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Roots & Rain: Earthy Brightness in a Glass

  • Writer: Joshua James
    Joshua James
  • Aug 24, 2025
  • 2 min read


Bold. Vibrant. Unexpected. Roots & Rain is a zero-proof cocktail that celebrates what’s possible when vegetables and botanicals meet thoughtful mixology. Created at Ocean Beach Cafe, this drink is as nourishing as it is nuanced—combining earthy juices with bold bitters and zero-proof spirits to deliver a glassful of grounded elegance.


It’s equal parts farmer’s market and aperitivo hour—fresh from the earth, balanced with spice, and finished with a citrus twist.


Ingredients:


  • 1 oz beet juice – Deep, earthy, and packed with natural sweetness

  • 0.75 oz carrot juice – Bright, vegetal, and slightly sweet

  • 0.5 oz lime juice – Adds acidity and a fresh citrus snap

  • 1 oz Free Spirits Milano – A non-alcoholic aperitivo with bitter orange and complex spice

  • 1 oz Kava Haven – A calming root that brings balance and depth

  • 0.5 oz ginger syrup – Warming and zesty, with a kick

  • All The Bitter Orange Bitters – Layered citrus bitterness to finish the mix


Garnish: Carrot ribbon + lime half-wheel


Build: Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.





Flavor Notes & Function


Roots & Rain walks a fine line between earthy and electric. The beet and carrot create a rich foundation, while lime and ginger offer brightness and bite. The Milano and bitters provide the kind of layered bitterness that elevates this far beyond a juice-forward mocktail.

This drink is also functional: kava for relaxation, ginger for digestion, and root juices that refresh without overwhelming.


When to Sip It


This is a year-round sipper that works especially well in transitional moments—spring rains, early autumn evenings, or anytime you’re craving something that feels both grounding and energizing.


Ocean Beach Craftsmanship


Like all of Ocean Beach Cafe’s signature creations, Roots & Rain is a reflection of thoughtful mixology rooted in flavor, function, and creativity. It’s a cocktail that asks you to slow down, take notice, and taste the layers.





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