A Conscious Feast by Nicole Aloni

When I think about New Year’s eve a couple of things pop into my mind, probably the same ones that occur to you: Champagne (a literal pop), caviar with blini, funny hats, confetti, friends/lovers and a great, sensual cocktail.  I can’t deliver caviar or champagne or the love of your life to to your doorstep, but I can share my solutions here for the sexy, celebratory cocktail that could start your evening off with a wow!

In keeping with the title of this post (and my general orientation), I’ve included links to some very fine organic spirits that you might want to consider using in these lovely quaffs.Organic spirits have the obvious benefit for your health and the environment of being pesticide-free. Plus, they are usually made in small, local distilleries that bring a boutique-y, creative sensibility to what has become such a sanitized, streamlined industrial product.

It seems that making the effort to go organic often signals a responsible consiousness on the part of a grower or distiller that appeals to me, too. For example, the 4 Copas Tequila company released a special Sea Turtle limited edition bottling to raise funds and awareness about the endangered sea turtles of Baja California.

Pear Millionaire Cocktail Recipe

Pear Millionaire, photo Manny Rodriguez

EASE OF PREPARATION: A snap

Makes 1 cocktail

COCKTAIL

• 1/4 small, ripe pear, peeled and chopped
• 1-inch strip of orange peel
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 drop pure vanilla extract
• 2 ounces Tru organic gin ( or my flavor favorite, Hendrick’s )
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup

GLASS

• Martini

GARNISH

• Sugared rim, pear slice, and cracked black pepper

1. Muddle the pear, orange peel, and lemon juice in cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice along with the vanilla, gin, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously to mix and chill.
3. Strain the cocktail into a glass with a sugared rim.
4. Float a thin slice of pear on top of the martini and add a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper.

Blue Spruce Cocktail Recipe

Blue Spruce Cocktail, photo Manny Rodriguez

EASE OF PREPARATION: A snap

Makes 1 cocktail

COCKTAIL

• 1 1/2 ounce Blue curacao
• 2 ounces silver tequila, like Casa Noble or 4 Copas
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 ounce crème de banana

GLASS

• Chilled martini or sour

GARNISH

• Citrus (orange, lime or kumquat) and a sprig of thyme

1. Combine the ingredients in a shaker,  with ice.
2. Shake to chill and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish and serve.

Dirty Rosemary Martini Recipe

Rosemary Martini, photo Manny Rodriguez

EASE OF PREPARATION: A snap

Makes 1 cocktail

COCKTAIL

• 3 ounces Square One, or Vodka 14 organic vodka
• Splash of dry vermouth

GLASS

• Chilled martini

GARNISH

• 4 pitted kalamata olives
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

1. Combine the vodka and vermouth in cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously to chill.
2. Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass and add a drop of olive brine.
3. Garnish with three or more olives skewered on a branch of rosemary.