Beet and Aquavit Bloody Mary Recipe – European Special

The Beet & Aquavit Bloody Mary offers a vibrant and unexpected twist on the classic brunch cocktail by blending roasted beets and tomato juice with aquavit’s herbal notes of dill and caraway. This mix delivers an earthy sweetness from the beets, balanced by citrus, Worcestershire, horseradish, and a hint of heat. Perfect for weekend gatherings, this drink appeals both visually and flavorfully, making it an elevated choice for those looking to explore Nordic influences in their cocktail repertoire.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time1 hr
- Perform Time30 min
- Total Time1 hr 40 min
For the Cocktail:
- 2 ounces aquavit
- 3 ounces tomato juice
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ounce roasted beet puree (see notes below)
For Garnish:
- Celery stalk
- Lemon wedge
- Pickled vegetables (optional)
- Fresh herbs (dill or parsley, optional)
Prepare the Beet Puree:
Roast the Beets: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap whole beets in aluminum foil and roast for about 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Allow to cool, then peel and chop.
Blend: In a blender, combine the roasted beets with a splash of water and blend until smooth. Set aside.
Mix the Cocktail:
Combine Ingredients: In a shaker, combine the aquavit, tomato juice, lemon juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and beet puree.
Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake gently to combine all ingredients.
Serve:
Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass with ice and strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.
Garnish: Add a celery stalk, a lemon wedge, and any additional garnishes like pickled vegetables or fresh herbs.
Recipe Notes:
Roast beets until tender, then puree well so the drink is smooth but rich in color.
Adjust the amount of aquavit depending on how pronounced you want its herbal profile (dill, caraway).
Use fresh citrus juice (like lemon) to brighten the drink and balance sweetness from the beets.
Garnish with complementary elements like pickled onions, dill sprigs, or a rim of salt/herbs for extra flavor.
Prepare the base mix in advance and chill; add ice and aquavit just before serving for best taste and texture.