Description
This refreshing Sparkling Tomato Lemonade combines the sweetness of a homemade tomato simple syrup with zesty lemon juice and bubbly sparkling water for a unique, thirst-quenching drink. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a revitalizing beverage, it highlights fresh cherry tomatoes simmered into a flavorful syrup that adds depth and a subtle umami twist to traditional lemonade.
Ingredients
Tomato Simple Syrup
- 1 heaping cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
Lemonade
- 1 part tomato syrup (e.g., 1 cup)
- 1 part lemon juice (e.g., 1 cup, freshly squeezed)
- 2 parts water (e.g., 2 cups)
- 2-4 parts unflavored sparkling water, to taste (e.g., 2-4 cups)
Instructions
- Make Tomato Puree: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup water into a blender. Blend on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds until a smooth tomato puree forms.
- Prepare Tomato Syrup: Pour the tomato puree and 1 cup sugar into a small saucepan or sauté pan. Place over medium-high heat and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, noticing the initial foam that forms—stir rapidly to reduce foam and prevent spills. Once simmering, lower the heat to medium and maintain a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let the syrup sit for 5 minutes more to infuse flavors.
- Strain the Syrup: Position a fine mesh metal strainer or nut milk bag over a heat-safe bowl. Pour the syrup mixture into the strainer and allow it to drain naturally without pressing or pushing the solids, which could cloud the syrup. After all liquid has strained through, discard the tomato solids and transfer the strained syrup to the refrigerator. Chill until completely cool, about 1 hour. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Make the Lemonade: In a pitcher, combine 1 part tomato syrup with 1 part fresh lemon juice, 2 parts water, and 2 parts sparkling water. Stir to mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust by adding more syrup, lemon juice, sparkling water, or plain water until desired flavor and fizziness are achieved. Serve the sparkling tomato lemonade poured over ice for a refreshingly chilled drink.
Notes
- Adjust the sparkling water quantity to make the lemonade more or less fizzy according to your preference.
- For single servings, mix approximately 1/4 cup tomato syrup, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 to 1 cup sparkling water.
- Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor in your syrup.
- Store leftover syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Do not push solids through the strainer or use a spatula as it may cause an undesirable texture in the syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
