It seems anything designated organic these days is all the rage so it’s no wonder that the booze industry is following suit. Though organic spirits have been on the rise the past few years, these new, eco-friendly innovations are propelled by rapidly growing consumer desire to drink while simultaneously being socially responsible. Here’s a small glimpse of how one of America’s favorite pastimes is going green(er).
Organic alcohol is nothing new but some of the world’s most recognizable brands are becoming greener. Anheuser-Busch, the largest brewing company in the U.S., just unveiled its own organic beer label using organic hops and Foster’s Beer (Australia’s equivalent) has done the same. Whole Foods also carries Green Path wines, making eco-friendly liquor even more accessible to the masses. And for just $12 a bottle, you can feel good, not guilty, sipping a glass – or four.
If you happen to be new to the whole green movement (welcome!), when beer, wine, or another type of liquor is labeled organic, it means the spirit is made with ingredients grown on certified organic farms and processed in a certified organic distillery. That means no pesticides, no fertilizers, and no other harmful chemical used in the farming and distilling process. What green-minded social drinker doesn’t like the sound of that?
Take a shot, plant a tree!
If you’re looking for an even greener spirit, look no further than TRU Organic, a cutting-edge company that makes spirits using “only the best certified organic ingredients” (their words, not mine). In addition, all their product packaging is eco-friendly, too. But what’s even cooler about this company is for every bottle of their TRU Organic Vodka they produce, they plant one tree in the rainforests. As of September 2009, they’ve planted an astounding 60,168 trees throughout Central America. So if you’re going to down a few shots of vodka, why not help plant a tree while you’re at it?
There’s also a great cocktail mixer on the market that’s made with 100% organic fruit juice. Unlike most mixers, Modmix is neither too artificial, nor too sweet — they taste surprisingly like fresh juice. Modmix comes in six flavors: citrus margarita, French martini, lavender lemon drop, mojito, pomegranate cosmopolitan, and wasabi bloody Mary.
If you happen to live in New York City, you dwell alongside the first of what’s bound to become a booming industry. GustOrganics is home to the first USDA certified organic bar on the planet. It’s quite the claim to fame and with a menu that looks as delicious as it is good for the Earth, it’s no surprise the restaurant has garnered multiple accolades from green enthusiasts and foodies alike.
Choosing to support farms that take care of the environment and the animals they raise in an ethical manner is a very positive way to spend your food dollar. Animal agriculture produces huge amounts of air and water pollution, and causes 80% of the world’s annual deforestation. It also requires large amounts of water, and livestock worldwide consume half the world’s total grain harvest.
If you’re anything like me, spending time with family and friends for the holidays usually means there will be copious amounts of alcohol going around, namely wine. Treehugger has complied six green hangover remedies for us, just in time for the days that follow. Head on over 
The holiday season is one of the most special times of the year. It’s a time to share with close friends and family. Whether it is an office party or a party at home, no holiday shindig is complete without an array of festive holiday drinks. 
