Tomato smoothie

The Tomato smoothie offers a savory, refreshing break from the usual sweet fruit blends. It’s a surprisingly robust non-alcoholic drink, delivering a dose of umami and fresh herb notes. This makes it a solid choice for brunch service, a healthy morning kick, or for anyone looking for something genuinely different from the cocktail list. It satisfies without the booze.

Tomato smoothie

4.47 from 32 votes

Calories: 70kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 1 Cup(s) Low-fat Plain Yogurt
▢ 2 Tomato
▢ 1/2 Teaspoon(s) Basil Leaves
▢ 1/2 Teaspoon(s) Salt

Instructions

▢
Add all of the ingredients to a blender.
▢
Blend on high until completely smooth and the texture is even.
▢
Pour into a chilled glass and serve immediately.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 70kcal (4%)Carbohydrates: 7g (2%)Sugar: 7g (8%)

Smoothie

Where it came from

Smoothies, in general, became popular in the US around the 1960s, driven by health food trends. A savory Tomato smoothie like this leans more into the culinary world than the typical fruit-heavy blends. Its exact origin is hazy, but it likely emerged from a desire to combine the freshness of a Bloody Mary without the alcohol, or as a variation on cold savory soups like gazpacho.

While most smoothies fall into sweet fruit or green categories, this one carves out a niche with its savory profile. Think of it as a thicker, more substantial cousin to a Bloody Mary mix, or a drinkable, cold tomato soup. It stands apart from creamy yogurt drinks by focusing on the vegetable and herb elements, offering a unique texture and flavor.

You’d likely find this Tomato smoothie on a breakfast or brunch menu, perhaps at a health-focused cafe or a hotel lounge offering non-alcoholic options. It’s also a straightforward make-at-home option for a quick, nutritious meal replacement or a refreshing pick-me-up. Don’t expect to see it on a dive bar menu, but a sophisticated brunch spot might feature it.

What it tastes like

The Tomato smoothie hits with a fresh, slightly tangy tomato front, mellowed immediately by the creamy, low-fat yogurt. Mid-palate, the basil introduces an aromatic, peppery herbal note, beautifully complementing the tomato’s acidity. The salt ties everything together, enhancing the savory umami and leading to a clean, refreshing finish that leaves a hint of basil on the palate.

This is a completely non-alcoholic drink, meaning its ABV is 0%. You won’t feel any buzz from this. It’s a pure refreshment or meal replacement, offering hydration and nutrients without any alcohol content. Compare it to a glass of fresh juice or a sports drink, rather than a beer or a standard spirit-based cocktail.

The technique

Building the Tomato smoothie is as simple as tossing everything into a blender. Start with the yogurt, then the tomatoes, basil, and salt. Secure the lid tightly. Begin blending on a lower speed to break down the solids, then crank it to high. The goal is a completely homogenous, smooth liquid with no discernible chunks, so let it run for a good minute or two. Pour it into a pre-chilled glass immediately for best results.

The single most important technique here is ensuring a perfectly smooth blend. Any remaining tomato skin or basil leaf fragments will ruin the texture and mouthfeel. A high-speed blender is ideal, but if you’re using a less powerful machine, blend in stages, scraping down the sides, and extend the blend time significantly. A grainy smoothie is just a bad experience.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Tomato

Use: Ripe, firm red tomatoes. Roma, beefsteak, or even cherry tomatoes will work, as long as they are fresh and flavorful. Quality here dictates the entire drink’s character.
Skip: Mealy, underripe, or overripe tomatoes. They’ll give you a watery, bland, or mushy smoothie with poor flavor. Canned tomatoes are a hard pass for this fresh application.
Why: The tomato is the undisputed star, providing the base flavor, acidity, and much of the liquid content. Its freshness is non-negotiable for a vibrant, savory profile.

Low-fat Plain Yogurt

Use: Any good quality low-fat plain yogurt. Greek yogurt will work but might make it thicker; regular plain yogurt is generally preferred for a drinkable consistency. Ensure it’s unsweetened.
Skip: Flavored or sweetened yogurts. They’ll clash with the savory tomato and basil. Full-fat yogurt will make it much richer, which might not be the desired profile for a ‘smoothie’.
Why: Yogurt provides the creamy body and a subtle tang that balances the tomato. It’s crucial for the smoothie’s texture and contributes to its nutritional value as a meal replacement.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Spicy Kick

Add a dash of heat.: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the blender for a fiery finish. Adjust to your tolerance.

Mediterranean Twist

Herbs and a hint of garlic.: Add a small clove of garlic, a few sprigs of fresh oregano, or a splash of olive oil for a more robust, savory profile reminiscent of a cold soup.

Green Boost

Sneak in some greens.: A handful of spinach or a few kale leaves can be blended in for added nutrients without significantly altering the core tomato and basil flavor.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Low-fat Plain Yogurt?

Use regular plain yogurt for a richer texture, or a plant-based unsweetened yogurt alternative like almond or soy yogurt for a dairy-free option. The texture will change slightly.

No Basil Leaves?

Fresh parsley or cilantro can offer a different but complementary herbal note. Dried basil is a poor substitute; it won’t provide the same fresh aroma.

No Tomatoes?

You can’t make a Tomato smoothie without tomatoes. This is like asking for a Whiskey Sour without whiskey. Pick a different smoothie recipe.

No Blender?

This drink requires a blender for its smooth consistency. Without one, you’ll have a lumpy, unappealing mix of chopped ingredients. A food processor might work in a pinch, but won’t achieve the same smoothness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Tomato smoothie?

A Tomato smoothie contains low-fat plain yogurt, fresh tomatoes, basil leaves, and salt. It’s a savory, non-alcoholic blend.

Is a Tomato smoothie healthy?

Yes, it’s generally considered a healthy option. It’s low in fat, non-alcoholic, and packed with vitamins from the tomatoes and protein from the yogurt.

Can I make a Tomato smoothie vegan?

Absolutely. Substitute the low-fat plain yogurt with an unsweetened plant-based yogurt like almond, oat, or soy yogurt to make it fully vegan.

Can I use frozen tomatoes?

While fresh is always best for flavor, you can use frozen tomatoes. They might make the smoothie colder and thicker, but ensure they are good quality to begin with.

How long does a Tomato smoothie last?

It’s best consumed immediately after blending for optimal freshness and texture. If you must store it, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 24 hours. It may separate.

What kind of glass should I use?

A tall, chilled glass like a highball or a pint glass works well for serving. Chilling the glass beforehand helps keep the smoothie cold longer.

Can I add ice to the Tomato smoothie?

You can, but it might dilute the flavor. If your ingredients aren’t cold enough, adding a few ice cubes while blending can help chill it, but blend quickly to avoid over-dilution.

Is this a cocktail?

No, despite being listed on a cocktail site, the Tomato smoothie is a non-alcoholic beverage. It’s a savory, refreshing drink, not a spirit-based cocktail.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read

Basil Leaves, Low-fat Plain Yogurt, Photo, Salt, Smoothie, T, T Smoothies, Tomato

Tomato smoothie

Tomato smoothie

Tomato smoothie

Ingredients

Instructions

Estimated Nutrition:

Where it came from

What it tastes like

The technique

Tell us what's in your cabinet.

One drink, one tip, one Tuesday a month.

Ingredient Spotlight

Tomato

Low-fat Plain Yogurt

Three Variations

Spicy Kick

Mediterranean Twist

Green Boost

What if I don't have…

Frequently Asked Questions

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