As Earth Day approaches, it’s a great time to celebrate our wonderful planet with a drink that tastes fantastic and benefits the environment too. The drinks industry is embracing sustainability, with many top brands leading the way by adopting greener practices. From using organic ingredients to introducing eco-friendly packaging, these companies are showing that you can enjoy great drinks and be kind to the planet at the same time. Let’s explore some of the best eco-friendly drinks available, along with tips and stories to make your green drinking experience even better.
Organic Wonders: Eco-Friendly Wine
The world of wine is vast, but vineyards that focus on protecting the planet deserve special recognition. Organic wines, made without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, truly reflect their natural surroundings. For instance, Château Maris in southern France is renowned for its biodynamic methods and even builds its cellars from organic hemp bricks!
When serving organic wines, pair them with fresh, locally-sourced dishes for the best experience. A crisp organic Chardonnay goes beautifully with a light, herby chicken salad. For vegans, try a glass of organic Pinot Noir with a beetroot tartare for a delicious mix of earthy flavours.
Craft Beer with a Conscience
In the craft beer world, breweries like Adnams in Suffolk are notable for their green initiatives. Adnams uses local ingredients and has upgraded to energy-efficient brewing technology, greatly reducing its carbon emissions. Their beers are not only delicious but also demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Food pairings can make these beers even more enjoyable. A hoppy IPA from Adnams is perfect with spicy street food, while their stout pairs wonderfully with a rich chocolate dessert. Serve these beers cool, but not too cold, to fully appreciate their complex flavours.
Spirits for the Eco-Conscious
Spirit lovers also have great options, as many distilleries are adopting more sustainable methods. Arbikie Distillery in Scotland uses crops grown on their own estate to make their spirits. They’ve even started using peas in their AK’s Gin, which helps the soil by adding nitrogen.
A fun story from the founders of Arbikie involves experimenting with peas in distillation. The results were so good that it led to a new product! This gin is perfect with tonic and a sprig of mint for a refreshing, eco-friendly twist on the classic G&T.
Storing and Serving Tips
To get the best out of these eco-friendly drinks, proper storage and serving are essential. Store wines in a cool, dark place and keep corked bottles on their side to prevent the cork from drying out. For beers and spirits, keep them in a cool, shaded spot. Serve wines and spirits at the right temperature to enhance their flavours—cool for whites and room temperature for reds and spirits.
Conclusion
This Earth Day, let’s toast to these innovative brands that let us enjoy our favourite drinks responsibly. Our journey towards a sustainable future is ongoing, but every eco-friendly sip we take is a step in the right direction.