Tomato and herb broth is a warm, savory beverage traditionally served in the South as a pre-dinner aperitif or alongside appetizers. It also works beautifully as a base for soups and stews.
This comforting drink is perfect for cold evenings, holiday gatherings, or when you prefer a non-alcoholic option—ideal for designated drivers. It’s also lovely for bridal showers, baby showers, luncheons, and other daytime events.
This recipe was inspired by the Tomato Herb Broth served at the Wonderful World of Cooking Tea Room in Dallas, where it was offered in demitasse cups with cheddar cheese wafers as a small starter.
It makes a flavorful non-alcoholic aperitif for luncheons, showers, and light gatherings, and pairs especially well with chicken salad.
Ingredients
Basic ingredients include tomato juice, chicken broth, dried onion, ground cloves, cayenne, ground cumin and dried dill. Adjust the heat to taste—use spicy V8™ or a Bloody Mary mix for more kick, or plain tomato juice for a milder flavor. If using a pre-mixed Bloody Mary mix, hold off on adding dried onion until the end (see notes).
How to make it
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, warm over medium-high heat and simmer until flavors meld, then strain through a fine mesh sieve and serve hot. For parties, keep the broth warm in a carafe or insulated pot. Using reduced-sodium tomato juice lets you control salt and spice levels, which is helpful when serving guests.
Make it in advance?
Yes. Store cooled broth in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove until steaming before serving.
Wanna add alcohol?
If you prefer an adult version, add a splash of vodka or gin to individual cups after the broth has been heated. Adding spirits directly to the pot will reduce their impact, so pour them into each cup to maintain flavor.
This tomato herb broth also makes a versatile base for soups and stews. Serve it alongside boiled shrimp, a spicy crab dip, or an elegant cheeseboard. It’s an excellent warm beverage to bring to outdoor winter events, tailgates and gatherings.
Related recipes:
- Cheddar Wafers
- Holiday Sausage Balls
- Louisiana Crab Puffs
- Hickory Smoked Almond Stuffed Dates
If you try this recipe, please leave a rating and comment below — feedback is always appreciated!
Tomato Herb Broth
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Ingredients
- 2¾ cups tomato juice (See Recipe Notes)
- 4⅜ cups chicken broth
- 1½ tablespoons dried onion
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1½ teaspoons dried dill weed
Instructions
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In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all ingredients and simmer about 30 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and serve warm.2¾ cups tomato juice, 4⅜ cups chicken broth, 1½ tablespoons dried onion, ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne, 1½ teaspoons ground cumin, 1½ teaspoons dried dill weed
Notes
If using a Bloody Mary mix or spicy V8, delay adding the dried onion until the broth has simmered. Many pre-made mixes already contain seasonings, so adding dried onion early can make the broth overly seasoned.