Green drinks-- it’s not just about absinthe any more. Ecometro already showcases many varieties of organic wine and beer, from the Sokol Blosser Winery to the Roots Organic Brewing Company. Encouraged by the progress of these local wineries and microbreweries is the burgeoning micro-distillery movement, with small distillers churning out their special blend of organic libations. Considering that tons upon tons of grain are used in the production of high-grade vodka and gin, it is more important now than ever to take a sustainable swig.
This list should help you concoct eco-elixirs to ease the pain for when anyone mistakenly brings up religion or politics at upcoming family holiday gatherings. Note: Many of these alcoholic beverage websites require that you be 21 or older to enter.
A recent study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health suggests that moderate intake of 1-1/2 ounces of spirits per day lowers your risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Why not take it a step further and consume alcohol produced using organic grain which is naturally smooth and does not require further processing. In order to be certified organic by the USDA, the growing process that provides the base for vodka cannot use genetically modified seeds, pesticides or artificial fertilizers.
The highest-grade vodka is made from grain, but it can also be made from potatoes, beets, wheat, rye or a variety of other plants. Oregon has become a leader in the micro-distillery movement with the help of Ashland-based Cascade Peak Spirits. Oregon Nation (O-N) Vodka is certified organic by Oregon Tilth, and made from 100% organic American rye, wheat and corn. They are also currently developing other chocolate and coffee liqueurs as well as whiskies.
Square One Vodka also produces organic vodka on their California distillery. They use certified organic rye grown with chemical-free compost and then use only organic yeasts in a process also certified by the Oregon Tilth. Their water is sourced by the watershed of the nearby Teton Mountain Range in Wyoming.
Prairie Vodka is a family-owned company based in Minnesota that crafts USDA certified organic and Orthodox Union certified kosher vodka using corn. Prairie begins with certified organic #2 yellow corn raised by the farmers who own the distillery, and ends up with a unique organic luxury vodka.
360 Vodka is a product of McCormick Distilling’s new division, Earth Friendly Distilling. This vodka is crafted to be environmentally friendly in every aspect possible. Even their bottles are made from 85% recycled glass. A list of resources that they conserved in the production of their labels includes 193 trees! Go to their website to search where to purchase their vodka in your state.
It’s owned by Anheuser-Busch, but Purus Vodka uses locally harvested 100% organic wheat for their libations. Juniper Green Organic Gin is 100% gluten free, and their website also features some nice recipes featuring gin.
Conventional drinks produced from ingredients have residual pesticides or petroleum-based fertilizers, which can end up in your glass. For this reason, I’ve even heard that organic spirits can help reduce hangovers. All the more reason to knock one back for the environment- cheers!