We, of course, are speaking of cocktails. Anyone is capable of popping open a beer or pouring out a glass of wine but it takes some mighty fine talent to serve up a cocktail. It’s a great way to get a party rolling too. So, as a fellow eco warrior, how do you do that responsibly? We are going to tell you.

• Think local. There are plenty of local wineries, breweries and distilleries in this fabulous country. They may not be in your town, but I guarantee there is at least one within driving distance from you. It makes a fun trip to go visit these places and just about every one will have local buying available. Gather up some friends and hunt down the libations for the next gathering. Yes, even if they aren’t organic, you will still be saving on distribution efforts from the company and many places don’t offer organic products but are still making HUGE efforts to reduce their carbon footprints. Applaud their efforts.
• Serve Organic whenever possible. Check with your local liquor stores. Some will have a selection of organic spirits on hand. If they don’t have any available in the store, ask for them. They won’t know that there is a need unless you let them know. Keep in mind that organic liquors are often made in smaller batches so they are often are a bit harder on the budget but the eco rewards are worth it.
• Use fresh juices. So you have spent fine dollars to bring in the finest organic or locally purchased liquor. Now, do you really want to mess up that drink by using overly sweet, store bought mixes? I didn’t think so. Grab up some local produce and juice it yourself. You will ensure your guests get only the freshest and tastiest treats that way plus, you can use the pulp and peels as garnish, in cooking or you can add it to your compost bin.
• Be sure to recycle those bottles. We know we are being redundant in saying it but be sure that you recycle any bottles, cans and containers that you may use when you mix up the fabulously, green beverages.
• Be a responsible guest as well as a responsible host. It is fairly obvious that barfing isn’t fun. It isn’t green either. So drink responsibly. With wine & beer, you KNOW how much alcohol you are getting with each drink however, liquor is easy to disguise behind sweet juices and mixers. Alternate mixed drinks with water especially if you are at an all night celebration. Nothing says idiot bigger than passing out on a couch or falling down the stairs.

Fun facts about green drinks:

• When talking about liquor, there are 65- 75 calories per ounce of spirits.
• It has been about 2010 years since the pesky Mexicans discovered that the fermented juice of the agave plant was so darn yummy.
• Did you know that your liver can process a whopping 2 TEASPOONS of alcohol per hour. I will take pickling for 200 Alex.
• It takes 5 to 6 hours for your bod to metabolize 4 ounces of whiskey.
• You can make your own gin in 2 days time.

Summer is coming. Get those patio chairs ready and type up your E-vites. Plan that next big fiesta. You can do it with all the flair and style that a good eco warrior should.