Red Square

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 375.
2. 2
   Place the beets on a sheet of foil, sprinkle with salt and add the 1/3 cup of water.
3. 3
   Wrap the beets lightly, set the package on a baking sheet and roast until tender, about 2 hours.
4. 4
   Carefully unwrap and let cool.
5. 5
   Peel and coarsely chop the beets.
6. 6
   Transfer to a large pot and add all of the remaining ingredients except the ice and vodka.
7. 7
   Cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced to 2 cups, about 30 minutes.
8. 8
   Strain the beet juice through a fine sieve and refrigerate until chilled.
9. 9
   Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
10. 10
    Add 2 3/4 ounces of the vodka and 4 ounces of the spicy beet juice and shake well.
11. 11
    Strain into 5 chilled cordial glasses.
12. 12
    Repeat three more times, using fresh ice each time.