Ruffled Apron Blog

Beet Vodka Lemonade [Thirsty Thursday]

by

You Guys.

This recipe is the reason I created this summer series. This recipe inspired it all. It reminded me how you can take just a few ingredients from your fridge and liquor cabinet and make something incredible.

Beet Vodka Lemonade.

Yep, that’s right. 3 ingredient homemade lemonade that is tart, just slightly sweetened with agave, mixed with beet infused vodka (!!!!!!) creates a game changing cocktail.

A few months ago, Andrew and I spent a weekend in Grand Rapids. We had a fun day exploring the city and by 9pm we were starving so we popped into the first place we found an cozied up to the bar. I was hangry and desperately wanted a cocktail but nothing sounded good at that point, I was beyond the point of making a rational decision.

But then I saw this magical board of all their house infused vodka.
I saw beet vodka and my life was changed.

I get that sounds a little dramatic but I had to order it just to see what it would be like.

So I could really enjoy the flavor, I ordered a beet vodka with club soda and asked for a lemon and a lime. With one sip, I knew I wanted to make a beet vodka lemonade and drink it all summer. The lemon and beet pair perfectly together. Earthy beets and tart lemons with just a touch of agave to cut through it all. Plus the little topper of club soda gives it just enough fizz to bring it all together.

And that COLOR. The color of this drink is so gorgeous, it just screams summer!

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Beet Vodka Lemonade

Servings 2 cocktails

Ingredients

For the Beet Infused Vodka

  • 1/2 raw beet peeled and grated
  • 12 ounces vodka

For the Beet Vodka Lemonade

  • 4 ounces beet infused vodka
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon agave
  • 2 ounces lemon or plain club soda, divided

For a Pitcher of Lemonade

  • 4 cups filtered water
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup agave
  • 1 cup club soda (optional)

Instructions

For the Beet Infused Vodka

  1. Mix grated beet and vodka in a 16 ounce glass jar.  Cover and shake. Store in the refrigerator 24-48 hours to allow vodka to infuse. 

  2. Carefully strain out the grated beet and store vodka in an air tight glass jar in either the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use. 

For the Beet Vodka Lemonade

  1. In cocktail shaker, mix water, lemon juice and agave and shake well. Add vodka and fill shaker the rest of the way with ice.  Shake well for about 30 seconds and strain between 2 cocktail glasses filled with ice.

  2. Top each glass with an ounce of club soda and enjoy!

For a Pitcher of Lemonade

  1. In a large pitcher combine water, lemon juice and agave stir well.  This is a tart lemonade so if you prefer it sweeter, add more agave to taste.  

  2. Chill before serving and if desired, top with 1 cup of club soda for fizz. 

Recipe Notes

Beets can stain very easily - when working with beets I like to work on a parchment lined surface for easy clean-up and wash my hands right after handling them.