A Locally-Made Gift That Gives Back: Spirits From Bluewater Organic Distilling

Editor's note: the following article is partnered content. If you'd like to partner with Live in Everett to reach our audience, please inquire here.

As the holidays approach, there are lots of ways to break out of the old habit of going into debt to give people stuff they don't need in exchange for clutter you don't want. You can stop the madness with a "gift truce" or decide to give people experiences instead. Another great approach is to support local artists, makers, and small businesses by shopping in Everett.

Down at the Marina, Bluewater Organic Distilling creates amazing vodka, gin, aquavit and liqueurs that anyone would be thrilled to receive, even people like me who say they don't want any gifts. Friends on your list who are environmentally conscious will love that Bluewater's premium product comes from a company founded on principles of sustainability and stewardship.

For quality spirits and cocktail kit gift ideas, Bluewater has got you covered // Garret Hunt

Bluewater is certified organic by the WSDA and was the first distillery to join 1% for the Planet nine years ago, contributing 1% of gross bottle sales directly to environmental organizations. Their primary 2019 recipients:

FORTERRA

Over the last 30 years, Forterra has secured over 275,000 acres in Washington via more than 450 land deals. They don't limit themselves to one kind of project, either. Forterra preserves natural habitats and farms, and even acquires urban land for affordable housing. Their mission doesn't stop when the ink on the deal dries; they follow through with restoration projects and initiatives to create livelihoods for the community.

SEA SHEPHERD

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is the world's most passionate and powerful protector of ocean life. Since 1977, Sea Shepherd has been on a mission to defend, conserve, and protect the seas and marine wildlife like no other organization can. As the largest private navy in the world, they lead direct-to-action, collaborative campaigns all 'For the Ocean.'

Bluewater founder, John Lundin, as he chats with author Christopher Bragg // Garret Hunt

Bluewater founder John Lundin chose 1% for the Planet because it aligns with his core business values: conservation, stewardship, and sustainability. Together with other members, 1% for the Planet has raised over $225 million for environmental non-profits since 2002.

Environmentalism is baked into the business model at Bluewater. They use American glass bottles for all their products and reuse them in the restaurant, saving thousands of bottles per year. Bluewater has always stocked compostable to-go containers and eschewed plastic straws long before the recent bans.

Bluewater's contribution via 1% for the Planet continues to grow along with their bottle sales. Their partnership with Columbia Distributing brings their bottles to new stores constantly, which you can find via the Store Locator. Follow them on Instagram to find the latest bars and restaurants serving cocktails using Bluewater Vodka, Halcyon Gin, and Wintersun Aquavit.

As a 1% for the Planet Member, 1% of Bluewater’s gross bottle sales is contributed to environmental organizations // Garret Hunt

You can impress your friends with your own cocktail creations using Bluewater spirits, or follow one of their recipes. Stop by the distillery for a Clove Me Tender and a bottle to take home, then see how well you can replicate it with this recipe.

RECIPE FOR CLOVE ME TENDER

(Courtesy of Bluewater Organic Distilling)

Shake with ice & strain into a rocks glass:

1.5oz Bluewater Organic Vodka

1.5oz unsweetened cranberry juice

3/4oz triple sec

3/4oz ginger simple

3/4oz orange juice

1 drop cinnamon tincture

6 drops clove tincture

Tincture Recipes:

8oz Jar

ingredients topped with Bluewater Organic 100-Proof Vodka

Strain after 1-2 weeks

Cinnamon - 3 cinnamon sticks

Clove - 2 Tbsp. whole cloves

Bluewater Organic Distilling
at the Port of Everett Marina
1205 Craftsman Way, Ste. 109
Everett, WA 98201
425-404-1408

Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.

Shop Local