Tomate
A vibrant red French aperitif that pairs the bold anise of pastis with sweet grenadine and cold water — named for its striking tomato-red color.
- 1½ ozpastis
- ½ ozgrenadine
- 4 ozcold water
- Optional: rosemary sprig or lemon slice.garnish
- 1Pour the pastis into a highball glass.
- 2Add the grenadine and stir gently. The mixture will turn a rich amber-red.
- 3Slowly pour in the cold still water. The drink will louche into a vibrant tomato-red.
- 4Add ice cubes. Stir gently once more. Garnish with a rosemary sprig or lemon slice if desired and serve.
Share this page
The Tomate (pronounced "Toh-Maht") is one of the most popular pastis variations throughout France, particularly in the cafés and terraces of Provence and the Côte d'Azur. Its name means "tomato" in French, a simple reference to the drink's vivid red color produced when grenadine mixes with the milky white pastis-and-water louche. Alongside the Mauresque (pastis with orgeat) and the Perroquet (pastis with mint syrup), the Tomate belongs to the beloved family of flavored pastis serves that French bartenders have offered since the early 20th century. Grenadine softens the intensity of the anise while adding a fruity pomegranate sweetness that makes the drink more accessible than a straight pastis. The drink has no single credited inventor — it emerged from the café culture of southern France as a natural and practical variation on the classic pastis-and-water serve.
🛒 Tools for This Recipe
Everything you need to make a great Tomate at home.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support Jigger & Joy at no extra cost to you. Learn more
🍸 Drink Responsibly: Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
⚠️ Allergen Notice: Allergen information provided on this site is for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. Ingredients and formulations can vary by brand and may change without notice. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, always verify ingredients directly with manufacturers and check all product labels before consumption. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns. Jigger & Joy is not liable for any adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of recipes on this site.
Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.