Don’t Judge Me Mondays: Smoky Maria
I have a confession to make. I cannot stand the popular brunch cocktail, Bloody Mary. As much as I love brunch, but I just can’t. My friend Betsy loves them and has let me try hers. My taste buds just can’t handle a salty drink, which is a shame because they look so tempting. This is especially true nowadays with all the garnishes bars add like bacon, sliders, etc. Of course when I started thinking about a cocktail to share for this month, Bloody Mary was the first thing that popped into my head since it features tomato juice. So then I started thinking about what I could do with green tomato juice that would lean in a sweeter direction. On its own, green tomato juice is very tart so I wanted something that could temper that. Then I remembered the green tomato pie I shared last last summer, so I knew apple would work well with green tomato. Then a smoky spirit like Mezcal seemed like it would complete the drink. All of this may sound a bit strange, but I promise you…it works! Those of you that grow tomatoes will also appreciate this use of green tomatoes. We’re now getting into the time of the summer where it’s hard to predict how much longer our tomatoes will be around.
Let’s get to Maria!
The first order of business will be to make the juice. To do this, add the green tomato chunks and water to a blender or food processor.
Blend until it’s smooth.
Now pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or bowl. The amount of juice you get will vary depending on your tomatoes.
Onto the cocktail! To start, you’re going to cover the rim. Mix together the sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small plate or shallow bowl.
Wet the rim of the glass with a little water and dip it in the cinnamon sugar mix, pressing and turning so that it’s covered.
Now gently fill the glass with ice. Pour the green tomato juice through a mesh stainer into the glass (hold the strainer so it doesn’t touch the rim of the glass and mess up the cinnamon sugar).
Add the Mezcal, apple cider, and a pinch of cinnamon. Give it a good stir and enjoy!
This drink is tasty and totally different! It’s slightly sweet with a note of tartness from the green tomato. The Mezcal adds some smokiness that pairs nicely with the cinnamon.
So, what’s your take on the Bloody Mary?
Save Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups green tomatoes cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, plus a pinch
- 1/4 cup green tomato juice
- 1/2 apple cider
- 1 ounce mezcal
Instructions
- Blend the green tomato chunks and water until it's smooth. Pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or bowl.
- Mix together the sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small plate or shallow bowl. Wet the rim of the glass with a little water and dip it in the cinnamon sugar mix, pressing and turning so that it's covered.
- Fill the glass with ice. Pour the green tomato juice through a mesh stainer into the glass (hold the strainer so it doesn't touch the rim of the glass and mess up the cinnamon sugar). Add the Mezcal, apple cider, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir.