BEET GINGER BEER

Feel free to use this recipe in place of the usual ginger beer in other cocktails as well.

1/2 cup (125 mL) freshly grated ginger, about 2 large pieces

1 large beet, peeled and coarsely chopped 1 cup (250 mL) lightly packed yellow brown sugar

3 cups (750 mL) water

1 cup (250 mL) carbonated water

1 Place ginger, beet and sugar in a large saucepan. Pour water overtop. Stir to mix.

Set over medium-high heat. When mixture is boiling around the edges (this will take about 7 minutes), reduce heat to medium-low. Gently simmer, stirring occasionally and adjusting heat as needed, for 10 minutes more. Remove from heat. Let stand for 1 hour.

2 Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher. If making ahead, mixture will keep well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 days. Just before serving, top with carbonated water. Stir to mix. Once carbonated water has been added, ginger beer will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to 12 hours.

Makes 3 1/2 cups (875 mL) Beet Ginger Beer for approximately 6 Mules

TIP

Make a 6-serving batch by pouring

Beet Ginger Beer into a very large pitcher or punch bowl. Stir in 12 oz vodka and 6 oz freshly squeezed lime juice. Taste and add more carbonated water, if you like.