AquaBeet Martini (Original Recipe)

Is that a pickled beet in your Martini? I think the better question is: "Is that even considered a Martini? The answer is yes, insofar as the Dirty Martini is counted along with the classic recipe.

Aquavit is a Scandinavian spirit flavored with caraway and other herbs. It is similar to gin, but it has a lot in common with a flavored vodka. It is savory, so aquavit can be used in Bloody Mary's and briny Martinis. This is important because the brine in this Martini is pickled beet juice!

• 2 oz. aquavit (homemade used but Aalborg or Linie are good or better for this purpose)
• 1/2 oz. pickled beet juice
• 1/2 oz. dry vermouth (Carpano dry used)
• pickled beet

Combine liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the pickled beet.