Tomato and Cantaloupe Shrub
With the exception of the Bloody Mary, tomatoes are hardly a star ingredient in cocktails. But the humble fruit is making its way into bars across the country, thanks to its sweet and savory properties and distinct summer flavor. The shrub, a fruit-flavored vinegar mixed with alcohol, soda, or water, is also on the rise, and this particular version is an excellent introduction to the cocktail. Sweetened with honey and filled with fresh tomatoes, cantaloupe, and basil, it’s the most refreshing drink you’ll make all summer. Consider it a starting point for your own experiments with shrubs, which you can drink year-round as you switch up the flavors.
Ingredients
2 cups halved heirloom cherry tomatoes
2 cups chopped cantaloupe
12 ounces (1½ cups) gin or vodka
½ cup torn fresh basil leaves
¼ cup Champagne vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
32 ounces (4 cups) club soda
Nutrition
Calories 198
Fat 0g
Sat Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 45mg
Protein 1g
Carbohydrate 13g
Sugar 11g
Fiber 1g
Iron 0mg
Calcium 24mg
Directions
Combine tomatoes, cantaloupe, gin, basil, vinegar, and honey in a bowl. Chill 8 hours, stirring occasionally. Place ice in each of 6 glasses. Pour about ? cup club soda into each glass; top with about ? cup chilled gin liquid mixture. Add desired amount of the tomato and cantaloupe pieces, and torn basil.
Yields: 6 (serving size: 1 cup)
