While the word “organic” usually conjures up images of Saturday-morning farmers' markets and freshly pureed, pesticide-free veggie concoctions, the word “cocktail” is most often associated with celebrating and, well – splurging – so is the phrase “organic cocktail” an oxymoron?

Not necessarily! As the world takes a more proactive approach towards “living green”, certain alcohol companies, bars, and restaurants are starting to take notice and follow suit. Organic spirits (those made from 100% certified organic grains, fruits, and sugarcane), cocktail mixers, and cocktail recipes are popping up all over the place – and they seem to be making quite the healthy splash. (pun intended)

And why not? Mixing your spirits with organic berries, Granny Smith apple juice, fresh-squeezed O.J., or poached pear nectar sounds pretty darn good – especially when compared to the alternative options of gooey syrups and sugary sodas.

If you’re entertaining at home and the thought of all that squeezing and pureeing sounds way too time-consuming, then a ready-made organic mixer such as ModMix could be the solution for you. ModMix is made from the all-organic ingredients and comes in 5 tempting flavors: Citrus Margarita, French Martini, Lavender Lemon Drop, Mojito and Pomegranate Cosmopolitan.

Square One Organic Vodka – crafted from 100% organic American rye – has quickly become a staple in the organic cocktails category, and the Square One mixologists have come up with a whole slew of elixirs and libations that utilize this spirit, including favorites like the Spajito and Watermelon Refresher.

Spajito
(A delicate, spa-like twist on a classic mojito.)

2 oz. Cucumber-infused Square One Organic Vodka
6 sprigs of fresh mint
1 Tbsp. organic Agave nectar
3 Tbsp. peeled and diced cucumber (preferably English)
1 lime, halved and juiced, with one half reserved
Club Soda or Sparkling water
Ice

Remove leaves from all but one sprig of mint, reserving that sprig for garnish. Place mint leaves, agave nectar, cucumber and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. "Muddle" (mash) the contents of the shaker 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.

(Credit: Allison Evanow)

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Watermelon Refresher
Light, flavorful and summery

2 oz. Square One Organic Vodka
1 1/2 oz. watermelon/cucumber juice*
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/4 oz. organic Agave nectar (or to taste)
5 sprigs of mint
Ice

• Remove leaves from all but one sprig of mint, reserving that sprig for garnish. Place mint leaves and agave nectar in a cocktail shaker and muddle for 15 seconds. Add ice, watermelon/cucumber and lemon juice and shake for 15 seconds. Strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a mint leaf.

• Watermelon/cucumber juice - Take one cup cut watermelon and 1/4 cup peeled and sliced cucumber and place in blender. Blend on high until pureed. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain mixture into a glass or bowl. Discard remaining solids from strainer. Will yield enough juice for 4-6 cocktails.
(Credit: Allison Evanow)

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Another popular organic spirit – and one with some mighty fine-looking packaging I might add - is VeeV – a “vodka alternative” touted as “The World’s First Açaí Spirit”. What the heck is Açaí, you ask? Good question. According to the Veev website, Açaí is “the exotic tasting Brazilian national fruit popularized by surfers and sports enthusiasts and is considered the world’ preeminent superfruit.” Check out their website for more info.

So what’s your take on the eco-chic cocktail movement? Are you buying the idea of a "clean" Dirty Martini? And if you've had a or “Greentini” (Green Tea Martini) or other "healthy cocktail", did it pass the taste test? We’d love to hear your feedback on this concept!