Skip to main content
Epicurious
Gourmet

Vodka-Spiked Cherry Tomatoes with Pepper Salt

By Maggie Ruggiero

4.0

(17)

Image may contain Plant Food Egg Confectionery and Sweets
Photo by Romulo Yanes

These tender, potent little orbs make a splendid Bloody Mary—esque addition to a beach-blanket picnic or a fancy cocktail party, and they tend to disappear in no time flat. Blanching them makes quick work of slipping off their skins.

Cooks' note:

Tomatoes can be peeled and vodka marinade prepared 1 day ahead and kept separately, chilled.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 3/4 hr

  • Yield

    Makes about 60 hors d'oeuvres

Ingredients

3 pints firm small mixed cherry and grape tomatoes
1/2 cup vodka
3 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon superfine granulated sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cut a small X in bottom of each tomato. Blanch tomatoes, 5 at a time, in a saucepan of boiling water 3 seconds. Immediately transfer with a slotted spoon to an ice bath to stop cooking.

    Step 2

    Drain and peel, transferring to a large shallow dish.

    Step 3

    Stir together vodka, vinegar, sugar, and zest until sugar has dissolved, then pour over tomatoes, gently tossing to coat. Marinate, chilled, at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.

    Step 4

    Stir together salt and pepper and serve with tomatoes for dipping.

TagsVodkaAlcoholBeveragesCherry TomatoTomatoVegetableGrape TomatoSnackStarterDinnerBrunchDairy FreeGluten FreeNut FreeVeganVegetarianSummerGourmet

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
31 Cashew Recipes That Go Beyond the Snack Bowl
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Fudgy Chocolate Bundt Cake
Glossy, intensely chocolaty, and spiked with coffee and sour cream, this Bundt is the ultimate all-purpose dessert.
13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Classic French Vinaigrette
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.