Beets can be used to infuse vodka, turning it a deep red and then lush purple over the course of several days. The slightly earthy flavor of beets can then enhance a version of a dirty martini with vodka, lemon juice, lime juice and simple syrup.
If you're more of a rum drinker, you might want to try beet-infused rum as part of a Jamaican Red Storm -- a cocktail that sounds interesting based on name alone. The drink is a new take on the Darky and Stormy -- a combination of dark rum, ginger beer and beet-infused light rum. A rum drink to satisfy those who don't like to delay gratification would be the beet mojito, which calls for white rum, beet puree, Sprite, sugar, mint, lime and a sugar cane stick.
There is also a beet-infused tequila recipe, although it is here that I must wish you well and say I can go no further. I'd rather try a Beet Bubbly, which calls for beet simple syrup (maple syrup, cinnamon, mace and cayenne pepper) slowly poured into sparkling wine.
In the interest of going from stem to top, you can even try freezing the stems to make a swizzle stick. So since you've committed to eating healthy this year, isn't it about time you started drinking your vegetables?
[Image via Flickr: Tom Hilton]
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