As much as I love the earthy, saturated flavor of beets, this is not an ingredient I look for behind the bar. That’s reason enough to order the Just Beet It cocktail at Second Home Kitchen + Bar. The musky vegetable comes through on the first sip, only to be mellowed by Chambord and citrus. Still, the root (Second Home infuses Square One vodka with beets for 10 days) imparts gorgeous color and velvety body. There’s enough oomph to this drink that it could stand in for a glass of wine on the dinner table—in fact, it suits food better than it does happy hour sipping. Consider pairing it with something hearty like the bacon-topped burger or the wild mushroom risotto.

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Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.