Drinko de Gallo

The Washington Post, August 8, 2007

• • Course: Beverage
• • Features: Fast

Summary:

This savory cocktail is lighter and more refreshing than a bloody mary. Be sure to use a high-quality blanco or silver tequila such as Patron, Herradura or El Tesoro. Sweet cherry tomatoes are best and easiest to work with, but if you don't have them, you could use half of a regular-size tomato. A salted rim is optional.

1 serving

Ingredients:

• • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, plus a few tablespoons for the rim of the glass (optional)
• • 3 to 4 sweet cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• • 10 to 12 cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
• • Ice
• • 1 1/2 ounces silver or bianco tequila, preferably Patron, Herradura or El Tesoro
• • 1/2 ounce orange-flavored liqueur, preferably Cointreau
• • 1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• • 1 slice habañero chili pepper (optional)

Directions:

For a salt rim, if desired: Wet the rim of a martini glass. Place a few tablespoons of kosher salt in a small dish; invert the glass onto the salt to form a salted edge.

In a mixing glass, muddle the tomatoes, cilantro and 1/8 teaspoon of salt to form a paste. Top with ice and add the tequila, orange-flavored liqueur and lime juice and the slice of habañero chili pepper, if using. Shake well and strain into the martini glass.

Recipe Source:

Adapted from Jeff Hollinger of the Absinthe Brasserie in San Francisco.

159 calories, n/a fat, n/a saturated fat, n/a cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 5g carbohydrates, n/a dietary fiber, n/a sugar, n/a protein.