Not Juice-Just Genius: Meet the Beetroot Sour
The Beetroot Sour may look like a glass of beetroot juice at first glance, but don't be fooled. This gorgeous dark red drink is a bold and boozy twist on the classic Whiskey sour cocktail, made with smooth bourbon, lemon juice, orange bitters, and a barspoon of beetroot powder for color and earthy intrigue. It's silky and vibrant, with a rich, jewel-toned hue and a smooth finish-no egg white here, so there's no foamy top, just a velvety pour that lets the flavors shine.
Curious how this deep red beauty came to be a cocktail? Let me tell you!
You may recall the beetroot powder from our Pink Cookies, where it added color and charm to a sweet little treat. But now we're giving it a whole new life in cocktail form! Beetroot powder adds a subtle earthy note here, not overpowering, just enough to play off the bourbon's warmth and the citrusy zing of lemon and bitters. Want more creative cocktail ideas? Be sure to browse our cocktail collection for more surprises and seasonal sips.
The Beetroot Sour is perfect if you're in the mood for something a little off the beaten path-eye-catching, elegant, and bursting with character. It's easy to shake up, has no froth or fuss, and makes a stunning first impression. One sip in, and you'll know this isn't juice-it's cocktail magic.
Shall we get mixing? I've got the steps ready for you!
🎥 Video
🥘 Ingredients
- Bourbon - Choose your favorite brand!
- Lemon juice - Always go for fresh! Curious how much juice is in one lemon? We've got a detailed post on that right here!
- Sugar syrup - I always use homemade simple syrup (just sugar and water)-it's quick to make and so much tastier than store-bought.
- Beetroot powder - This is the secret to that gorgeous dark red hue! It adds color without overpowering the flavor, and it's totally natural.
- Orange bitters - Never used bitters before? These tiny drops pack in citrusy, spicy depth that brings the whole drink together. Just a few dashes do the trick!
- Egg white (optional) - to get a gorgeous foam on top (just like on our Ruby Fizz).
- Cubed ice - for the shaker
- Garnish - lemon slice
See the recipe card for quantities.
🍸 Step-by-Step
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Add everything to your shaker
Pour the lemon juice, bourbon, sugar syrup, beetroot powder, and a few dashes of orange bitters into your cocktail shaker. You'll already smell the magic happening.
Step 2: Add ice and shake it up
Toss in a handful of cubed ice, seal the shaker, and give it a good shake-until it feels icy cold in your hands and sounds like a mini snowstorm inside.
Step 3: Strain it beautifully
Fine strain the drink into your favorite cocktail glass-something elegant or playful, depending on your mood. That silky dark red pour is pure joy.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Finish it off with a lemon wedge on the rim. Now go ahead and enjoy your gorgeous, blushing cocktail-you've earned it!
💬 Flavor Profile
This cocktail has layers of flavor that really surprise you in the best way. You get the warmth and richness of bourbon, brightened up with fresh lemon juice and just the right touch of sweetness from the sugar syrup. The beetroot powder adds a subtle earthy note and gives the whole drink that gorgeous dark red color. And those few dashes of orange bitters? They tie it all together with a whisper of citrusy spice. It's bold, balanced, and totally sippable.
🥳 Batch version - Make-Ahead Version for 6 Cocktails (No Egg White)
Perfect for prepping ahead when you're hosting a cozy gathering-but still want to shake each drink fresh for the best texture!
🍹 Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 9 oz (270 ml) bourbon
- 4.5 oz (135 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 4.5 oz (135 ml) sugar syrup
- 6 barspoons beetroot powder
- 18 dashes orange bitters
- 6 lemon wedges, for garnish
🧊 Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except ice in a jar or bottle with a lid.
- Shake gently or stir to combine the beetroot powder thoroughly.
- Store chilled in the fridge until ready to serve (up to 24 hours in advance).
- When ready to serve, pour 1 serving (approx. 3 oz or 90 ml) into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and fine strain into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve immediately.
💡 Tip: Give the pre-mixed batch a quick shake or stir before each pour-beetroot powder can settle!
⚠️ Why We Skip the Egg White
You might be wondering-where's the egg white? It's often used to create a silky foam top in shaken cocktails, but for this version, I've left it out to keep things safe and simple, especially if you're making a batch to share. It's one less thing to worry about, and honestly? The drink is absolutely delicious without it.
🍽 Equipment
- Shaker
- Fine strainer
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Barspoon
- Measuring tools / Jigger
- Serving glass
🍽️ When to Serve & What to Pair
I love serving this cocktail as a pre-dinner drink-it's elegant without being fussy. It also makes a fun brunch addition when you want something a little unexpected! Pair it with salty snacks like roasted nuts, crispy cheese crackers, or even a slice of sharp cheddar. The citrus and bourbon balance the salt beautifully.
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If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don't miss it.
📖 Recipe
Beetroot Sour Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker
- Cutting board & Sharp knife
- Serving Glass
Ingredients
- ¾ oz Sugar syrup
- ¾ oz Lemon juice
- 1 ½ oz Bourbon
- 1 Barspoon Beetroot powder
- 3 dashes Orange bitters
- Cubed ice for the shaker
- Lemon wedge as a garnish
Instructions
- Add ¾ oz Sugar syrup, ¾ oz Lemon juice, 1 ½ oz Bourbon, 1 Barspoon Beetroot powder, and 3 dashes Orange bitters to a cocktail shaker.¾ oz Sugar syrup, ¾ oz Lemon juice, 1 ½ oz Bourbon, 1 Barspoon Beetroot powder, 3 dashes Orange bitters
- Add Cubed iceCubed ice
- Shake well until chilled.
- Fine strain into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a Lemon wedge and serve.Lemon wedge
Notes
🎉 Hosting a party?
Pre-mix the bourbon, lemon juice, sugar syrup, beetroot powder, and bitters (no egg white!) for 6 drinks: 9 oz bourbon 4.5 oz lemon juice 4.5 oz sugar syrup 6 barspoons beetroot powder and 18 dashes bitters. Chill in a sealed bottle, then shake individual servings with ice and strain into cocktail glasses. Garnish with a lemon wedge and enjoy!Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.
Liz says
I love beets and couldn't resist trying this fun cocktail! The color is gorgeous and they were delicious!!!
Amy says
Never tried beetroot in a cocktail before. Had to give it a go. Delicious! And I have so many uses for the powder now too.
Nicole says
This cocktail is so delicious!! Such a yummy combination of flavors.
Deb says
Two of my favorite things: beets and cocktails. Together, I would have never thought it to work. But it was so good.