Earth Day cocktails: Raise a glass to the planet for Earth Day

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On Earth Day, why not raise a glass to the planet and all the food it produces. These Earth Day cocktails encourage everyone to think green.

Some holidays are synonymous with cocktails. Who hasn’t enjoyed a celebratory Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve cocktail? Earth Day shouldn’t be overlooked in the cocktail celebrations. These Earth Day cocktails highlight respecting the planet and making a responsible cocktail choice.

Grapefruit Grayhound

More and more foodies understand the importance of knowing where and who grows your food. Shouldn’t that concept be brought to the bar? American Harvest Organic Vodka is a farm to table style vodka. Certified organic, this vodka combines Rocky Mountain winter wheat with water from a protected source. With a touch of sweetness from organic agave, this vodka lets a cocktail’s fresh ingredients shine.

For Earth Day, this cocktail, the Grapefruit Grayhound, the combination of tart grapefruit and herbaceous rosemary awakens the palate. Perfect as an aperitif or a slow afternoon sipper, this cocktail is a reminder of life’s simplicity.

Grapefruit Grayhound, Earth Day Cocktails, photo by American Harvest Vodka

"Grapefruit GrayhoundIngredients2 ½ oz. American Harvest Organic Vodka4 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice1 ½ oz. Rosemary Simple Syrup½ oz. Fresh Lime JuiceInstructions:Shake all ingredients over ice and pour into a rocks glass. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.Recipe courtesy of Sara Lehman, Somm in the City."

Lambay Selkie

The new comer to the spirits market, Lambay Irish Whiskey is impressing scotch enthusiasts and cocktail fans. This Earth Day inspired cocktail draws on the legends in both Irish and Scottish culture.

A Selkie is believed to seal in water yet a human on land. While the legend may be more fiction than reality, the beautiful Irish coastline is definitely a sight to see. The unique wildlife calling the area home inspires this special cocktail. Why

Earth Day Cocktails, Lambay Selkie, photo provided by Lambay Irish Whiskey

"Lambay SelkieIngredients:2 oz Lambay Irish Whiskey Small Batch Blend1/2 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice1/2 oz Simple Syrup7 drops Lavender BittersGarnish: Mint SprigInstructions:Shake all ingredients with ice and strain over ice into a highball glass. Top with soda. Garnish with a mint sprig and a dusting of powdered sugar."

Urban Herb Garden Julep

Spring time often shows the first blooms in fields and the garden. As fresh herbs, like mint, become available, the scent stimulates our thirst for something new. While mint juleps are an iconic part of Derby Day, this modern twist on the classic cocktail adds a burst of fresh flavor.

While the cocktail’s flavor impresses, Trail’s End Bourbon’s charitable cause is equally impressive. The bourbon company is working with the National Forest Foundation. The company is helping the Pacific Northwest recovery by committing to plant at least 5,000. Trees.

Earth Day Cocktails, Urban Herb Garden Julep, photo provided Trail’s End Bourbon

"Urban Herb Garden JulepIngredients5 large fresh spearmint leaves5 large fresh chocolate mint leaves5 large fresh pineapple sage, or pineapple mint leaves½ oz Simple Syrup2 oz Trail’s End Kentucky BourbonCrushed iceHerb leaves to garnishInstructions:Tear the mint leaves and place them in a cocktail shaker. Add the simple syrup and muddle the herbs with the syrup. Work the herbs well to extract their flavors. Add the Trail’s End Bourbon and stir well.Fill a short cocktail glass with crushed ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Add more ice to build the ice over the rim of the glass. Garnish with herb leaves and serve."

Single Growth Cocktail

Without strong, fertile land, many of the liquors that people enjoy would disappear. Specifically, cognac is tied to the land, just like a good wine is tied to the soil. The Borderies is considered a highly acclaimed cognac cru. The CAMUS family has nurtured the vines and tended to the land. One sip and you can take the passion and dedication.
Earth Day Cocktails, Single Growth Cocktail, photo provided by CAMUS

This cognac cocktail highlights the exquisite CAMUS Borderies. It is time to taste the difference.

"Single Growth CocktailIngredients:1 1/2 oz CAMUS Borderies VSOP1 oz Fresh Orange Juice1/2 oz Simple Syrup3 oz Fever Tree Soda WaterInstructions:Load shaker with non-carbonated ingredients. Shake and strain into ice loaded Collins glass. Top with soda water and straw. Garnish with a fresh violet."

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These Earth Day cocktails are a delightful way to celebration the planet and the bounty that it provides. Sip on one and think about the goodness that the Earth brings.