Sunrise Surprise

Makes 6 drinks

This drink fools some people when it’s placed in front of them; they assume it’s going to be sweet and fruity because the color is that of orange juice. But yellow tomatoes, some of the sweetest that can be grown, form the basis for this refreshing and somewhat spicy summer sipper.

3 pounds yellow tomatoes, cored and diced

1 tablespoon kosher salt

¾ cup dill pickle brine

¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

3 tablespoons Mexican hot sauce, such as Cholula, or more to taste

3 tablespoons Tajín for rimming the glasses (optional)

9 to 12 ounces vodka or Bacon-Infused Vodka (here)

SUGGESTED GARNISHES:

Spears of dill pickle

Skewers of multicolored cherry tomatoes

Skewers of jalapeño Jack or Manchego cheese

Strips of Beef Jerky (here) or store-bought jerky

Combine the tomatoes and salt in a food processor, and purée until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to allow the foam to subside. Strain the mixture through a sieve, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.

Combine the tomato juice, brine, lime juice, and hot sauce in a pitcher and stir well. Chill well.

Rim 6 (14-ounce) glasses with Tajín, if desired, following the instructions here.

Pour about 6 ounces (¾ cup) of the mix into a pint glass, add 1½ to 2 ounces of the vodka, and fill the glass completely with ice. Roll the drink between 2 pint glasses to mix and chill for individual servings (see here), or pour the vodka and mix into a pitcher filled with ice and stir well with a long-handled spoon.

Strain the drink into a rimmed glass using a funnel to avoid wetting the rim. Add ice cubes, and garnish each drink with a spear of dill pickle, skewers of cherry tomatoes and cheese cubes, and a strip of jerky. Serve immediately.

Note: The mix can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated, tightly covered.

double old-fashioned