Paul Kushner
The Ox Blood brings together the warmth of bourbon and the deep sweetness of beet syrup. Balanced with lemon juice and a touch of salt, it’s a grounded yet eye-catching drink that’s both refreshing and richly flavored. Earthy, bold, and beautifully hued, it’s a drink that stands out without trying too hard.
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Tasting Notes
The Ox Blood layers earthiness, citrus, and spice into a bold yet balanced pour. The bourbon offers warmth and vanilla tones, while the beet syrup brings a rich, grounded sweetness with a hint of vegetal depth. Lemon juice adds bright acidity, cutting through the denser flavors and lifting the profile. A small pinch of salt rounds out the drink and heightens the contrast between sweet and tart. Garnished with tarragon, the aroma leans herbaceous, giving a green, anise-like lift to each sip. It’s bold but approachable a great choice for those who appreciate complexity without fuss.
Equipment and Glassware
You won’t need much beyond the basics to make the Ox Blood Cocktail. A shaker is essential to mix and chill the ingredients thoroughly. Use a jigger to measure precisely, and a fine-mesh strainer to double strain especially important here to remove any beet pulp or ice shards. A rocks glass is best for serving, filled with fresh ice to maintain chill and slow dilution. A citrus press or reamer is helpful for juicing the lemon. Have bar spoons or tongs ready for garnishing with the tarragon. This drink is easy to assemble with a standard home bar setup.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 1 oz beet syrup
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- Small pinch of salt
- Garnish: sprig of fresh tarragon
Instructions
- Add bourbon, beet syrup, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to a shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Double strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh tarragon.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh beet juice when making the syrup for deeper flavor.
- Adjust the syrup ratio if your beet syrup is very sweet or earthy.
- Double strain to remove any beet particles or ice chips.
- Use a high-quality bourbon with a slightly spicy profile.
- Add a tiny splash of water to mellow the bourbon if desired.
- Shake vigorously to integrate the salt and balance acidity.
- Fresh lemon juice is essential avoid bottled substitutes.
- Tarragon adds complexity; avoid overpowering with too large a sprig.
- Keep your rocks glass chilled before pouring.
- Serve immediately after garnishing for best aroma.
When to Serve
The Ox Blood works well in cooler seasons when deeper flavors are welcome. It’s a great fit for fall dinners, cocktail parties, or evening sipping when you want something with a bit of character. Its earthy color and flavor also make it a conversation-starter at more curated events or tastings. With its balance of sweet, tart, and savory notes, it can also pair nicely with roasted vegetables, charcuterie, or savory appetizers. Whether you’re gathering with friends or winding down with something different, this drink delivers a grounded, aromatic experience that stands apart from the usual fare.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Bourbon
- Bulleit Bourbon
- Four Roses Small Batch
- Elijah Craig Small Batch
- Wild Turkey 101
- Maker’s Mark
Similar Cocktails
- Rhubarb Bourbon Sour
- Pineapple Bourbon Honey Sour
- Bourbon Spritz
- Apricot Bourbon Sour
- Rose Gold Rush
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 1 oz beet syrup
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- Small pinch of salt
- Garnish: sprig of fresh tarragon
Instructions
- Add bourbon, beet syrup, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to a shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Double strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh tarragon.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For best flavor, use a homemade beet syrup made with fresh beet juice and sugar.
- The pinch of salt heightens flavor don’t skip it.
- Use a fine mesh strainer to remove beet pulp or ice shards for a smoother texture.
