Recipes

Earth Day Cocktails and Spirits

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…..The first Earth day was celebrated in 1970, and now in 2012 what was once a small movement has become a way of life. Sunday, April 22nd is Earth Day and if you’re sitting on the couch wondering what can you do to celebrate, we’ll tell you: Have a drink ! That’s right, even while enjoying a drink or two ( or three) you can show your support for the event that is growing bigger each year. Join in with over 1 billion individuals and 192 countries in celebrating the saving of our planet. Going green and becoming eco-friendly is the norm now especially with every day products you buy in the grocery store, but not to be left out, alcohol companies have joined in on the fun. Below we’ll highlight a few Spirits that are green/eco-friendly as well as a few cocktails to try.

Square One Vodka($28-$35/750ML):

Square One Organic Vodka is the first rye vodka produced in the United States that has a certified organic growing and fermentation process as the backbone of the spirit. This Kosher spirit is distilled in small batches and donates a percentage of its annual profits to environmental causes. Flavors include Basil, Botanical, and Cucumber in addition to their base Vodka.

360 Vodka ($16-18/750 ML):
360 Vodka offers every day, super-premium vodka that appeals to your taste buds and your conscience. Their bottle ‘s are made of 85% recycled glass, their unique cork top is 100% recyclable, and they are distilled through Earth Friendly Distilling Company. They offer flavored vodkas as well including: Cherry, Lemon, Peach, Vanilla, Orange, Grape, Cola, and Chocolate.
VeeV Acai Liqueur  ($32-36 / 750 ML):
Besides being one of the tastiest liqueurs on the planet, it’s also one of the most eco-friendly. VeeV is the world first acai spirit, and features an envorinmentally safe production process that includes being carbon neutral. In addition they strive to raise awareness, resources, and support for the Brazilian rain forest. $1 from every bottle sold is donated to the Sustainable Acai project which directly benefits the farming community.
Makers Mark Bourbon ($18-25 / 750 ML)
That’s no typo. If you didn’t know Makers Mark was in on the “green” game consider yourself officially educated. We all know Makers Mark is one of the best tasting, and commercially accepted bourbons on the market. But what many don’t know is back in 2009 they implemented a new system which recycles 95% of their wastes, and uses some to create renewable energy. Though shipping and packaging are not yet “green”, they are working on it.
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Veev Spa Cooler
  • 2 ounces VeeV Açaí Spirit
  • 1-2 sprigs of mint
  • 6 cucumber slices (thin)
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • ¾ ounce simple syrup
Shake all ingredients well with ice and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice served double strained in a chilled cocktail glass. 

360 California Girl

  • 2 oz 360 Mandarin Orange
  • 2 Strawberries muddled
  • 2 Basil leaves muddled
  • Lemon-lime soda for topper
Add all ingredients to a rocks glass and top with lemon lime soda. 

Square One Fresh Cut Cocktail

  • 1.5 oz. Square One Cucumber
  • 3/4 oz. Cointreau
  • 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz. agave nectar or simple syrup
  • 6 – 10 Mint leaves
 Tear the mint leaves in half and place in mixing cup with lemon juice and sweetener.  Muddle mint well, then add Square One Cucumber and Cointreau with ice. Shake and double strain into a chilled martini glass. Cocktail should appear crystal green.  Garnish with long lime shavings from your zester, which will look like fresh cut grass in the drink.

Makers Mark Summer Breeze

  • 1-1/4 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
  • Orange liqueur
  • Ginger ale
  • Orange wedge

Fill rocks glass with ice. Add Maker’s Mark,® a splash of orange liqueur and a squeeze of fresh orange. Top off with ginger ale. Garnish with an orange wedge.

While this is only a small list (and some of our favorites), their are PLENTY, of organic, eco-friendly, and green Spirits on the market looking to join your liquor cabinet. Be sure to check some of them out and see what you like. Recipes were courtesy of Makers Mark, Square One, 360 Vodka, and VeeV. For more spirit suggestions, cocktail recipes, and new be sure to Like Us On FaceBook OR follow us on Twitter. Cheers.

Alex is a full time consultant with 10+ years experience in the wine & spirits + consumer packaged goods industries. He is not a professional bartender, but is BarSmarts certified and makes a mean caipirinha. When not writing, Alex can be found traveling, spending time with his family, or bar hopping.

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