I know we're all working to make this planet better, so here are some quick (and easy!) tips:
-Always recycle: most apartments have a recycle drop, so you have no excuse.
-Bring your own coffee mug! Many Starbucks locations are giving away a free coffee to those who bring their mug today, so get in the habit! In the same vein, bring your own water bottle! New York Water is fine, and if you don't trust it, get a filter!
-Try to buy local. There are so many farmer's markets out there, and local farmers really need our help. For NYC greenmarkets, go to grownyc.org/greenmarket.
-Although the term "organic" does not necessarily mean local, when you can't buy local, buy organic. There are many liquor companies that are now organic. I love Green Bar Organics. They are great across the bar!
-Try to buy environmentally friendly cleaning products and paper products that contain recycled fibers. There are many companies to choose from today, and a lot of them are affordable.
-Do me a favor: take a walk in a park today. The flowers are blooming, the grass is green, and the trees are just starting to unfurl their leaves. Celebrate the beauty of nature!
So far as cocktails are concerned, I was looking for one that was green without being artificially so. I was thinking cucumber, green tea.... fresh tastes that wouldn't reek of unnatural melon flavor or too-sweet mintiness. I found my gem on the Belvedere website. I made some changes of my own, but I think for the better.
You'll need:
2 oz vodka or gin (preferably organic)
1 oz brewed chilled green tea
1 wedge lemon (half a circle)
1 inch thick circle of cucumber, cut into pieces
1 half-inch piece of ginger, sliced
Pinch or two of sugar
Thin circle of cucumber (I deseeded mine) for garnish
In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, place the cucumber, ginger, pinch of sugar, and piece of lemon and muddle all until reduced to a pulp. Add the vodka (or gin), green tea, and ice, and shake to combine. Serve straight up or on the rocks with the cucumber slice for garnish. Enjoy!