Infusion | DIY Cocktails

Store-bought tomatoes can’t compete with the ones grown in a home garden. My two tomato plants are producing like mad. But I’m not complaining! Sweet, juicy tomatoes can go in everything, even cocktails. For something lighter than a Bloody Mary, I like the Tomato Martini. Tomato is right at home with the garden flavors and scents of gin! Add a little vermouth and Lillet, and you’re ready for garden Happy Hour!

Tomato Martini

2 ounces tomato-infused gin*
1/2 ounce extra dry vermouth
1 splash Lillet Blanc

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice and stir, then strain into chilled cocktail glass. Optional: Garnish with cherry tomatoes speared on a toothpick

*Tomato-infused Gin

1 part London dry gin
1 part ripe tomato

Chop tomato into chunks, place in sealable glass jar, and then pour gin on top. Seal and shake. Let steep at room temperature away from direct sunlight for one day. Taste to see if desired flavor is achieved. If not, let steep for an additional day. (One large tomato is about 1 cup chopped. So using 1 cup of gin and 1 cup tomato makes enough infused gin for four drinks.)

Photo by Jackson Stakeman

Dark chocolate and coconut are a flavor combination that just might blow your mind. This infusion is really easy to make and would make a great DIY Christmas gift!

Using bitter cacao nibs is a sophisticated way to bring in the tantalizing chocolate aroma without adding more sweetness. Coconut rum, which is fairly sweet and damn delicious, tempers the intensity of the cacao.

Try this rum as the base for a Manhattan-style drink made with sweet vermouth and orange bitters.

Enjoy!

Chocolate-Coconut Rum

2 parts coconut rum, like Malibu
1 part cacao nibs

Pour the nibs into a sealable glass jar. Cover with the rum and shake. Let steep for one day. Strain into another container and store as you would any other liquor.

This recipe is from DIY Cocktails, where you’ll find more interesting infusions and recipes!

Photo by Jackson Stakeman