World Vegetarian Day 2023: 6 Cocktails That Celebrate The Magic Of Vegetables
When you picture a cocktail, what comes to mind? For most people, it's a combination of alcohol, carbonated mixers or even fruit juices. But have you ever considered what would happen if you added vegetables to the mix? While the words ‘vegetable cocktail’ may make some people shudder, it’s not as out-there a concept as it first appears. After all things like cucumber have frequently been an addition to gin cocktails, celery sticks are a must-have in any Bloody Mary and vodka itself is a potato derivative. So making the leap to an entirely vegetable-led cocktail isn’t as hard as it sounds.
Every year on October 1st, the world observes World Vegetarian Day as a platform to raise awareness about how a vegetarian lifestyle can benefit both an individual’s health and the well-being of the planet. It’s also a chance for us to step back and understand that vegetables have so much more potential than we give them credit for and appreciate the vast wealth of nutritious benefits they can offer, even in an unexpected setting like a cocktail.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and try out some vegetable-led cocktails for yourself, here are 6 easy choices to help get you started.
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Cucumber Cooler
Reminiscent of a traditional G&T, this is a classic choice for a hot day, the Cucumber Cooler combines fresh cucumber slices, gin, and a hint of mint. Cucumbers are primarily water, making this cocktail a hydrating option while still offering a delightful kick.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml gin
- 120 ml fresh cucumber slices
- 10-15 ml fresh mint leaves
- 15 ml simple syrup
Method:
- Muddle cucumber slices and mint leaves in a shaker.
- Add gin and simple syrup.
- Shake well with ice and strain into a glass.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and mint sprig.
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Carrot Margarita
Incorporating the goodness of earthy carrots, this Margarita variant pairs carrot juice with tequila and lime for a more punchy version of a classic. Carrots are also rich in beta-carotene, which supports healthy vision.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml tequila
- 60 ml fresh carrot juice
- 30 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml triple sec
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
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Beetroot Bliss
This beetroot-based cocktail boasts the earthy flavours of roasted beets, mixed with vodka and a touch of citrus. Beetroots are known to help regulate blood pressure, making this cocktail a heart-healthy choice and a visual treat to boot.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml vodka
- 60 ml roasted beetroot puree
- 30 ml fresh orange juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
Method:
- Blend roasted beetroot into a puree.
- Combine vodka, beetroot puree, orange juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
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Kale and Kiwi Fizz
Kale has got a bad reputation over the years that its trying to recover from. But this vibrant cocktail blends kale juice, kiwi, and a splash of gin to make it a real treat. Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, providing essential vitamins and minerals for overall vitality.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml gin
- 30 ml kale juice
- 30 ml kiwi puree
- 15 ml simple syrup
Method:
- Combine gin, kale juice, kiwi puree, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
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Celery Sour
Celery is often looked down on as flavourless or just worthwhile as a garnish, but this cocktail lets its unique flavours lead the way. Celery is low in calories and high in fibre, making it an excellent choice for weight management.
Ingredients:
- 120ml celery juice
- 60ml gin
- 15ml lemon juice
- 15ml simple syrup
- Ice cubes
Method:
- In a shaker, combine 120ml of fresh celery juice, 60ml of gin, 15 ml of lemon juice, and 15 ml of simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
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Carrot Ginger Martini
For a more intrepid explorer, this combination of ginger and carrots has a great depth, and by adding a sprinkle of nutmeg, you can boost this to a really warming treat. This unique martini showcases the earthy sweetness of carrots and the warm spice of ginger.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml fresh carrot juice
- 15 ml ginger syrup (you can make this by simmering equal parts sugar and water with fresh ginger slices until it's syrupy, then straining)
- 60 ml vodka or gin
- Ice cubes
- Fresh carrot ribbon or ginger slice for garnish
Method:
- In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh carrot juice, ginger syrup, and vodka or gin. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass. And garnish it with a thin carrot ribbon or a slice of fresh ginger.
