5 Sustainable Cocktail Presents For That Ecologically Conscious Loved One
We all have that one mixologist friend who opts for local ingredients, sustainable produce and responsibly-sourced spirits while blending inventive cocktails. Putting together a cocktail gift kit for such a loved one requires much thought to ensure that the elements that become part of this hamper are similar ecologically-sound options.
The green-leaning mixologists are all about compositing waste, maximising the use of every ingredient essential for making cocktails and minimising garbage to begin with, in a move towards zero-waste bartending. Such an ecologically-conscious friend indeed merits presents which resonate with the theme of reducing one’s carbon footprint. Gifts that are sourced locally and made using upcycled produce which in turns extracts maximum flavour out of different local ingredients can be among some of these interesting, sustainable alternatives.
Read on below to know more about some of the ecologically-conscious and slighter greener gifting alternatives that can be your go-to gifts for that friend who follows the sustainable route while blending cocktails:
Zero-Waste Garnish Kit
One of the most interesting gifting options that is quite green is a zero-waste garnish kit composed of different shrubs, herbs and peels which at once minimise waste and act as dainty decoratives on top of trendy cocktails. Such a kit can be easily conceived at home using dehydrated citrus wheels, rose petals and spiced beetroot chips as well as edible flower seeds, fresh lemon rinds and cucumber peels and even leftover herb stalks. Put these garnishes together in little glass containers with wooden lids and present them in a wicker basket for a more rustic finish.
Upcycled Citrus Syrups
Source citrus peels and residue such as lime wedges, melon wheels, orange rinds and more and prepare syrups out of these leftovers. Generally citrus peels carry quite a mix of tart and tangy notes and when they are doused in simple syrup, the resulting concoction becomes a thoroughly complex, layered mix of bitter, sour and sweet flavours. Prepare several such zero-waste syrups at home and infuse them with different spiced accents including a hint of clove or cinnamon and bottle them in little mason jars before gifting them to your ecologically-conscious loved one.
Also Read: 5 Festive Gift Box Ideas That Utilise Both Cocktail And Mocktail Pairings
Artisanal Spirits
Another interesting gifting alternative that is quite sustainable is locally-sourced, artisanal spirits such as wines made from grapes cultivated in local vineyards, feni made from Goan cashews and beer produced in local breweries. Even up and coming rich, locally-distilled whiskies are excellent sustainable gifting options as they can be used by the ecologically aware mixologist to craft zero-waste cocktail blends. Artisanal, small-batch spirits generally follow sustainable production processes, making them exclusive, sought after gifting options.
DIY Infusion Kit
Mixologists are often keen on making their own flavourful infusions complete with different floral and fruity ingredients which build a lot of nuance into cocktails. Prepare an infusion kit complete with sustainable materials as a gifting alternative for the green-leaning mixologist. This kit can include organic botanicals placed in little cloth sachets, resembling tea bags. These could be dried hibiscus petals, cinnamon bark, cloves and herbs such as lemongrass and thyme. Also place mason jars and wooden muddlers and a cheesecloth for straining – as apparatus that can come in handy while preparing these infusions.
Regional Ingredients
One of the trendiest mixology moves right now is sourcing local, regional and ultimately sustainable ingredients for crafting blends. A basket full of locally-sourced, seasonal produce like jamuns, kokum, amla, gondhoraj lime or even carambola, coupled with regional spices and syrups can be a thoroughly tasteful and simultaneously ecologically-conscious goodie bag. Place small jars or tins containing regional flavour accents and mixers so they can be used to blend inventive craft cocktails at home.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
