Just like conventional food, most alcohol is loaded with pesticide residues, synthetic ingredients and preservatives. Luckily, whether you’re a social drinker, a celebratory sipper, or just need a stiff one to get you through the holidays, there are many better options (and the list is growing). When buying and drinking them, it’s not only better for you, but you are supporting better business, and a healthier planet. That’s something we can all agree to raise our glass to!
Southbook Connect From Niagara, Ontario, this wine is anti-snob and pro-green. Both white and red are made from organically-grown grapes, and red additionally is certified biodynamic. Their bottles are lightweight, sourced locally, and are made from glass collected in the Ontario Bag-it-Back program. Their other wines, including an Orange Wine, are all worth tasting and enjoying.
123 Organic Tequila This organic tequila (Lisa’s personal favourite) is distilled in small batches and made from biodynamically-grown agave. Their bottles are hand-blown from recycled glass and labeled with recycled paper and soy inks. Read more in Lisa’s interview with David Ravandi, 123 Tequila’s founder.
Hanson of Sonoma Vodka This family-owned business makes their organic vodka in small batches, distilled from organic grapes. Enjoy their original vodka or flavours like ginger, cucumber, boysenberry, and espresso. Bonus points for a fabulous label. We appreciate great branding and design almost as much as what’s inside and behind the label!
Frey Vineyards This wine, from Mendocino County, is made not only from organically grown grapes, but without any added sulfites (a synthetic preservative which can induce headaches, sniffles, and other allergic reactions in some people). They’re also the first maker of certified biodynamic wines in the U.S. Extra applause for leadership and setting new standards.
Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company This family-run craft brewery, located East of Ottawa in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, believes quality comes from using the best ingredients – local spring water and certified organic malt and hops (and no cheap malt extracts or high-glucose corn syrup). We agree. As a fellow founding Canadian B Corp, I would recommend that if you want to drink beer, that this be the brand you stick with for so many reasons. You are basically solving world issues with each sip.
Koval Distillery Organic, kosher, grain to bottle whiskeys, liqueurs, and spirits, handmade in Chicago.
Dulce Vida Tequila Made with 100% organic agave from the Los Altos highlands in the Tequila region of Mexico. Pure, powerful, and free of any additives. Their blanco is perfect for mixing and their extra anejo was the first tequila that made me really understand what good tequila tasted like. If more of us demand organic labels, we can bring this brand back to Canada (it was listed at the LCBO for a short while). Let’s work together on this!
Drake’s Organic Premium Vodka This is a refined vodka that features a clean and polished nose with subtle hints of citric fruits in the palate and an aroma of fresh sugarcane juice in the finish. Their organic vodka pops are perfect for warm summer days and nights!
Organic Junmai Ginjo Craft Sake Is it a wine? Is it a spirit? This fermented organic sake deserves it’s own category. Its body and flavour goes down smooth and is unparalleled by any other beverage experience. Drink it straight or mix it up into a tasty cocktail.
Ocean Organic Vodka The world’s only vodka made from deep ocean mineral water and organic sugar cane.
Highland Harvest Scotch Whisky Combining time-honored Scottish tradition and the finest organic ingredients in a “highly recommended” (Beverage Testing Institute) whisky.
Prairie Organic Spirits Handcrafted spirits made with respect from seed to glass.
Check out our favourite Organic Drinks (they make for great mixers) too!
