"organic spirits" news and stories

Several years ago before it was so hip, bartenders like Alberta Straub took the fresh-juice cocktail movement a notch higher by incorporating organic fruit, vegetables and syrups into creative drinks. Organic spirits followed the return-to-the-earth movements. Now you can even find the world's first certified organic bar in the New York restaurant Gustorganics.

Buying organic spirits often means a premium price for the feel-goods like packaging made from renewable resources and grains and fruit sourced from small farms with low yields.

Some claim that organic spirits are healthier and better tasting without the taint of pesticides and herbicides. Science argues that alcohol evaporates at lower temperatures than chemical residues that might be contained in non-organic liquid, so these residues are left behind anyway. Handcrafted products may or may not taste better. Overindulge even in an earth-friendly spirit, and your head will still pound no matter how good you feel supporting sustainable agriculture.

• How does your favorite cafe roast their beans? What beans go best with which roasting methods? (article complete with eerily magnified photo of coffee bean that looks more like...well, you figure it out)
• Grandpa's Dribble Cake is no easy task: two layers of cake and two kinds of frosting make this a daunting - but rewarding - task
• In the Boston area? In the mood for some ripe, juicy strawberries? Here's where to find 'em
• Forget vanchocstraw - instead, get a load of these Cook Farm family ice cream recipes: apple-blueberry crisp; coconut with chocolate and almonds; and - why not? - asparagus
• Organic spirits continue to gain popularity, so you can drink with a clear conscience
  
• Want to teach your old dog new tricks? Try one with homemade sauerkraut, or even pineapple
• A father, his road to chef-dom, and a really awesome recipe for fig, pear, caramelized onion and blue cheese pizza

Source