Beet Kvass Grapefruit Spritz
A thoughtful blend of contrasting worlds: the deep, earthy rustic charm of beet kvass married with the brazen tartness of grapefruit.
Makes one spritz
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Beet Kvass Tonic (a probiotic-rich fermented beet beverage)
- ½ oz Grapefruit Syrup (we had this leftover from making candied grapefruit peels)
- Juice of ½ Lime
- Sparkling Pamplemousse LaCroix or sparkling water
- Ice
- Optional: Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Preparation: Squeeze the juice of half a lime into a jar or cocktail shaker.
- Mixing: Add 1 ounce of Beet Kvass Tonic and ½ ounce of grapefruit simple syrup.
- Shaking: Incorporate ice and shake the mixture thoroughly.
- Serving: Pour over ice in a glass, top with sparkling grapefruit water, and add an extra lime splash.
- Garnish: Add mint leaves for an aromatic touch (optional).
- Enjoy: Experience the layered flavors, from earthy beet to zesty grapefruit, ending with a subtly bitter note.
Beet kvass is a fermented beverage traditionally from Eastern Europe. It's made by fermenting beets in water with salt and sometimes other flavor enhancers like garlic or herbs. The fermentation process encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria, making beet kvass a rich source of probiotics. These probiotics are key to promoting a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for good digestion.
Probiotics in foods like beet kvass can improve digestion by balancing the gut microbiome. A healthy gut is crucial for effective digestion and absorption of nutrients. Moreover, the gut-brain axis, a communication network linking the gut and brain, suggests that a healthy gut microbiome can also influence mood. Probiotics can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, making probiotic-rich foods a mood booster.