Zero Waste Bar Ideas
We get it, you recycle your boxes and bottles, you have been more deliberate about using leftovers, and you have rejected fast fashion. But have you thought about developing zero-waste with your home bar? Doing this can be done simply and easily with a few changes to your preparation and planning. If you are ready to take this step, here are four ideas to get you started.
Take Stock
Taking stock and then use these items, is a great first step. Look through freezers, pantries and the produce drawer in the refrigerator. Then search online to find recipes that include the items you’ve got.
In addition, find classic recipes and then experiment to see if there are ways to swap out listed recipe items for what is already in the house. Experimentation can be half the fun. Keep in mind the three components to a well-balanced drink is a base, an acid, and a sweet. When maintaining a balance of these three elements drink can be created that anyone would enjoy.
Think Ahead
While living your life, as fruits start looking a bit past their prime, throw them into the freezer. Mixing a tall pitcher with fruits of all colors makes a beautiful and light possibility for sangrias, mixed punches, and other fruit-heavy cocktails.
Using pineapple scraps or coffee grounds to create an infused syrup will add flavor and interest to your drinks when used.
Or drop some of these scraps and remnants directly into your alcohol of choice. Making a basil-cucumber vodka takes basil, cucumbers, vodka and time. This is a great base for a variety of cocktails.
Prepping these items as the food waste is created, ensures great options on hand when you are ready to entertain and keeps your ongoing food waste to a minimum.
Use it All
Upping your cocktail game can be the step of providing thoughtful options to your guests. Sugar on the rim is great possibility. If you take the time to make a herbed sugar to rim the glass you can use the remnants of the unused herbs, like the excess leaves and stems. These will pulse into the sugar when blended in a food processor.
Juice unused lemons and limes or other citruses, then add some zest and freeze it up in ice cube trays. Adding a little acid to a drink may be just what you need.
Stemware
Make sure to use glasses, jars or bottles when serving drinks. Steer clear of single use cups.
As society gets more serious about limiting waste, the bar is a fun place to experiment. Explore unexpected flavors or unusual pairings, you just might stumble upon the next great American classic cocktail.
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