I frequently get inquires from various companies inquiring about featuring their products on the blog. Nine times our of ten, I always pass because I am not interested. I recently received this request and after reading the recipes and the companies that donate a portion of their proceeds to causes they care about, I thought this would be a perfect post for the upcoming holidays. Enjoy!
Gray Whale Gin – it is a small batch, craft spirit inspired by the migratory path of the Gray Whale. Each of the gin’s botanicals are hand harvested, wild foraged or organically farmed along the majestic creatures’ 10,000 mile journey from Baja all the way to the Arctic. The gluten free-corn base provides a clean canvas for the botanicals to shine- Gray Whale Gin.
A portion of all sales benefits Oceana to protect and restore the world’s oceans- home of the beautiful Gray Whale.
Gray Whale Gin upcycles as many empty Gray Whale Gin bottles as possible into candles scented with the gin’s botanicals. The candles are sold via Gray Whale Gin’s website for $40. 100% of the sales of the candles benefit Oceana.
Blackberry Negroni
1 part Gray Whale Gin
1 part Campari
1 part Sweet Vermouth
6 fresh Blackberries
In a cocktail glass, muddle four blackberries. In a mixing glass, combine the Gray Whale Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the glass with muddled blackberries. Garnish with two fresh blackberries.
– Recipe by Gray Whale Gin
Humboldt Distillery’s Organic Vodka is made from an organic sugarcane base, without glycerin, sweeteners or other additives. The vodka is dry with a super clean finish and has a neutral character- perfect for cocktails!
Distilled amongst the redwoods, Humboldt Organic Vodka, is a consciously crafted spirit working alongside the California Coastkeeper Alliance (CCKA) to protect and preserve California’s waterways. When purchased via Drizly with the code TOAST2COAST a portion of the sale goes directly to CCKA to aid in the fight for swimmable, drinkable, fishable waterways in California.
Apple Cider Mule
1.5 oz Humboldt Vodka
2 oz apple cider
1 oz fresh lime juice
.5 oz ginger syrup (recipe follows)
Splash of seltzer
Build all ingredients over ice in a copper mug. Stir well, and garnish with lime or apple wedges.
For the ginger syrup, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and a 2-inch knob of ginger, peeled and roughly chopped. Stir over low heat until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the ginger to steep for at least one hour. Strain and refrigerate.
– Recipe by Humboldt Distillery
Josh Cellars announced a $100,000 donation to the California Fire Foundation this past September as wildfires raged across the state. The donation will help the foundation provide relief, which offers financial and emotional support to firefighters, their families and communities harmed by fire. The wine label is named after founder Joseph Carr’s late father, who was a volunteer firefighter. Josh Cellars has long supported numerous charitable causes and organizations for first responders. Josh Cellars and Joseph Carr also pledged $100,000 to the Restaurant Workers Community Foundations (RWCF) to benefit the many workers who have been laid off due to COVID-19.
The Apple Pie Spritz is a great cocktail as we approach peak apple picking season here in the U.S. The spicy notes from the Redemption rye mixed with the fresh apple cider create the ultimate mix of fall flavors topped off with some Josh Cellars Prosecco for an added fizz. Tastes like fresh apple pie in drink-form – perfect for Fall! The Prosecco has refreshing acidity and a touch of sweetness from the ripe fruit.
Apple Pie Spritz
1 part Redemption Rye
2 parts apple cider
1 dash angostura bitters
Fill flute with Josh Prosecco
Garnish with lemon twist
Add ingredients other than prosecco to flute and lightly stir to mix ingredients. Top with prosecco and garnish with expressed lemon peel.
The Apple Pie Spritz is a great cocktail as we approach peak apple picking season here in the US. The spicy notes from the Redemption rye mixed with the fresh apple cider create the ultimate mix of fall flavors topped off with some Josh Cellars Prosecco for a little added fizz.
– Recipe by Matt Klette, Redemption Whiskey Ambassador