
Deep ruby and bracingly tart, this fermented beet tonic is one of those drinks that looks almost too beautiful to sip — but you absolutely should. It gets its vivid color and complex, earthy flavor from raw beets slowly fermenting in salted, filtered water, with apple cider vinegar and fresh ginger adding brightness and a gentle kick. The process is wonderfully low-effort: cube the beets, combine everything in a jar, and let time do the work over two to three days at room temperature. For anyone steering clear of coffee, tea, or energy drinks, finding a genuinely satisfying alternative that still feels like a ritual can be a challenge — this tonic fills that role beautifully. The optional thyme sprigs add a subtle herbal note that makes the whole thing feel a little more sophisticated. Serve it chilled in small glasses and it doubles as a digestive tonic or a striking non-alcoholic option at the table. Once you see how simple it is to make, a jar of this will likely become a permanent fixture in your fridge.
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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.
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