41 Foraged cocktails

Foraged cocktails

Sustainable cocktail offerings are taking inspiration from the natural world.

Locally foraged ingredients are being used to create one-of-a-kind craft cocktails and offer consumers a greater range of sustainable drink options.

In September 2021, national tourism organization Visit Sweden announced it was expanding its rewilded tourism offering to the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany. Building on Visit Sweden’s Drinkable Country program, the new “Taste of Swedish Summer” campaign highlights 22 natural ingredients that can be found in Sweden during the sunniest months, from spruce buds to wild flowers, alongside food preservation methods such as pickling and fermentation, and innovative recipes. In collaboration with Forsman & Bodenfors and Mindshare, the promotion centers on local produce. Drinkable Country encourages visitors to explore Sweden’s countryside as the “world’s largest outdoor bar,” with local guides on hand at 14 nationwide locations to help guests collect berries and greens to mix into their custom beverages.

Spirits company Hangar 1 has used damaged merlot and malbec grapes from the 2020 Glass Fire in Napa Valley to make vodka. Distilled from fruit unsuitable for wine, the 80-proof Smoke Point Vodka has a hint of anise and vanilla for a different take on the spirit. The company is donating all proceeds from sales to the California Fire Foundation.

Why it’s interesting Whether rewilded or repurposed, foraged craft cocktails are lifting spirits. Local, self-sustained cuisine is minimizing waste and reforming menus as contemporary innovators incorporate local flora into their craft.