When the all-girl rock band the Go-Go’s released their rock anthem, “We Got the Beat," in 1980, it’s a pretty sure bet that red beets as beverage ingredients were not “rocking” store shelves. Today, beverage manufacturers are singing the praises of this versatile, functional vegetable that is being blended into cold-pressed juices, kombuchas, shrubs, lattes and even cocktails.
Both alcohol and non-alcohol products are utilizing beets, says George Shropshire, general manager of Love Beets USA LLC, Bala Cynwyd, Pa. “Non-alcohol beverage companies are using beets for a health standpoint in an elixir, kombucha, raw juicing or in a latte,” he explains. “Beets are very trendy for mixologists because the flavor profile marries well with several liquors balancing a cocktail nicely. Beets also have a beautiful, vibrant color, which lends itself well to beverages and makes them stand out.”