Beet Blackberry New Morning

Blackberry gives earthy beet juice a tart, dark-fruit counterpoint. Lemon sharpens the edges, which helps the drink feel brighter than its deep purple color might suggest. Mash the berries thoroughly and strain them if you want to avoid seeds. Beet juice can easily overwhelm the fruit, so measure it rather than pouring freely. The finished glass suits someone who enjoys strong, slightly savory flavors and wants a change from the usual orange-and-carrot combination.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Cold water
• 1 oz Beet juice
• 1/4 cup Blackberries
• 1/4 oz Lemon juice

Make it

1. Prepare the fruit and herbs as listed. Mash soft fruit to release juice; lightly press herbs or thin ginger slices without shredding them.
2. Add the still juices and stir. Strain out seeds, skins or herb pieces if you prefer a smoother texture.
3. Stir in the cold water. Let fresh fruit, herbs or ginger infuse for 5 minutes, then remove the ginger or herb sprigs when the flavor suits you. Serve chilled.

Benefits

Lemon · a little vitamin C

Lemon contributes a little vitamin C for collagen formation for healthy skin; beet brings an earthy vegetable sweetness in this recipe.

Beet · a flavor worth noticing

Using beet beside blackberry and lemon gives the glass an earthy vegetable sweetness, creating its own flavor without needing carbonation or an alcoholic pour.