Chili-Tomato Highball Cocktail
A spicy-sweet twist on the classic highball with fresh tomato and chili notes. This american-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 5 minutes brings together vodka, fresh tomato juice, fresh lime juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 100 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz fresh tomato juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 3 oz soda water
- a pinch chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes, then add 2 oz vodka, 4 oz fresh tomato juice, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 tsp sugar, stirring gently to dissolve sugar.
- Step 2: Top with 3 oz soda water and a pinch of chili flakes, then stir once to distribute flakes evenly without crushing them.
- Step 3: Garnish with a thin lime wedge and serve immediately with a straw for quick sipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chili-Tomato Highball Cocktail take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Chili-Tomato Highball Cocktail?
Refrigerate any leftover chili-tomato highball cocktail in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chili-Tomato Highball Cocktail?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chili-Tomato Highball Cocktail for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chili-Tomato Highball Cocktail?
American cocktails & beverages like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The recipe was so easy and the flavor was spot on.
- ★★★★★
Love how refreshing this is on a hot day!
- ★★★★★
Amazing! The chili kick is perfect with the tomato.
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