh lime
  • 2 ounces tequila blanco
  • 1 ounce Cointreau
  • pink Himalayan salt (or sea salt) for glass rim
  • sprig of lemon basil (or other variety) for garnish
  • slice of your heirloom variety such as "gorilla orange blossom" for garnish
  • shaved or crushed ice, optional
Directions
  1. Add your chopped tomato (reserving and using all its juices) to the liquids; muddle and smoosh around a bit. Chill in the fridge for about an hour (or even overnight). It is nice to give some time for the tomatoes to absorb the alcohol.
  2. Salt the rim of your glass just before serving time; pink Himalayan is both beautiful and very salty.
  3. Add shaved or crushed ice to your glass, if you want. Pour your chilled drink into the glass with its salted rim; garnish with a sprig of lemon (or other type) basil and a slice of tomato. Cheers!
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6 Reviews

Sagegreen
Sagegreen July 27, 2010
Just an update: yes, this works extremely well with red heirloom juicy tomatoes! See my most recent photo to tempt you to try it.
 
JoanG
JoanG July 26, 2010
Very intriguing: a cross between a Bloody Mary and a margarita! Will give it a try if I can find appropriate heirlooms for it.
 
Sagegreen
Sagegreen July 26, 2010
Thanks, that's a great observation. This drink does pack a punch! I think any orangy heirloom would work well. A redder heirloom would take you closer to the look of a Bloody Mary and should work well, too. Would love to hear about your results!
 
mrslarkin
mrslarkin July 25, 2010
Yum. You had me at "tequila."
 
Sagegreen
Sagegreen July 25, 2010
Thanks! Tequila is a great summer drink. It is good to drink this chilled, even a day after you make it.