Eco-friendly and organic vodkas

Further proof that moving into a greener lifestyle is filled with limitless perks and possibilities! Save the earth one cocktail at a time with these eco-friendly and organic vodkas. Tips on how to enjoy them best included, of course.

Prairie Organic Vodka - not only is this vodka certified kosher by the Orthodox Union and organic by the USDA, but it's also gluten-free. Prairie is distilled in limited quantities in the same community in which the corn is raised, by a co-op of 900 Minnesota farmers who are stakeholders in the brand.

- Prairie Lemon Basiltini
2 ounces Prairie Organic Vodka
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 ounce simple syrup (see recipe below)
4 basil leaves
Bruise basil leaves, add remaining ingredients, shake and strain into a martini glass.

Mix tip: If you don't like your martinis served at room temperature, add some crushed ice before shaking the drink.

Simple syrup recipe: Bring 1 part water and 2 parts organic cane sugar to a boil in saucepan, and then cool. Source: http://news.prairievodka.com

360 Vodka - the bottles (made from 85% recycled glass) use a swing-top cap that can be removed and sent back to 360 Vodka in a postage-paid envelope that is made from 100 percent recycled paper and attached to the bottle. The program, called "Close the Loop," donates $1 to Global Green USA for every top consumers send back. Mimimal effort and hassle free for a maximum impact, don’t you think?

- A Kiss From Mother Earth
2 ounces 360 Double Chocolate Vodka
1 ounce agave nectar
3 ounces heavy, or whipping, cream
Chocolate syrup, for decorating glass
Drizzle chocolate syrup in glass. Add all ingredients, shake and strain into martini glass.

Mix tip: Add some crushed ice to the shaker to cool this creamy concoction.

- 360 Ecolade (E-Ko-Laid)
2 ounces 360 Cola Vodka
3 slices of cucumber (muddled)
Lemonade (I used 4 ounces)
Lemon-lime soda (I used 8 ounces)
Add all ingredients to a tall glass. Fill with lemonade and top with lemon-lime soda.
Source: www.vodka360.com

Crop Organic Vodka - available in Artisanal, Cucumber and Tomato, Crop Vodka is certified USDA organic and distilled so that no carbon treatment or charcoal filtering is required.

- Organic Vodka Shortcake
2 ounces Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka
1 ounce lemon juice
3 ounces muddled strawberries
Fresh mint leaf
Add all ingredients to a glass. Stir.
Mix tip: This is a fruit-heavy drink with very little liquid. Add 4 ounces of lemon-lime soda to make this a perfect mix of fruit and fizz. Source: www.cropvodka.com

There’s 3 more reasons to go green – and 3 excuses to throw a party and spread the word to your neighbors! So have a go and have a blast. Clink your glasses to Mother Earth and to those who find more creaative and enticing ways to nudge us into the greener side of things. Cheers!