Tomato juice is the juice of the [ingredient=tomato tomato], a fruit in the nightshade family that is native to South America. Tomato juice can be made from blended tomatoes by simply straining out the seeds and pulp. It is typically orangish-red in color and has a thin consistency.
Commercial tomato juice is typically canned and ready to drink, though some brands (like [ingredient=v8-juice V8 juice]) are flavored with other vegetables, herbs or spices. A form of tomato juice known as tomato water can be made by blending tomatoes and letting them drip through a few layers of damp cheesecloth overnight. Tomato water is very pale in color and has a more delicate aroma and flavor.
Tomato juice is classically used in cocktail preparations as the base for the Bloody Mary. In Mexico, it is a popular addition to lager beer. It has a warm, sweet, green/ethylene-spicy aroma and flavor. It is mildly acidic and high in lycopene, an antioxidant.
Some popular cocktails containing Tomato juice
- Caesar — Vodka, Tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Salt, Black pepper, Hot sauce
- Bloody Mary — Vodka, Tomato juice, Lemon juice, Horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Hot sauce, Black pepper, Celery salt, Lemon, Celery stalk
- Miso Hungover — Gin, Tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, gochujang paste, White miso paste, Celery stalk