Sustainable Sangria

(Image via BBC)

Sangria is a delicious, luscious drink that will get you completely sozzled if you aren’t careful. That’s owing to the alcohol-infused fruit the drink is chock full of. It’s very easy to make. Soak fruit overnight (any combination of chopped organic fruit like apples, pearls and oranges) in a good value red wine and you’ll have to keep your guests from guzzling the pitchers. Try the Organic Wine Company for earth-friendly red wine. Don’t use your best wine for this drink – the fruit will change the wine’s flavor too much for anyone to notice if you shelled out for the expensive vintage.

Eco Margarita

(Image via Square Meal)

Margaritas were sooooo cool in the 80s. But with all the fantastic artisanal tequilas showing up these days, it would be a shame to bypass this classic drink. Best over ice – blending is for wimps. A margarita needs only 3 things: fine tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice, and a splash of triple sec, preferably Cointreau. Forget the simple syrup and nasty premade mixes. A true margarita should be tart and bracing. A great organic, artisanal tequila to try is Dos Lunas, but there are hundreds, so experiment and explore.

Flower Child

(Image source unknown)

Hey, it’s tea time somewhere! Try this delicious tea-infused cocktail from SmartsCo. It’s sophisticated, complex and, of course, green. The original recipe doesn’t say to rim the glass with sugar but it would make a nice sweet finish on a very floral drink.

Recipe per drink:
2 oz. Square One Organic Vodka infused with Numi Organic “Velvet Garden” white rose tea
1 oz. hibiscus flower concentrate
1/2 oz. fresh organic lemon juice
1/2 oz. Cointreau
Dash of Peychaud bitters

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds.  Strain into martini glass.  Garnish with a rose petal (if available) or a lemon twist. To infuse: Place 6 teabags per 750 ml. of vodka. Let stand for 4-6 hours, then remove bags.

You’re My Kir

(Image via wikimedia)

If you want to impress your date, make a kir royale. This sweet, romantic drink is easy. All is requires is organic champagne and raspberry liqueur. However, if you can get your hands on some fresh organic raspberries, simply drop a few into the glass for an elegant and sensual drink.

Green Mark

(Images via Domino and Maker’s Mark)

Who knew Maker’s Mark had gone sustainable? It’s true, “with its distillery situated on a state-certified nature preserve and with its state-of-the-art recycling and wastewater treatment. Recently, Maker’s Mark began using anaerobic digestion, a process that turns waste into bio-gas that is used for energy, offsetting up to 30 percent of the distillery’s natural gas use. Katz and Lindgren said a big company such as Maker’s Mark could serve as an example for the Slow Food movement.” Use this American bourbon whisky in a number of recipes, such as a Manhattan – or simply enjoy it neat.

Classic Martini

(Image via sizsez)

Square One makes a terrific, pure organic vodka you’ll love. Try it in the classic martini. Shaken or stirred, it’s bound to please your senses. About.com has the original famed recipe. Modern tastes often go sans gin and easy on the vermouth; tinker till you find what you like. If your guest says “very dry” then you’ll want to leave out the vermouth entirely. And if those little swords are any indication, you’ll be vanquishing your inner demons in no time.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• 1 green olive or lemon twist for garnish
• orange or Angostura bitters (optional)

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice cubes.
2. Stir for 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Add a dash of orange or Angostura bitters if desired
5. Garnish with the olive or lemon twist.

The Overflowing Cup

(Image via the Kitchn)

Use an organic gin, like Distillery 209, for this eco twist on the traditional Pimm’s Cup #1. Mix one part alcohol with 3 parts organic lemonade or lemon soda (you can also use ginger ale). Crush a few mint leaves in ice and mix. Add a twist of lemon, slice of orange, and a slice of cucumber. Serve to your most parched friend…you know, the one who won’t stop talking about hypermiling.

For the Morning After: Blueberry Hemp Shake

(Image via Gliving)

This healthy shake is loaded to the gills with antioxidants. There’s only one thing missing from it: liquor. Add a hefty splash of organic vodka for a buzz of good health the morning after. Think of this as hair of the eco-friendly dog. You’ll need:

1 1/2 Cups Pure Water

5 TB Hemp Seeds

3 TB Agave Nectar

1 TB Coconut Butter (optional)

1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

1 10oz Package of Frozen Wild Blueberries

1 Cup Frozen Banana

Pinch of Sea Salt

Cruise over to GLiving for further instructions.

Real Green Apple Martini

(Image via The Having Fun Club)

Forget the gross corn syrup green apple mix. Simply shake organic vodka over plenty of ice and float with a slice of fresh organic green apple. Garnish with lime.

Bloody Good Mary

(Image via Wikimedia)

There’s nothing like liquid vegetables to get your 5 a day. This one is practically lunch thanks to its delicious skewer of treats. Make sure to choose organic foods only.

1 1/2 ounces vodka
1/2 cup tomato juice
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Worcestershire sauce to taste
Tabasco to taste
1 skewer with: two large green olives, one lime wedge, one pepperoncini, one large cooked American farmed shrimp, one large chunk blue cheese
1 large celery stick

Combine all liquid ingredients over ice, shake or stir very well, and serve with skewer and celery stick garnish.

Source: http://webecoist.com/