Caprese Martini Recipe

Ever thought about turning a classic Caprese salad into a cocktail? That’s exactly what the Caprese Martini recipe does. It brings together the bold, savory flavors of tomato, basil, mozzarella, and balsamic vinegar in a way that’s refreshing and totally unexpected. This isn’t your usual martini. It’s a delicious twist that’s herbaceous, umami-packed, and perfect for those who love trying something different.

This inventive cocktail was carefully crafted by the bar team at Jac’s on Bond in NYC, and it took two years to perfect. And trust us, it was worth the wait. It’s perfect for summer nights, dinner parties, or impressing guests with a drink they won’t see coming. Plus, with garnishes like skewered cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and even mozzarella, it makes a great conversation starter.

Ready to mix one up? Here’s what you’ll need.

Ingredients You'll Need

We are bringing the flavors of a classic Caprese salad into a cocktail, and every ingredient plays a part in making it work. Freshness is key here, so let’s go over what we need and why it matters.

Vodka (or gin alternative)

For the Caprese Martini recipe, a good-quality vodka is the best choice. It has a clean, smooth taste that lets the infused flavors shine.

We will need 750ml of vodka for the infusion. If you want something with more depth and botanical notes, swap it for a London Dry gin. Just make sure your spirit is at least 80 proof (40%) alcohol for the best results.

You might also like: Best 2 Ingredient Vodka Drinks | Best Mixers for Vodka Cocktails

Fresh Basil Leaves

Basil is a must for that fresh, aromatic flavor. Dried basil will not work here. Look for bright green leaves with no brown spots.

We will need 20 to 30 leaves per 750ml of spirit. If you have extra, wrap them in a slightly damp paper towel and store them in the fridge.

Ripe Tomatoes or Cherry Tomatoes

Tomatoes bring natural sweetness and depth to the mix. Cherry tomatoes work especially well since they have a more concentrated flavor.

We will need 2 cups of chopped tomatoes per 750ml of spirit. The riper they are, the better the infusion’s flavor and color.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

A good extra virgin olive oil adds a silky texture and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

We will use 2 tablespoons per 750ml of spirit. This step, known as fat-washing, creates a smooth, rich mouthfeel without overpowering the other ingredients.

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar adds just the right amount of acidity and depth. Make sure to use real balsamic, not the cheap imitation stuff.

We will need just 2 to 3 dashes per cocktail. A little goes a long way.

Blanc Vermouth

A fresh bottle of blanc vermouth brings a touch of sweetness and herbal notes that blend perfectly with the infused flavors.

We will use ½ ounce per cocktail. Store vermouth in the fridge after opening to keep it fresh.

Related: 18 Best Vermouth Cocktails

Salt (Optional)

A small pinch of fine sea salt can bring out the tomato’s natural flavors. Start without it, then add a tiny amount if needed. It should enhance, not overpower.

Mozzarella for Garnish

Fresh mini mozzarella balls, also known as bocconcini, make the perfect finishing touch.

Pat them dry before using so they don’t add extra moisture to the drink. Thread 1 to 2 onto a cocktail pick with a basil leaf and a cherry tomato for a garnish that ties everything together.

Now that we have everything, it is time to start mixing.

How to Make a Caprese Martini Cocktail

The Caprese Martini drink is light, savory, and totally unexpected, but once you try it, you will see why it works. Here is how we make it.

Step 1: Infuse the Vodka

To get that signature flavor, we need to infuse our vodka with tomatoes and basil. This takes a little time, but it is worth it.

• Pour 2 cups of vodka into a container.
• Add 4 cherry tomatoes and 5 fresh basil leaves.
• Put it in the freezer and let it sit for 24 hours.

Once the infusion is ready, strain out the solids and stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Put it back in the freezer for another 12 hours, then scoop off the solidified oil from the top. Now, we have a smooth, flavor-packed base for our cocktail.

Step 2: Mix the Cocktail

Fill a mixing glass with ice and add:

• 2 oz tomato-infused vodka
• ½ oz dry vermouth
• 2 dashes balsamic vinegar

Stir until well chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Now for the fun part. For a true Caprese-style garnish, thread these onto a cocktail pick:

• 1 small mozzarella ball
• 1 cherry tomato
• 1 fresh basil leaf

For an extra boost of flavor, drizzle a tiny bit of aged balsamic on top. It adds depth and makes the drink look incredible.

Before you take that first sip, let it sit for 1 minute so the flavors can fully come together. Now, all that is left to do is enjoy.

Caprese Martini Variations

We love putting a fresh spin on classic cocktails, and the Caprese Martini is perfect for experimenting. Whether you want a hint of spice, a smoky twist, or even a non-alcoholic version, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

• For a more herbal flavor, swap vodka for gin. The botanical notes blend beautifully with the basil and tomato, adding depth to the drink.
• If you love spice, add a splash of chili-infused vodka. That extra heat turns this martini into something bold and unforgettable.
• Want a non-alcoholic option? Mix fresh tomato water with a splash of club soda, then garnish with basil and mozzarella pearls for a light, refreshing twist.
• For a smoky take, replace vodka with mezcal. The earthy, smoky notes create a rich and unexpected combination that pairs beautifully with the fresh ingredients.

Try these variations and find your favorite. If you come up with a new twist, we would love to see it. Tag us in your cocktail photos and share your creation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the Caprese Martini originate?

The Caprese Martini emerged as a modern cocktail inspired by the classic Italian salad. We traced its roots to upscale bars like Jac's on Bond, where mixologists spent two years perfecting the recipe.

What does a Caprese Martini taste like?

The drink offers fresh basil and tomato notes with a silky texture. We find the blend of herbs and vodka creates a fresh, garden-like taste, while the balsamic adds a pleasant tang.

How strong is a Caprese Martini?

A Caprese Martini packs a punch similar to a classic martini. We measure it at 25-30% ABV, thanks to its generous pour of vodka and vermouth.

Can I make a Caprese Martini without vodka?

We recommend gin as a great substitute for vodka in this recipe. For a non-alcoholic version, we mix tomato water with fresh basil and a splash of balsamic.

Can I skip the olive oil fat-washing?

The fat-washing step makes the drink extra smooth and creamy. We can skip it, but the drink loses some of its signature silky texture.

How long does infused vodka last?

We keep our infused vodka in the fridge and use it within 5 days for the best taste. The flavors start to fade after that, even in sealed containers.

Caprese Martini Recipe

We are taking the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad and transforming them into a bold and refreshing cocktail. This drink combines juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and smooth vodka for a unique twist on a martini. It is savory, slightly sweet, and completely unexpected in the best way.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• Mixing Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Fine mesh Strainer
• Martini glass
• Glass jar for infusing
• Cocktail picks or skewers
• Jigger or measuring tool

Ingredients

  

For the Infused Vodka:

• 16 oz (2 cups) vodka
• 2 fresh basil leaves
• 1 medium tomato chopped
• 4 oz ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

For the Martini:

• 2 oz infused vodka
• 1½ oz blanc vermouth
• 2 dashes balsamic vinegar
• Pinch of salt optional

For Garnish:

• 2 cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• 1 small mozzarella ball

Instructions

 

Step 1: Infuse the Vodka

• Start by making the tomato and basil-infused vodka. Pour the vodka into a glass jar, then add the chopped tomato and basil leaves. Let it sit in the freezer for 24 hours so the flavors blend.
• Strain out the solids, then add the olive oil and shake well. Return it to the freezer for 12 more hours until the oil solidifies. Scoop off the frozen oil from the top, and the infused vodka is ready.

Step 2: Mix and Serve

• Fill a mixing glass with ice and add 2 ounces of infused vodka, one and a half ounces of blanc vermouth, and 2 dashes of balsamic vinegar. Stir for 30 seconds until well chilled, then strain into a cold martini glass.
• For the garnish, thread a cherry tomato, a fresh basil leaf, and a small mozzarella ball onto a cocktail pick, then place it on top of the glass. Enjoy!

Keyword caprese martini cocktail recipe, caprese martini drink recipe, caprese martini recipe