Eco-Friendly Spirits

When preparing the bar menu for your wedding, perhaps consider adding some organic alcohol to the order. For instance, Del Maguey Minero Mezcal (pronounced Ma Gay) is a tequila produced in Oaxaca, Mexico and is made from organic agave.

Prairie Organic Vodka is produced by organic corn grown by a Minnesota co-op. The left-over cobs are used as fuel for production.

The world's only certified organic tequila, Copas Tequila is available in 4 styles and bottled in handblown glass from local Jalisco artisans.

Organic sugarcane is used to create the base for this white rum to make Rhum Clement Premiere Canne Rum.

Who knew that even alcohol can be eco-friendly?

How Much?

You're having a party and you're making your shopping list.  You have everything for the menu figured out and now it's on to the bar.  You don't want to over buy and you certainly don't want to under buy - how do you figure out how much wine, beer, and liquor to buy?

The Evite Drink Calculator. 

A note of caution - don't use this calculator for your wedding or other large parties.  Ask your caterer or bartender for advice.

Stock Up

The Food Network has a great list on the elements of a perfectly stocked bar.  Check the list for your next celebration.

How to Stock a Bar
For Spicy and Savory Drinks
Tomato Juice
Horseradish
Hot Sauce
Worcestershire Sauce


For Sweet and Sour Drinks
Sour Mix
Grenadine
Sugar (granulated, brown, cane)
Syrup


Fruit Juices
Orange Juice
Lime Juice
Lemon Juice
Cranberry Juice
Pineapple Juice


Sodas
Seltzer
Club Soda
Tonic
Cola/Lemon/Lime/Ginger ale


Garnishes
Lemon, Lime, Orange Slices
Maraschino Cherries
Olives
Celery
Fresh herbs such as mint or basil
Salts
Pepper


Bitters
Angostura
Peychaud's
Orange bitters


Tools of the Trade
Cocktail Shaker
Blender
Bottle Opener

Best for Your Bar

FineLiving.com just ranked 10 great wines under $20.  When you're choosing the wine to put on your bar be sure to give it a taste test to make sure it's something you and your guests will enjoy.  If you're struggling, give these 10 a try.

1.  NV Barefoot Bubbly California Chardonnay, $11

2.  Bennett Family Chardonnay, 2006, $18

3.  7 Daughters White, $14

4.  Sokol Blosser Evolution, $14

5.  Salneval Albarino, 2006, $9

6.  Fazi-Battaglia Verdicchio del Castelli di Jesi, 2006, $9

7.  E. Guigal, Taval, 2005, $14

8.  Acacia Pinot Noir, 2005, $19

9.  Renwood Sierra Foothills Zinfandel, 2005, $12

10.  Big Red Monster, $10

by Maureen C. Petrosky