At Play
Pg 51 - The Hip Hostess
A new column dedicated to earth-friendly entertaining.
Summer's here and the time is right-for a refreshing twist. I've gathered a sampling of exotic and creative cocktails from a handful of pioneers in the business who care about more than just making a buck. Drinking responsibly takes on a whole new meaning with these ingredients, as you'll discover in the recipes below. From here on in, I'll be keeping my eye peeled for visually exciting, earth-friendly, and handy items that you just have to have-and have to share with your guests.
Feel the Joy
Experience guiltless indulgence with VeeV's Açaí spirit. Revered for its antioxidant properties, the açaí (ah-sigh-ee) berry packs 30 times more heart-healthy anthocyanins than red wine, and has vitamins C and E, calcium, dietary fiber, protein, and omega-3s. VeeV mixes this exotic berry with prickly pear (a natural hangover remedy) and other natural ingredients and distills it by hand. Its distiller is one of the few in America to get at least 25 percent of its energy through wind, and its unique distilling process uses about half the energy of other distilling methods. On top of all this, VeeV donates $1 for each bottle sold to ensure that açaí is wild harvested to preserve the surrounding flora and fauna and protect the biodiversity of the Amazonian rainforest. It's delicious, too! Revive your senses with this refreshing combination of fresh fruit and herbs.
Joie de VeeV
2 lime wedges
2 strawberries
3 mint leaves
2 ounces VeeV
dash of sugar
ice
club soda
Muddle 1 wedge of lime, 1 strawberry, and mint leaves in a mixing glass. Put into a cocktail shaker with 2 ounces of VeeV, sugar, and ice; shake. Pour into a short glass, top with club soda, garnish with remaining strawberry and lime wedge.
It's Hip to be Square
This company goes organic all the way with its production methods, right down to the label made from bamboo. Square One Vodka is made from organic rye, and because of its minimal processing, the by-product can be sold to local dairy farms. Allison Evanow, the company's founder, found inspiration from the cucumber water offered at many spas and is introducing this cucumber-flavored vodka. Enjoy the refreshing essence of cucumber with the real thing in this twist on the traditional mojito.
Cucumber Mojito
6 sprigs of fresh mint
1 tablespoon organic agave nectar
3 tablespoons cucumber (preferably English), peeled and diced
1 lime, halved and juiced with 1 half reserved
2 ounces Square One Cucumber
club soda or sparkling water
Remove leaves from 5 sprigs of mint and place them in a cocktail shaker with agave nectar, cucumber, and lime juice. Muddle with a wooden spoon or muddler for at least 30 seconds. Strain the liquid into a tall glass filled with crushed ice. Add the vodka and the lime half and stir. Fill glass to desired level with soda water. Garnish with the remaining sprig of mint.
Join the Mod Squad
The first organic line of mixers comes from three women who pioneered their way into the mostly male business of cocktails. Substitute these signature Modmix combos the next time you make the classics: Citrus Margarita, French Martini (adds a fruitpunch), Lavender Lemon Drop (makes for a florally lemonade), Mojito and Pomegranate Cosmopolitan. Best of all, these drinks can be enjoyed with or without alcohol, just substitute some sparkling water for the liquor. Here's one to whet your palate.
Lavender Lemon Drop Sparkle
1 part Modmix Organic Lavender Lemon Drop
1 part vanilla vodka
1 part champagne
Shake over ice, serve up in a martini glass.
First Blush
Imagine a drink made from rose petals-from ancient roses only grown in Bulgaria. The blossoms are picked for only a three-week period from the hours of 3 am to 10 am, when dew levels are at their peak, and converted into concentrate within two hours to obtain the maximum flavor and fragrance. Sence is just introducing its sensuous nectar into the U.S. market. It has the makings for a great cocktail and may be savored on its own or mixed with other juices or sparkling water. It tastes slightly sweet, and adds an extra kick of vitamin C to your day. Sample this pretty non-alcoholic punch.
Harmony Rose Punch
Sence Rose Nectar
organic white cranberry juice
organic pomegranate juice
lemon
Combine equal parts of Sence Rose Nectar, white cranberry, and pomegranate juice with a soft touch of fresh lemon. Optional garnish: crystallized rose petals.
Ellen Swandiak is known for her well-orchestrated theme parties. There's always a catch, and creativity is highly encouraged. She's expert at snooping out the coolest kitchen gadgets and exotic food finds. An active member of the New York Women's Culinary Association, Ellen is currently gathering recipes from top chefs for a foodie cookbook with a twist.
QUICK TIP
S When entertaining, free yourself! I recommend doing the work once: multiply the recipe, find a stylish pitcher from a thrift shop or yard sale, and a long glass stirrer. Keep the ice and wedges of lime separate to create a fresh drink in seconds. If serving alcohol, then having another pitcher of water on hand to accompany the cocktails will keep your guests hydrated.