Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Gazpacho
A chilled, refreshing tomato gazpacho with a subtle kick of vodka and spices, perfect for a light summer appetizer. This spanish-inspired soups ready in about 15 minutes pairs chopped ripe tomatoes, medium, peeled and chopped cucumber, chopped red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 4 cups, chopped ripe tomatoes
- 1 medium, peeled and chopped cucumber
- 1, chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped red onion
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 small, seeded and chopped jalapeño pepper
- 2 tbsp vodka
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup cold water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine 4 cups chopped ripe tomatoes, 1 medium peeled and chopped cucumber, 1 chopped red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 small seeded and chopped jalapeño pepper. Blend until smooth but slightly textured.
- Step 2: Add 2 tbsp vodka, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup cold water to the blender. Pulse a few times to combine.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves by hand. Cover and refrigerate the gazpacho for at least 2 hours to chill and allow flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or vinegar if desired. Serve cold in bowls garnished with additional basil or a drizzle of olive oil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Gazpacho take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Gazpacho?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped ripe tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Gazpacho?
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 Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Gazpacho for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Gazpacho?
Spanish soups 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.
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