Jul 14, 2025

​Tomato Water: A Gourmet Umami Cocktail Booster You Can Easily Prepare at Home​

Times Now Digital, Shireen Jamooji
Tomato water

​Tomato water​

Tomato water is a clear, flavour-rich liquid extracted from ripe tomatoes. It captures the essence of the tomato - light, savoury, and full of natural umami without any pulp or solids. This refreshing extract adds elegance to dishes and cocktails. Whether used as a base for light soups or a savoury mixer in martinis, tomato water offers a clean yet complex flavour profile.

Credit: canva

Ingredients

​Ingredients​

Ripe tomatoes (as many as desired, preferably in season), Sea salt, to taste

Credit: canva

​Step 1​

Wash and roughly chop the ripe tomatoes into small pieces. Alternatively, pulse them briefly in a food processor to break them down, being careful not to purée them completely.

Credit: canva

​Step 2​

Place the chopped tomatoes in a mixing bowl. Add a generous pinch of sea salt and stir gently to help draw out their natural juices. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes.

Credit: canva

​Step 3​

Line a colander with a double layer of cheesecloth and place it securely over a large bowl. Ensure the edges of the cloth hang well over the sides so it can later be tied.

Credit: canva

​Step 4​

Pour the salted tomato mixture into the cheesecloth-lined colander. Bring the ends of the cheesecloth together and tie securely with cooking twine to form a pouch. Do not squeeze or press the pouch.

Credit: canva

​Step 5​

Cover the entire setup with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the tomato mixture to drip slowly and naturally overnight (about 10–12 hours) for the clearest extract.

Credit: canva

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​Step 7​

Seal the bottle with a clasp or airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator. Use within 3 to 4 days for best flavour and freshness. Shake gently before using if it separates slightly.

Credit: canva

​Step 6​

The next morning, remove the pouch and discard the tomato solids or reserve for use in sauces. Carefully pour the collected tomato water from the bowl into a clean glass bottle or jar.

Credit: canva

Thanks For Reading!

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