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C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
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By Anna Sachse, CTW Features
If you’re looking for a simple way to make
your upcoming wedding celebrations a little
more eco-chic, think non-alcoholic drinks.
AND WHY NOT?
You’ll likely need a selection of juices and so-
das anyway, for pairing with spirits, under-21
guests and for those who choose not to
imbibe, so why not make them extra special?
The best for the environment (but also
flavor!) is fresh-squeezed juice from
organic fruit. If you live in a part of the
country that specializes in citrus, or you’re
having a brunch reception, nothing beats
fresh-squeezed orange juice. You could
also offer fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice,
and a refreshing and pretty beverage made
with lemons, limes, sprigs of lavender and
honey. Other organic fruit, such as straw-
berries, blackberries and peaches, can be
muddled for more classic cocktails.
If you have to buy canned or bottled juices,
there are many delicious organic options
available at local health food store or large
natural-food retailers, and even major
supermarket chains. Some companies, like
Elite Naturel
(OrganicJuiceUSA.com), even
offer exotic organic juice flavors, like Hon-
eydew Melon, Black Mulberry and Rose
Sherbet. If your nuptials are taking place
during apple harvest time, it would also
be fun to serve a spiced cider made from
locally grown produce.
When it comes to soda, any fountain bever-
age can be considered “green” on a certain
level because they aren’t sold in individual
packages, resulting in less waste. But if you
or your caterer need or want to use canned
or bottled sodas, consider an alternative
like Blue Sky’s organic soda line (Drink-
BlueSky.com), which offers flavors like Or-
ange Crème and Black Cherry in addition
to the usual Cola, Ginger Ale, and Root
Beer.” Blue Sky has an even wider selection
of natural sodas, which aren’t organic but
also don’t contain artificial color, flavors or
preservatives.
That said, if you simply feel too attached to
Coke or Pepsi to make the switch, buying
the largest bottles you can, and making
sure they get recycled after the big day.
TEAM SPIRITS
If you’re only able to serve a limited selec-
tion of spirits, which ones are key?
Vodka! It can be mixed with a wide range
of flavors and is definitely the preferred
liquor variety of many.
Rum also pairs well with numerous sodas
and juices, and whiskey is great by itself but
also in numerous classic cocktails, mixed
with cola, or combined with muddled
fruit, organic mint, lemon and a touch of
sweetness.
Featuring organic, responsibly made spirits
(yes – there’s organic vodka!) can defi-
nitely help to “green” your bar. But it’s also
beneficial to buy locally distilled products
whenever possible, as you’ll cut down on
the emissions that come as a result of ship-
ping – and help boost the local business!
© CTW Features
Mix it Up
A wedding bar featuring
eco-friendly juices and sodas
is both green and gourmet
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