
This fermented tonic is one of those ancient remedies that feels surprisingly modern once you taste it — deeply earthy, gently tangy, and a vivid ruby red that looks almost too beautiful to drink. Raw beets, sea salt, apple cider vinegar, and fresh ginger do all the heavy lifting here, fermenting slowly at room temperature over two to three days until the liquid turns pleasantly tart and alive with flavor. A couple of sprigs of thyme add a subtle herbal note that rounds out the earthiness without overpowering it. The process is almost meditative — you simply pack a jar, pour water over it, and let time work its magic. Because every single ingredient here is plant-based and whole, there is absolutely nothing to second-guess from a beef-free standpoint, and no label-reading required. Serve it chilled in small glasses as a digestive tonic, a savory sip before a meal, or a bold non-alcoholic option that actually has something interesting to say. Once you see how easy it is to make at home, store-bought drinks are going to feel like a serious downgrade.
Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →4 servings




Place the cubed beets into a clean 1-quart wide-mouth glass jar. Add the sea salt, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger. Tuck in the thyme sprigs, if using.
Pour the filtered water over the beets, leaving at least 1 inch of headspace at the top of the jar. The beets should be fully submerged; press them down gently if any float above the waterline.
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!
