12th NOVEMBER 2024 -

The First World Tomatini Day

Tomatini... Tomatini..

How complicated is to be simple?

In an age where everything is just a click away, we’ve become used to instant answers. Need information? A screenshot, a quick Google search, and voilà—we’re experts. But in a world so focused on speed and convenience, there’s something truly special about hospitality: much of it still relies on the skilled, thoughtful touch of a person.

The palate needs nurturing, and creating a recipe that strikes the right balance requires that final, delicate human touch.

And that’s where the Tomatini comes in—born almost by accident, and now slowly but surely winning hearts and taste buds across the globe.

A Star Is Born

It all began in 2011, in Dubai. At the time, Jimmy was serving as Bar Manager at Zuma Dubai, while also supporting the launch of LPM by training the bar staff and creating signature cocktails. Amid the busy atmosphere, something caught his attention: beautiful cœur de bœuf tomatoes 🍅 , which were being used as center-pieces on the white-cloth tables.

🐝 As Jimmy often says: “Let’s treat a tomato for what it is… a fruit!”

In true South European fashion, we believe that when you have great, fresh ingredients, the best thing you can do is not overcomplicate them. A light touch can often bring out the best of their natural flavours. And if those flavours can be brought into a cocktail? That’s when the magic happens.

The Original Recipe

The original Tomatini recipe was as simple as it was brilliant:

A quarter of a cœur de bœuf tomato 🍅
Muddled with a touch of white balsamic vinegar
A dash of lemon juice and sugar
A generous pour of Ketel One Vodka
A strong shake, followed by fine straining into a martini glass.
To finish: a cherry tomato on the rim and a sprinkle of black pepper.

And just like that, a star ⭐️ 🍸 was born.

Over the years, the team at LPM has worked tirelessly to keep the Tomatini’s quality and consistency at the highest level—something that’s far harder than it may seem! And as this drink spread across the globe, we were lucky enough to see firsthand how it impacted people.

On a recent trip to the US, during an event held by the LPM Team, we watched guests try it for the first time—and the reactions were unforgettable. Disbelief, surprise, excitement, and before long, an obsession with the flavour. Those moments are truly the best reward and it’s a beautiful when people experience something they didn’t know they were missing!

🎥 Tomatini 🍸 🍅 Story - Full Reel

Let’s Celebrate!

Over thirteen years later, and with LPM now in cities around the world—Abu Dhabi, London, Miami, Hong Kong, Riyadh, Las Vegas, Limassol, Doha, Mykonos, and more—the Tomatini continues to grow and adapt, becoming a favourite across so many different palates.

This year, on November 12th, we celebrated the first official World Tomatini Day at LPM Dubai, marking over a decade of this cocktail’s journey. It was an opportunity to reflect on how far it has come and to celebrate the incredible journey that brought it to life.

We kicked off with a morning training session for the bartender community at the Bar Academy, with a special guest—Bob Nolet, 11th generation master Distiller from the family lineage behind Ketel One Vodka.

Later in the evening, Jimmy was, of course, behind the bar for the occasion, joined by both the original and new members of the LPM team who have helped shape the story of the Tomatini.

This isn’t just an achievement for one person or one team—it’s a triumph for the entire Dubai bartender community.

The Tomatini has become a globally recognised modern classic, born right here in the region. It’s a testament to resilience, passion, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to simplicity and real flavour.