Sustainable Spirit

Description: Embrace eco-friendly indulgence with the Sustainable Spirit, a zero-waste cocktail that transforms kitchen scraps into flavor gems. This inventive drink combines upcycled ingredients with a vibrant infusion, offering a rich tapestry of tastes and textures, all while remaining environmentally conscious. Ingredients: - 1.5 oz vodka or gin (your choice), infused with citrus peels - 1 oz homemade vegetable scrap syrup (made from carrot tops, cucumber peels, and apple cores) - 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice - 3 oz sparkling water - Ice cubes made with herb-infused water (thyme or basil works well) - Dehydrated citrus wheel made from past-its-prime lemons or oranges Type of glass: Highball glass Instructions: 1. To create the vegetable scrap syrup, boil equal parts water and sugar with leftover carrot tops, cucumber peels, and apple cores. Simmer for 20 minutes, then strain and let cool. 2. For the citrus-infused vodka or gin, steep collected citrus peels in your spirit of choice for 3-5 days, shaking occasionally, then strain. 3. Fill a highball glass with the herb-infused ice cubes. 4. Combine the citrus-infused vodka or gin, vegetable scrap syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with some fresh ice. Shake well to chill. 5. Strain the mixture into the glass over the herb-infused ice. 6. Top up with sparkling water and gently stir to combine all flavors. 7. Garnish with a dehydrated citrus wheel perched on the rim of the glass, adding a touch of elegance and a nod to zero waste. Enjoy your Sustainable Spirit, a drink that is as delicious as it is responsible!