Looking for a G&T that feels a little more special? The Heart Beet Gin & Tonic blends earthy beet juice with bright citrus and a crisp tonic finish. It’s striking in the glass, refreshing on the palate, and surprisingly easy to make.
The beet adds a gentle sweetness and gorgeous color without overpowering the gin. This is the kind of cocktail that gets attention at the table and still goes down easy on a weeknight.
Why This Recipe Works
This drink keeps the bones of a classic gin and tonic while adding a lush, ruby beet note that plays beautifully with botanicals. The bitterness of tonic balances the natural sweetness of beet juice, and a squeeze of lime or lemon keeps everything bright.
Because the recipe uses fresh beet juice, the flavor is clean and not muddy. It’s also flexible: you can shift the sweetness and intensity by adjusting the beet juice and tonic ratio. And the color?
It’s a showstopper—deep pink to crimson depending on your pour.
What You’ll Need
- Gin (2 oz) – A London dry gin is classic, but botanical or citrus-forward styles also shine.
- Fresh beet juice (1–1.5 oz) – Cold-pressed is best; store-bought works if unsweetened.
- Tonic water (3–4 oz) – Choose a quality tonic; light or Indian tonic both fit.
- Fresh lime or lemon (2 wedges) – For brightness; lime leans classic, lemon leans floral.
- Ice – Large cubes or a big rock to keep dilution steady.
- Optional aromatics – Fresh dill frond, basil leaf, or rosemary sprig.
- Optional garnish – Thin beet slice, lime wheel, or a twist of lemon.
- Optional simple syrup (1/4 oz) – Only if you prefer a slightly sweeter profile.
Instructions
- Chill your glass. Pop a highball or stemless wine glass in the freezer for 5 minutes to keep the drink crisp.
- Prep the citrus. Cut two wedges of lime or lemon. Set one aside for garnish and one for squeezing.
- Add ice. Fill the chilled glass with fresh ice. Large cubes melt slower and keep the drink balanced.
- Pour the gin. Add 2 oz of your chosen gin directly over the ice.
- Add the beet juice. Pour in 1 to 1.5 oz of fresh beet juice.
Start with 1 oz if you’re beet-shy; go to 1.5 oz for a richer color and flavor.
- Squeeze citrus. Squeeze one wedge of lime or lemon into the glass, then drop it in if you like extra zing.
- Top with tonic. Gently pour in 3 to 4 oz of tonic water. Tilt the glass and pour down the side to preserve bubbles.
- Give a gentle stir. Use a bar spoon to combine without knocking out the carbonation. One or two turns is enough.
- Taste and tweak. If you want it sweeter, add up to 1/4 oz simple syrup.
If you want it drier, add more tonic or citrus.
- Garnish and serve. Finish with a lime wheel, a thin beet slice, or a small herb sprig. Serve immediately while it’s cold and fizzy.
Keeping It Fresh
Beet juice is best when fresh. If you’re juicing at home, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
Shake before using—natural separation is normal. If you’re mixing a batch for guests, combine the gin and beet juice ahead of time, keep it chilled, and wait to add tonic until serving. Never add tonic early; it will go flat and dull the drink. Cut citrus right before use to keep the oils bright and aromatic.
Health Benefits
While this is still a cocktail, the beet juice brings a few perks. Beets are rich in nitrates, which the body can convert into nitric oxide to support healthy blood flow.
They also offer antioxidants like betalains, which are associated with reduced inflammation. You’ll get a bit of vitamin C from the citrus, too. Keep in mind that alcohol offsets some of these benefits, so enjoy in moderation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using sweetened beet beverages. Some bottled beet blends contain added sugar or fruit.
They can make the drink cloying. Look for 100% beet juice.
- Over-shaking with tonic. Shaking kills carbonation. Build the drink in the glass and stir gently.
- Skipping acidity. Without lime or lemon, the beet flavor can feel flat.
Citrus is essential for balance.
- Using too much beet juice. More isn’t always better. Heavy pours overpower the gin and make the drink dense. Start with 1 oz and adjust.
- Letting the ice melt. Warm glasses and small, wet ice dilute fast.
Use fresh, large cubes and a chilled glass.
- Choosing the wrong tonic. Highly sweet or artificial-tasting tonics fight the earthy beet notes. A clean, crisp tonic is key.
Alternatives
- Vodka swap: Replace gin with vodka for a cleaner, more neutral base that lets the beet shine.
- Herbal twist: Add 2–3 dashes of celery or rhubarb bitters for extra dimension.
- Citrus variation: Use grapefruit wedge instead of lime for a bittersweet edge. Top with a grapefruit tonic if you have it.
- Spice route: Muddle a thin slice of fresh ginger in the glass before adding ice for gentle heat.
- Non-alcoholic: Use a zero-proof gin and keep the rest the same.
Or mix beet juice, tonic, and a squeeze of lime for a bright mocktail.
- Beet-carrot blend: Go half beet, half carrot juice for a softer sweetness and sunset color.
- Salt rim, minimal: Lightly salt only half the rim to sharpen flavors without turning it savory.
FAQ
Can I use canned beets to make the juice?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Canned beets often carry a cooked flavor that can taste muddy in a cocktail. Fresh or cold-pressed beet juice keeps the drink crisp and bright.
Which gin works best with beet juice?
London dry gins pair reliably because their juniper backbone stands up to the beet’s earthiness.
If you prefer something softer, try a citrus-forward gin. Avoid overly sweet or heavy barrel-aged gins for this recipe.
What if I don’t like tonic water?
Swap tonic for club soda and add a barspoon of simple syrup and a dash of bitters. You’ll lose the tonic’s quinine bitterness, but the drink will still be refreshing and balanced.
How do I make beet juice at home?
Wash and peel a fresh beet, then run it through a juicer.
If you don’t have a juicer, grate the beet and squeeze it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Strain again for clarity.
Will beet juice stain?
Yes, it can stain cutting boards, linens, and clothes. Use a washable board and rinse tools right away.
If you spill, blot quickly with cold water.
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes. Mix gin and beet juice in a pitcher (keep the ratio around 2:1). Store chilled.
When serving, pour over ice, add citrus, and top with tonic individually to keep the bubbles lively.
Is there a way to make it lower in sugar?
Use a light tonic or a tonic with reduced sugar. Keep beet juice at 1 oz and skip any simple syrup. You’ll still get color and flavor without extra sweetness.
What garnish pairs best?
A lime wheel keeps it classic.
For something unexpected, a tiny dill frond or basil leaf adds perfume that complements the beet and gin botanicals beautifully.
Wrapping Up
The Heart Beet Gin & Tonic is equal parts familiar and fresh. It keeps the sparkle and snap of a classic G&T while adding color, nuance, and a touch of natural sweetness. With a few simple tweaks—choice of gin, citrus, and garnish—you can tailor it to your taste or the season.
Keep your ingredients cold, your tonic crisp, and your pour gentle. It’s an easy upgrade that looks stunning and tastes even better.
