Inspired by a drink I had at Hotel L’Amour in Paris’s 9th arrondissement, our beet cocktail isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. With its deep magenta hue and perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and earthy flavors, the Ginger Beet Martini is a showstopper. The combination of fresh beets, fiery ginger, crisp apple, and smooth vodka creates a cocktail that is as refreshing as it is sophisticated.
As a food and drink-focused travel site, we’ve tested, tweaked, and perfected over 100 cocktail recipes inspired by our global adventures. From London’s Bramble cocktail to the Negroni in Florence, we’ve sipped our way through the world’s best drinks.
This Ginger Beet Cocktail was born out of that same pursuit—blending classic mixology techniques with fresh, seasonal ingredients for a cocktail that’s anything but ordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Beet Cocktail
French cocktails are all about balance—think the French 75. This beet cocktail fits right in, offering an unexpected yet refined mix of earthy beets, zesty lime, and spicy ginger. Much like a classic French Kir Royale Cocktail, it’s bold enough to stand alone yet food-friendly enough to pair with anything from cheese boards to seafood. Serve it once, and you’ll find yourself shaking it up again and again!
Recipe Ingredients
The ingredients needed to make this refreshing cocktail are
- Cooked baby beets—the star of the show, bringing earthy sweetness and a vibrant color.
- Granny Smith apple—Adds a crisp tartness that balances the natural sweetness of the beets.
- Fresh ginger—provides a spicy kick and enhances the complexity of the cocktail.
- Vodka—A smooth, neutral base that lets the bold flavors shine.
- Ginger simple syrup—Adds a touch of sweetness while reinforcing the ginger spice.
- Fresh lime juice—brightens the drink and balances the sweetness with acidity.
- Ice –Chills the cocktail and ensures a smooth, refreshing sip.
- Lemon slices (for garnish) –A finishing touch that adds a hint of citrus aroma.
How to Make This Recipe
These are the steps to make this beet cocktail:
Make the Beet Apple Ginger Juice:
Blend the cooked beets, chopped apple, and fresh ginger with ⅔ cup of water until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, adding water as needed until it reaches a juice-like consistency. (Pro Tip: This juice can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.)
Mix the Cocktail:
In a cocktail shaker, combine:
- beet juice
- vodka
- ginger syrup
- fresh lime juice
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until the shaker is ice-cold.
Serve:
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Float a lemon slice on top for garnish. Serve and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Beet Cocktail
A beet cocktail is a drink that features fresh beet juice as a main ingredient, often combined with spirits like vodka or gin for a unique, earthy-sweet flavor.
Vodka is a popular choice for a beet cocktail because of its neutral taste, but gin and tequila also complement the earthy sweetness of beets.
Beet cocktails can offer health benefits since beets are packed with antioxidants and nitrates, but moderation is key due to the alcohol content.
A beet cocktail pairs well with tangy cheeses, roasted nuts, and citrusy seafood dishes, enhancing the drink’s sweet and spicy notes.
Top Tips for the Perfect Beet Cocktail
- Make the Smoothest Beet Juice – Blend your beets, apple, and ginger until silky smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve for a clean, velvety texture. Want an even brighter flavor? Add a splash of fresh orange juice.
- Chill for the Best Sip – A properly chilled cocktail makes all the difference. Shake your martini with plenty of ice until the shaker is frosty—this ensures a crisp, refreshing sip every time.
- Balance is Key – Beets are naturally sweet, so don’t skip the lime juice! The acidity cuts through the earthiness and enhances the cocktail’s complexity. If you love extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of ginger liqueur.
What To Serve This Recipe With
This beet cocktail pairs beautifully with light yet flavorful bites that complement its earthy sweetness and zesty spice. These whipped ricotta crostinis enhance its velvety texture, while smoked salmon breakfast toasts add a briny contrast that balances the citrus notes. Spiced nuts bring out the warm ginger kick, and a crisp citrus arugula salad mirrors the drink’s refreshing brightness. For a touch of indulgence, a few squares of dark chocolate provide a rich, slightly bitter contrast that makes every sip even more satisfying.
Classic French Cocktails and Drinks
If you loved this drink– here are a few of our readers’ favorite drink and cocktail recipes beyond this beet cocktail:
France Travel Guide
If this beet cocktail has you dreaming of Paris, why not take the adventure beyond your glass? Explore our France Travel Guide!
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Ginger Beet Martini Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cooked baby beets
peeled and stemmed
- 1 medium Granny Smith apples
cored and roughly chopped
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger
peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces ginger simple syrup
- 2 ounces freshly-squeezed lime juice
plus optional lemon slices for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Make The Beet Apple Ginger Juice: Combine beets, apple, and ginger with about 2/3 cup water in a blender and process until very smooth. Pass through a fine mesh strainer and add water until the mixture is a juice. TIP: Juice can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored refrigerated in an airtight container. Shake well before using.
- Make The Martini: Combine 2 ounces of the beet juice with 1 1/2 ounce vodka, 1/2 ounce ginger syrup, and 1/2 ounce lemon juice in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake well until cocktail shaker is very cold. Strain drink into a coupe or Martini glass. Float a lemon slice on top to serve.
