From blackberry mojitos to açaí-infused martinis, here are some of the most requested bar drinks at venues across the country:

Cucumber Mint Martinis

Cocktail aficionados are sure to do a double take with this cool and refreshing twist on mixed drinks. The cucumber and mint martini is the perfect match for those hot summer nights mingling on the patio; it's typically made with fresh cucumbers, spearmint leaves and a hint of lime.

Blackberry Mojitos

Nobody really knows where this twist on the classic lime mojito came from, but blackberry adds depth and flavor to the ever-popular summer drink. Mixology experts are taking things up a notch with blackberry-flavored rum, blackberry juice and even dropping fresh blackberries into the bottom of the drink for a dense flavor.

Açaí Berry Martinis

Whether you enjoy your martini straight up or on the rocks, açaí-berry infused drinks are spilling into bars everywhere and spicing things up for the conventional-martini lover. Using VeeV, an açaí-based alcohol, instead of vodka adds a natural hint of sweetness to any beverage, the clean and crisp flavor for a satisfying finish to any classic martini.

Lemon Gimlets

Forgo the classic lime gimlet in favor of the lemon or 'fuzzy' gimlet made with a carbonated lemon-lime beverage, gin, lime and lemon juice and enjoy a taste of summer any time of year. This one can also be made with white tequila for your Mexico-inspired night.

Iced Chocolate Martini

Throw a party for your inner chocoholic with an ice-cold chocolate martini on the rocks. This dessert-like beverage is made with chocolate liqueur, VeeV (instead of vodka) and fresh cream and can be served straight up in a chilled martini glass for a tasty treat.

Written by Sabah Karimi

Sake Bar and Bar Drinks at Ozumo
Head out to a new San Francisco venue, Ozumo. Get comfortable at the Sake bar and try their local mixology which includes top-shelf Veev-based mixed drinks, alongside a tasty menu of select sake flavors.

Ozumo is located at 161 Steuart Street in San Francisco, California. Don't disappoint your friends by missing out on this local bar, call ahead and make reservations, at (415) 882-1333.

Local Mixology at the Cantina
Warm up to the cozy atmosphere at Cantina. Sip on bar drinks heat up the local bar with your best Salsa and Disco moves. Liven up your taste buds by moving to the flavors of the local mixology, with a Veev-based drink. Order up an exotic "Milk of Millenia. Savor the flavors of ginseng, agave, lemon, mint, ginger and the Acai fruit in Veev, courtesy of this local bar's special concoction.

Cantina is located at 580 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California, (415) 398-0195.

The Forbidden Island
No fruit is forbidden at The Forbidden Island located in the Bay Station Shopping district. Their contributions to local mixology include contemporary cocktails including the Mystery Bowl, Neptune's Garden, and bar drinks made with the Vitamin A-rich and prickly pear-infused spirit, Veev. Bar drinks at this night venue are made with fresh juices and natural ingredients. This local bar serves up Veev, a premium spirit made with the super healthy Acai fruit.

The Forbidden Island is located at 1304 Lincoln Avenue in Alameda, California, (510) 749-0332.

Drink in the local mixology of these San Francisco nightlife venues, while enjoy the healthy benefits of cocktails made with Veev.

Written by Pam Gaulin

Rather than watching Monday night football or shooting pool with your friends, get in touch with your inner geek. You'll be surprised by how much arcade games have progressed in the last ten years, and this is a great way to enjoy local mixology in a laidback setting.

Take Barcade on Union Avenue, for example. This arcade bar offers Happy Hour from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. every day of the week, and more than 30 arcade games are yours for the choosing. From Donkey Kong to Centipede, the contents of your piggy bank will spend itself here.

Also popular is Ace Bar, where pinball and shuffleboard are the cornerstones of happy hour. Kick back with a VeeV cocktail or your favorite beer and pretend you're back in high school with your buddies.

Of course, if arcade games aren't your style, you can always go with the traditional shuffleboard and pool bars that combine urban grit with refreshing hospitality. Bleeker Street bar and The Diamond on Franklin Street are just a couple of your best options.

Arcade bars are taking New York by storm, and the best news is that there isn't a waiting list. Forget the trendy nightlife hotspots that require a celebrity friend to get in; instead, get back to your inner geek and let yourself be a nerd for the night.

And don't forget your computer. A laptop under your arm will only solidify your membership to this geeky club.

Sources:
www.Barcadebrooklyn.com
www.acebar.com

Written by Steve Thompson

A cosmopolitan is a pretty easy and simple drink to make. Combine one shot of Cointreau, one shot of lime juice, three shots of cranberry juice and two shots of vodka and mix in a shaker before pouring in a glass. Now take that same basic cocktail recipe, tweak it a little, and you have something a little different. Simply swap out the basic vodka for VeeV and add a splash of triple sec and lemon or lime juice. The drink will have a sharp citrus kick to it. You can also make it with peach, raspberry, cherry or strawberry juice. Any flavor of juice will work.

The classic cocktail recipe for a traditional martini is another one that everyone should have in their mental file. The classic martini recipe calls for five parts vodka or gin and one part dry vermouth. We suggest using VeeV instead of vodka for a more unique taste. Mix the ingredients carefully in a shaker, pour into a glass and garnish with a lemon peel, olive or onion. Of course not everyone loves this classic martini recipe, which is why there are so many variations on it.

One variation on this cocktail recipe calls for sweet vermouth as opposed to the dry vermouth. This gives the drink a slight kick. You can also pour the VeeV directly into the glass and stir in the vermouth. Supposedly shaking the mixture dulls the taste of the vermouth, but this can be avoided with a gentle stir. Then there are those that pour a small amount of vermouth into a chilled glass, twirl it around and pour out the vermouth before adding the VeeV.

Another martini recipe calls for olive brine instead of vermouth, which is called a dirty martini. The recipe is exactly the same except for the olive brine. Martinis made with VeeV are particularly hot right now, and even the burgeoning bartender can whip up a classic at home. In the mood for something spicy? Omit the vermouth and substitute in a dash of hot sauce. Looking for a drink that's a little sweeter? Use sweet vermouth, VeeV and a splash of watermelon with a lemon peel for garnish.

There's no reason why these cocktail recipes can't be made at home. With a well-stocked liquor cabinet and a shaker, anyone can channel their inner bartender.

Written by Jennifer Eblin

A call drink is a mixed bar drink that specifies the brand of liquor you want in the glass. You might say, for example, that you want a Bacardi and coke rather than letting the bartender choose which type of rum you prefer. You could even get more specific and say you want a Bacardi 151 and coke.

The benefit of ordering call drinks is that you always know the quality of the liquor you'll be drinking. When you leave it up to the bartender, you might receive a drink made from the lowest-quality liquor in the bar, or you might wind up overpaying for an expensive drink you can't afford. Since prices are based on the ingredients in each drink, it pays to be specific.

The ordering of call drinks has become more popular in recent years because there are far more options available at your local bar. Many patrons, for example, have begun requesting Veev in their mixed drinks instead of more common options.

Furthermore, when you order call drinks, you immediately identify yourself as a connoisseur. The bartender and all nearby patrons will assume you know what you're talking about, and suddenly those around you will be asking for recommendations. This elevates your status at the bar and might even score you a date.

When ordering call drinks, you should always give the brand of liquor first, followed by the mixer. In other words, you should say you want a Tanqueray and tonic rather than a tonic and Tanqueray. Alternatively, you can give the bartender the name of the mixer, then name two or three brands of liquor you appreciate.

It is important to note that call drinks are usually more expensive than well drinks. When you order rum and coke, for example, the bartender is going to serve you Coca-Cola with the well brand of rum, which is usually much lower quality than any of their call brands. Therefore, you shouldn't order call drinks unless you can afford them on your tab.

Written by Steve Thompson

Red bull, the college student's staple drink, mixes reasonably well with vodka; and who could imagine a cosmopolitan, vodka martini, assorted bar drinks such as the screwdriver, cocktail recipes, Jell-O vodka shots and other vodka drinks without, well, vodka?

Apparently the folks from VeeV are not buying into the old-world hype of easy vodka mixes, and they have come out in defense of those discerning bar and club patrons thus far condemned to the same old, distilled liquid made from fermented rye, wheat, beet molasses or potatoes. Instead, VeeV offers something so new and unique that it could not help but take the sophisticated centers of the hip and trendy by storm.

Already patrons in Los Angeles, New York and Boston are asking for VeeV by name, and why not? Consider the following: vodka is made from fermented potatoes; VeeV is made from the açaí berry, a fruit considered to be a super food contender! Heart healthy, loaded with antioxidants and from the famed Brazilian rainforest, the açaí berry beats fermented potatoes hands down.

The profits of different types of vodka go into the pockets of big business, but VeeV donates $1 per bottle sold to protect the Brazilian Amazon rainforest and to ensure that the açaí berries are not over harvested. Ecologically sound, environmentally responsible and healthy to boot, once again VeeV sends the various types and brands of vodka packing.

Last but not least, the buzz on the healthy qualities of the açaí berry aside -- and never minding the fact that VeeV contains organic ingredients -- consider that it is a bona fide replacement ingredient in easy and complex vodka drinks. Replace the vodka in your favorite cocktail recipes, martinis, cosmopolitans or screwdrivers and live a little!

With the arrival of an ecologically sound drink containing one of the world's super foods, the end of vodka draws near.

Written by Sylvia Cochran

The two founders are native Chicagoans and their açaí spirit has hit a hot spot with consumers. Açaí, a berry exclusively grown in the Amazon rainforest, is filled with antioxidants. It is very healthy, and the eco-friendly supporters love the fact that the VeeV company donates $1 back to the rainforest for every bottle of liquor they sell.

VeeV is found at many of Chicago's local bars, clubs and restaurants. Among the trendy Chicago establishments where VeeV is served:

Whiskey Blue
172 W. Adams St.
(312) 782-4933
www.gerberbars.com

Blackbird
619 W. Randolph St.
(312) 715-0708
www.blackbirdrestaurant.com

Lumen
839 W. Fulton Market
(319) 733-2222
www.lumen-chicago.com

VeeV has also become central to the Chicago local mixology, a prime resource for the talented bartenders using their creativity in their limited free time to devise wonderful new concoctions. Only briefly mention the word "mixology" to a Chicago bartender who is familiar with VeeV, and you will be sure to be treated to some type of VeeV pleasure.

If you have not done so, be sure to introduce yourself to VeeV. The Windy City as well as you will be glad you did!

Written by Michelle M. Guilbeau-Sheppard

Whether you're spending the night in tinseltown or exploring the upscale lounges in Santa Monica, you'll find dozens of local bars serving up the latest trends with signature drinks - the bar drinks that help carve a venue's spot in the best of L.A.'s nightlife scene.

Trends at Local Bars in L.A.

Bars in L.A. are some of the first in the country to pick up the latest trends in mixed drinks and cocktails, and the local mixology scene has grown into its own culture with a strong following of creative mixologists, talented bartenders and seasoned cocktail gurus.

Some of the latest, noteworthy trends at L.A. bars include:

VeeV cocktails: The antioxidant-rich liquor is becoming a popular choice for making a super-smooth cocktail. Made with açaí berries, VeeV is a refreshing addition to the cocktail menu at several bars and lounges around L.A.

Kiddie Martinis: Feel like a kid again, albeit with grownups' privileges, by ordering up a Cereal Milk Martini made with Lucky Charms, Frangelico and half-and-half for a refreshing twist on your usual cocktail. The Mojito Jell-O shot is another popular trend at several local bars in L.A.

The Vintage Cocktail: The classic, 1800s-style cocktails are taking on a modern twist with new garnishes and creative presentations. Add house-made bitters to the mix for the ultimate vintage experience.

The Herbal Mix: Muddling herbs such as fresh sage, cloves, basil and even Serrano chilies into bar drinks is becoming a popular trend across L.A., and mixologists are using herbs both in the drink and as a garnish for some of the latest cocktails.

Champagne Cocktails: Skip the usual glass of champagne for that next celebration in favor of a champagne-based cocktail. A mixture of sugar, lemon, ice and fruit topped with champagne offers a refreshing twist to the norm.

Written by Sabah Karimi

However, if you aren't willing to try a little variety in your drinking habits, you'll be missing out on some great opportunities, not to mention great taste. VeeV is one of the most popular drinks right now, both as a shooter and as a prime ingredient in favorite cocktails.

First, the hangover potential with VeeV is minimal compared to other liquor choices. When you decide to spend a night throwing back drinks with your friends, you won't have to worry about whether or not you've stocked up on aspirin and orange juice. Furthermore, VeeV is considered a "green" drink, which means that its production is intended to promote environmental causes.

VeeV is made with a particularly interesting fruit, called açaí, which is native to Brazil and chocked full of helpful antioxidants. Rather than letting the negative effects of alcohol build in your system, the açaí fruit helps to sluice those toxins out of your body.

The makers of VeeV have also pledged to donate $1 from the sale of every bottle to the Sustainable Açaí Project, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to farming and preserving the rain forest. This obviously strikes a chord with those who are concerned about the environment and wish to contribute to its preservation.

Unfortunately, it might be difficult to find VeeV in your local bar, as the distribution has thus far been very exclusive. However, if you continue to request it as a replacement for some of the more traditional liquor, you might find a nice surprise in your friendly, neighborhood bar.

This might also be a great time to start experimenting with VeeV recipes. You won't want to be behind the times once VeeV becomes a national, alcoholic-drink staple, and you might as well have fun with it. To learn more about VeeV, visit the official website.

Written by Steve Thompson

Sharing adult beverages with your friends is a great way to spend an evening together and have an overall great time. While there are numerous drink combinations available, there are also many eco-friendly drinks that can provide you with great tasting beverages that are friendly to the environment.

There are many eco-friendly drinks available to purchase and even make. Some of the most popular eco-friendly drink choices include organic wine and beer. Organically developed beverages have been produced with the highest green standards, thus their production is not harmful to the environment. VeeV is another eco-friendly alcoholic beverage. Made from the Brazilian açaí berry, it can be swapped for vodka in any cocktail. VeeV is the industry's first certified carbon-neutral company, and it donates $1 per bottle to the Brazilian rainforest.

The importance of choosing eco-friendly drinks, or green drinks, does not only help your body, by not consuming various chemicals and toxins, but also the environment greatly benefits from these green drinks. Choosing to purchase eco-friendly drinks means the overall production of greenhouse gases due to fuel-intensive transporting, such as through trucks and airplanes, is dramatically reduced.

Many major metropolitan cities have bars and other establishments that serve eco-friendly drinks. An example of such places is the Butterfly Social Club and the Funky Buddha Lounge, both located in Chicago, Illinois. These establishments are aiding the cause of green living, which are having a major impact on both local and worldwide green levels.

Eco-friendly drinks are not only becoming more popular among the mainstream, but they offer the everyday individual an opportunity to help the environment one drink at a time. While adult beverages are a mainstay in our society, consuming eco-friendly drinks will ensure our world will be around long enough for future generations to enjoy this social tradition.

Sources:

http://www.greenyour.com/home/kitchen-cooking/cooking/tips/serve-eco-friendly-food

http://chicago.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/article/eco-lixirs/168268/content

Written by Jonathan McLelland

R.I.P. Here lies Vodka, born in a common still in the European vodka belt sometime in the middle ages, died on the rocks in a nondescript cosmopolitan lounge at the start of the 21st century.

The body isn't yet in the grave, but the stone cutter and grave digger are standing by.

It's been a long time since straight vodka (or vodka drunk "neat," as they say in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe) has been considered anything short of yawn-worthy. Determined to postpone its inevitable demise, vodka quietly spirited itself into a variety of trendy liquids in a desperate bid to cast itself as an essential ingredient for the nouveau social drinking experience. In its travels, vodka struggled to identify itself as cosmopolitan, pairing up with ingredients far from its pedestrian Eastern European origins.

But instead of reinvigorating its reputation, vodka became a laughingstock. Vodka's first effort to bolster its flagging reputation saw it latching onto poor Red Bull, the Austrian energy drink. Rejected by Red Bull, which packs a punch by itself and has no need for an albatross like vodka dimming its effects, vodka's desperation took a ludicrous turn. Knowing that it would never again bask in those glory days of vodka shots, vodka tonics and the staple martini, vodka scurried off to Vermont for infusions of (oh, please try to be sensitive and not laugh too hard) - cow's milk and maple syrup. Even vodka could see that the result was lame.

When competitor Brazilian VeeV hit the markets, poor, befuddled vodka simultaneously grasped at faint marriage prospects with South American guarana and Asian ginseng but was soundly rebuffed. VeeV, açaí fruit-derived liquor with acerola cherry and prickly pear accents, not only outdid vodka drinks in the taste and sophistication categories, it lured in remaining vodka loyalists with its eco-friendly aura. With VeeV boasting 57-percent more antioxidants than popular pomegranate and 30-percent more cardiac-protective anthocyanins than red wine, vodka seemed to accept its looming diagnosis and crept away toward oblivion.

VeeV cheerfully filled the glasses once reserved for vodka and innovations sprung forth. From simple pairings with lime and club soda to intertwining with cucumber, basil, mint and tea rose fusion, newcomer VeeV's versatility fed the perception that VeeV is destined to become even more ubiquitous than vodka once was.

And what of those whispered rumors of a last-ditch vodka comeback? No, folks aren't drinking vodka again.

Wine X Magazine reported in its current issue that some young Irish and Brits have resorted to snorting pure vodka through straws. Its VeeV folks are drinking. Vodka is destined to spend its final days in the dank, dark nasal passages of retrograde British Isles bar-goers.

Written by Carol Bengle Gilbert

But now there is a fascinating alternative to bland, old vodka. Experience VeeV, the new 60-proof, clear spirit with a tantalizing flavor of rich, dark berries with a hint of chocolate and a touch of citrus. And here's a real reason to drink to your health: a main ingredient in VeeV is the açaí berry, a super food with the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruit. The other key ingredients, acerola cherries and prickly pear add a tangy zest with the benefit of vitamin C.

Drinks mixed with VeeV are smoother and more satisfying than those made with vodka. If you want to add sophistication with a new twist to your classic mixed drinks, try these recipes. You are sure to get compliments and questions about your exotic, new creations.

Electric Screwdriver

1 ounce VeeV

5 ounces fresh-squeezed orange juice

dash of Rose's Lime Juice

Fill in a highball glass and stir gently.

Red Russian

1 ounce strawberry liqueur

1 ounce VeeV

1 ounce heavy cream

Pour layers in the order listed, in a lowball glass.

Harvey Wallbanger

1 ounce VeeV

4 ounces fresh orange juice

1 ounce Galliano

Pour VeeV and orange juice into a Collins glass over ice cubes and mix. Float Galliano over the mix and serve.

Grasshopper

1 ounce VeeV

1 ounce green Crème de Menthe

1 ounce white Crème de Cacao

Shake in a tumbler with ice; strain into a cocktail glass and serve.

Yellow Fever

1 ounce VeeV

5 ounces lemonade

Juice of one lime wedge

Combine into highball glass. Add a lemon wedge garnish.

The Stinger

1 ounce VeeV

1 ounce white Crème de Cacao

Shake with chipped ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

While you and your guests are enjoying your fabulous creations, you can take pride in the fact that the VeeV brand supports eco-friendly "green" initiatives like the Rainforest Action Network and Sambazon's Sustainable Açaí Project, by donating $1 per bottle to the causes. Açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is a slender palm tree that bears its purple fruit at the crown of the palm fronds. Açaí, which is the national fruit of Brazil, has 57 percent more antioxidants than blueberries and pomegranates, and up to 30 percent more of the heart-healthy flavinoids found in red wine. VeeV provides a healthy, delicious and eco-friendly ingredient to your classic mixes.

Written by David Claerr

VeeV's clever website, TheEndOfVodka.com, also contributed to the waving of the white flag. The Russians are so horrified by how dumb vodka has made Americans, they have admitted defeat and are mortified to have been such a pivotal part of the decline. They even go so far as to label the vodkabots on the site as "despicable characters who do not know how to behave in society".

To read their full concession speech, including an admission that VeeV is indeed a better way to drink, visit their site.

Namely, international spies. "Vodka martini. Shaken, not stirred." Why shaken and not stirred? I suppose that stipulation was to make James Bond, who travels around wearing a tux, look very cool. Bond knows what he wants, even if the drink is just a mixture of vodka and vermouth, shaken with ice and served up with an olive. Kind of lame when you think of it that way.

Alright, I have to admit that vodka does go well in a screwdriver, a drink first invented, it is said, by Texas oil workers. It consists of vodka and orange juice, stirred up, but not necessarily with a screwdriver. But you can easily swap the vodka for something better, like VeeV. This spirit is made with the açaí berry, which grows in the rainforest of Brazil. For every bottle of VeeV sold, $1 is donated to the Brazilian Rainforest. Açaí berries offer a wealth of health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy anthocyanins. When you drink a cocktail make with VeeV - instead of vodka - you are doing a service to your own health as well as that of our planet.

What better drink to recline with, whether you're on the beach, the deck of a cruise ship or even your own porch? Can vodka provide the same pleasure? I think not.

Written by Mark Whittington

Little did the Shecky's reporters know that they would discover VeeV.

What is VeeV? It's an alternative to vodka in mixed drinks. It comes from açaíberries grown in the Brazilian rainforest.

Is that a typo for the second "V" to be a capitalized in "VeeV"? No. In fact, the way that VeeV is catching on in New York City, we might end up with "NeW YorK CitY"!

Well, it was a tough job, but someone had to do it. The reporters from Shecky's said they sampled "more than 100 of the finest liquids in a three-hour span." But in the process of drinking their way through NYC, they made a VeeV discovery that no doubt helped them avoid the effects of a hangover.

The Shecky's team from New York City said, "What's new and trendy? How about VeeV, the world's first spirit made fromaçaí, which has more antioxidants than pomegranate - it tastes like grape juice, which isn't necessarily a bad thing."

Not a bad thing at all. Not a bad thing indeed. Here's a VeeV cocktail recipe that is among those that are becoming popular in New York City:

VeeV Eco Lemonade

Ingredients:

four lemon wedges

four sprigs of mint

two ounces of VeeV açaí spirit

club soda

Instructions: Muddle four lemon wedges and four mint sprigs in a mixing glass. Add VeeV and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake. Pour into a glass, top with club soda and garnish with fresh mint.

Written by Michael Thompson

You see it in the new, hot restaurants and bars calling Chicago home. Many present dishes and drinks that are a product of culinary fusions to create something new and exciting. Menus like this make you think twice about what you eat and reawaken your sense of taste after it has already adapted to what it knows.

Like restaurants, the local bars and their bartenders in Chicago are finding a way to maintain what is integral to the art of bartending while still mixing conventional drinks. Local mixology has made it possible for even the most common bar drinks to take on a new spin when liquors like VeeV are introduced.

If you haven't already tried it, VeeV is more than a trendy liquor - it is the first spirit to use açaí berries, a fruit common to Brazil and considered one of the healthiest foods in the world. VeeV has also found its way into several local bars in Chicago that are not new to mixing things up.

In fact, a couple standout drinks from local bars have captured Chicago's worldly flare and proven that Chicago mixologists are at the head of the class. Here are two recipes that use VeeV to create something that will set off every taste bud long after sliding down your throat.

Summer Samba

By Todd Appel of Crimson Lounge, Chicago

1.5 oz. VeeV, 2 oz. passion fruit juice, ½ oz. fresh lime juice, ¼ oz. simple syrup

Mix all ingredients in a glass with ice, shake well and serve on the rocks. Garnish with a seasonal fruit of choice.

Jussara de Melon

By DJ Love of The Drawing Room, Chicago

1.5 oz. VeeV, 1.5 oz. watermelon juice, ¾ oz. lime juice, ½ oz. agave nectar, ¾ oz. egg white

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake, double strain into a martini glass and garnish with a watermelon slice.

Written by Sophia Sanchez

If you're not fond of the high bills associated with drinking in bars, then making cocktails at home is the way to go. The recipes which are available in cookbooks and on the web are endless. You can come up with your own cocktail recipes simply by using existing recipes as a basis. Just add an ounce of daring and a dash of ingenuity, and you're sure to create a winner. Here are just a few to get you started.

How to Make a Martini

The classic martini recipe contains about three ounces of gin, a half ounce of dry vermouth and a green olive or twist of lemon. Variations on this recipe include the Gibson, which is made with two cocktail onions instead of the olive, and the Gimlet, which incorporates a bit of lime cordial. More recent variations include the Appletini, which includes apple liqueur, and the chocolate martini, which may contain a combination of chocolate liqueurs and chocolate syrup.

The Cosmopolitan

Traditionally made from vodka and triple sec, along with lime and cranberry juice, the Cosmopolitan is another mixed drink that can easily be altered to suit the drinker's tastes. Replacing the vodka with VeeV will help to enhance the fruity flavor of this popular beverage. Use sweetened lime juice or cranberry juice for a tastier combination. One cosmopolitan recipe uses blood orange to enhance the orange flavor of the triple sec. The Cosmobellini includes white peach puree and Prosecco sparkling wine for added flavor and sweetness.

Long Island Iced Tea

Here's another alcoholic drink that has many possible variations. To create a healthier and tastier version of this classic drink, replace the vodka with one part VeeV, and add equal parts gin, rum, tequila and triple sec. Instead of sour mix, add fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice. Replace the cola with a splash of strong, brewed tea with a hint of citrus flavor.

The Bloody Mary

This classic drink is famous for its versatility. Try making a vegetarian, vitamin-enriched Bloody Mary cocktail by mixing three ounces of V8 Juice, one and a half ounces VeeV, one tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice, a dash of soy sauce along with a small amount of salt, pepper and hot sauce. Make a spicy Bloody Mary by adding horseradish, chili powder and cumin. You could make this drink milder by cutting back on the spices. Or you could make it a Five-Alarm Mary by ramping up the pepper sauce to maximum proportions. Whatever your preferences, there's a recipe that will please your palate.

Written by Jennifer Claerr

Sources:

Sean Paajenen, "Long Island Iced Tea." About.com

Colleen Graham, "Bloody Mary." About.com

Colleen Graham, "Cosmopolitan." About.com

"Cosmobellini Recipe." Drinksmixer.com

Vodka is turning into the cheapest of liquors. For example, the cheapest vodka in my local Wines and Spirits is Nikolai Vodka 1 liter for only $7. Being under the influence of vodka is like playing Russian roulette. No matter how much you drink, your experience level, the brand of vodka, when you drink or how you drink, each time is an entirely different experience. Two screwdrivers (vodka and orange juice) can put you in the same boat as five straight shots of vodka.

If you want to take into consideration your health, vodka (along with whiskey, beer and some wines) contributes to heartburn and abnormal functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve that keeps stomach acid in the stomach and out of your food pipe.) If the condition becomes severe enough, it could result in surgery or ongoing medication. It's better to go with VeeV, an açaí spirit that has antioxidants. Drinking VeeV is actually good for you.

With vodka's price falling and alcohol content on the rise, the possibility of fake vodka is becoming a problem. Since vodka is mostly made of water and ethanol, which is made from fermenting potatoes, the dangers of obtaining fake vodka have already been seen in the United Kingdom where many were exposed to methanol poisoning. Fake or black-market vodka, sometimes called "bathtub vodka," can cause blindness and even death due to the industrial ethanol substitutes. According to the BBC News, at least 120 people have died due to this "vodka," and more than a thousand have been poisoned by black market vodka.

If you are planning on having some fun with friends, vodka is a dangerous way to go.

Written by Pcmiztress

In these uncertain financial times, New York's Financial District has never been more in need of a happy hour. And a pretty terrific place to spend that hour is New York's world-famous South Street Seaport.

The South Street Seaport is an ideal venue to kick back and relax after a hard day watching the markets. This local New York scene boasts several great bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious bar drinks, including eco-friendly products like VeeV.

If you enjoy a familiar Irish pub feel, you can check out the Heartland Brewery and Beer Hall in the Historic Cobblestone District or MacMenamin's Irish Pub on the third floor of the Pier 17 Building.

If you crave a casual bite to eat with your cocktail, head over to the Seaport Café or J.P. Mustard. For a more formal dining experience, pay a visit to Sequoia, Cabana, Red or the Pacific Grill. Whatever your tastes, the South Street Seaport offers a restaurant with a full-service bar that will cater to them.

Local bars in downtown Manhattan boast diverse crowds of revelers, and the South Street Seaport is no exception. Whether you are in the mood for a relaxing meal overlooking the water or a casual cocktail while watching the big game on a television over the bar, the South Street Seaport is bound to come through.

The South Street Seaport also offers a variety of shops and some stellar views. So check out the local scene in lower Manhattan during happy hour after work.

Written by Jack Oceano

North Miami Bars

Miami, like other major cities in the United States, is divided into several neighborhoods and districts. One of the hottest districts for Miami nightlife is North Miami. Here you will find over 20 different bars, including A.J. Roxx & the Liquor Box, found at 14075 W. Dixie Highway; Flannigan's, located at 9516 Harding Ave., and the Nightcap Lounge, found at 15544 W. Dixie Highway.

South Beach, Miami

Younger crowds are going to appreciate the high-adrenaline, party atmosphere of South Beach. This area of Miami is known for its cutting edge clubs and bars. Some bars that you can try out include Finnegan's Two, located at 942 Lincoln Road; the Royal Buddha Bar, located at 758 Washington Ave. and X-treme, located at 747 Fourth St. #101.

Miami Local Mixology

Miami's local bars serve a number of signature bar drinks. If you are interested in eco-friendly drinks, order a VeeV mixed drink. If you like blueberries, try a Brazilian Firecracker made from pomegranate, blueberries, VeeV and club soda. On the other hand, if you like something a bit more upscale, try a VeeVini, which is made by mixing VeeV and champagne. Finally, if you are looking for drinks that are really signature Miami mixed drinks, try a Black Pearl, a Kobe Punch or a Twisted Pineapple.

Written by Eisla Sebastian

The newest craze on the L.A. bar scene is mixing up old standards with a new spirit: VeeV, an all-natural, 60-proof, clear spirit made mostly from açaí berries. Grown in the rainforests of Brazil, açaí tastes like dark berries (think blackberry and black cherry) with just the hint of dark chocolate. Along with açaí, VeeV contains acerola cherry and prickly pear juice. At 60 proof, it has less alcohol, not to mention fewer calories, than most clear spirits, and the açaí berry has 57 percent more antioxidants than pomegranates, perhaps making VeeV the healthiest alcohol on the market.

Not only is VeeV refreshing, it's also green. Courtney Reum, the co-founder of VeeV (with brother Carter), says the company donates $1 for each bottle sold to support the sustainability of growing açaí in the Amazon and raise awareness of rainforest concerns. Initially VeeV debuted at about 30 L.A. bars and restaurants, but the distribution has broadened to include most of southern California, San Francisco and Chicago.

Courtney and Carter Reum shared one of their favorite VeeV recipes with the White Apricot Newsletter, an online source catering to the eco- and socially conscious residents of southern California. The VeeV "Drunken Cherry" contains two ounces of VeeV, brandy-soaked cherries, fresh lime juice and soda. Shake the VeeV, fresh lime juice and cherries with ice in a cocktail shaker, pour it over ice and add soda to taste.

Mixology has embraced this new liquor, and mixologists at the hottest bars are coming up with their own new drinks. Fred Dexheimer at West Hollywood's BLT Steak created the "Fountain of Youth." Combine two ounces of VeeV, half ounce simple syrup, half ounce fresh lime juice and two ounces Knudsen's Organic Blueberry Nectar in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and pour this concoction into chilled martini glasses. Garnish the drink with blueberries.

Those who love VeeV promise it can be substituted in any recipe that uses clear liquor, and local bars in the Los Angeles area seem to be competing to come up with the best new recipes. Rumor has it that Red Bull has taken a back seat to this healthier drink. Is VeeV a fad or will it last? At $34.99 a bottle, it won't break the bank. The environmentally conscious can feel good about drinking a sustainable product that supports its growers and is made by a carbon-neutral company, which is unique among spirits factories. Most hope VeeV is the beginning of a new wave of eco-friendly, health-conscious liquors.

Written by L. Lee Scott

Cosmopolitan, manhattan, martini... you'll hear these names frivolously thrown around any upscale bar or club.

Intoday's world, we aren't as frivolous with our clothes, our food or our cleaning products. The world is becoming eco-conscious, and consumers are searching for eco-friendly products to help them go green. Why stop when you order a drink at the bar? Eco-friendly cocktails are the newest trend for the environmentally conscious consumer.

Organic Beer and Wine
MSNBC recently reported on this growing trend in the United States and commented that organic beer and wine are the first eco-friendly alcoholic drinks that many consumers encounter. For a beer or wine to be classified as organic, like Peak Organic Beer and products from The Organic Wine Company, the beverages need to meet the standards set by the USDA's National Organic Program. By doing so, they can be considered organic, and consumers can be sure they are helping the environment with their beer or wine choice.

Organic Juice, Fruit and Vegetables
If you can't go without your favorite alcoholic cocktail at a party, consider adding to it with organic fruit and vegetables. Making a mimosa? Be sure to add Tropicana's organic orange juice. If you want a martini, add a Rawganique organic olive to your drink. Even if the alcohol itself isn't eco-friendly, there's no reason not to spice it up with a green mixer or garnish. Many cocktails have started adding organic tea as a mixer. What will they think of next?

Green Business Habits
Another way to go green with your cocktail choice is to select beverages whose companies have environmentally friendly practices. The açaí berries used in VeeV, for example, are not only harvested from sustainable forests, but the company donates $1 for every bottle purchased back to the Brazilian rainforest. Seek out companies like VeeV, who make the word "eco-conscious" part of their business practice.

Eco-friendly cocktails are the newest trend for the environmentally conscious consumer. From organic beer, wine, mixers and garnishes to companies that make going green part of their business plan, selecting eco-friendly drinks is a lifestyle change you won't have to suffer through. The options for green cocktails are limitless if you open up your mind when ordering at the bar.

Sources:

MSNBC; Organic Booze Becomes Cocktail Trend at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25098479/

Peak Organic Beer at http://www.peakbrewing.com/

Organic Wine Company at http://www.theorganicwinecompany.com/

Rawganique at http://www.rawganique.com/Food-raw-organic-olives.htm

SmartsCo at http://www.smartsco.com/content/view/108/66/

Veev at http://www.veevlife.com/

Written by Kelly Herdrich

VeeV

VeeV can be substituted for vodka in any cocktail you currently make at home, especially if you prefer flavored vodka (like raspberry). To make basic cocktails using VeeV, try VeeV and tonic or VeeV and cranberry juice.

If you like to get fancy with your cocktails, you can substitute VeeV for the gin or vodka in a martini or substitute VeeV for the rum in a mojito. If blended frozen cocktails are more your style, mix VeeV, ice, limeade and a splash of lemon in the blender. Garnish with a paper umbrella for an instant vacation feel.

To really impress guests, break out the fresh fruit. The açaí flavor in VeeV mixes well with other berry flavors like blueberry and strawberry, as well as citrus and mint. It also makes a lovely compliment to champagne and club soda.

If you're still feeling a little lost, here are a couple of recipes to get you started:

Rainforest on the Rocks

Muddle eight sprigs of mint (preferably spearmint but peppermint will do) and a lime wedge in a mixing glass. If you've never "muddled" before, that basically means you mash the mint and the lime with a wooden utensil into the bottom of a glass. The purpose of muddling is to release the flavors in the fresh ingredients. After you muddle, add two ounces (a little more than a standard shot) of VeeV and one and a half ounces of watermelon juice. Toss a pinch of sugar and some ice in a cocktail shaker, shake and pour.

Veev Lemonade

Muddle four lemon wedges and four mint sprigs. Shake your fruity mess with ice and two ounces of VeeV in a cocktail shaker. Pour it into a glass with a little club soda on top. (Don't shake the club soda. That's messy.)

VeeV Açaí-tini

Shake two ounces of VeeV, an ounce of açaí juice and a liberal squeeze of fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker. If you can't find açaí juice at your local supermarket, you can substitute cherry or cranberry juice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and fill the rest of the glass with champagne. To impress friends, drop a raspberry or two into the glass for garnish.

Sources:
http://www.barnonedrinks.com/drinks/by_ingredient/v/veev-acai-spirit-9097.html
http://www.oodora.com/health-and-food/drinks/drink-for-a-good-cause-veev.html
http://www.novusvinum.com/spirits/veev.html

Written by Esther November

Home to some of the world's trendiest clubs, upscale bars and lounges, Miami boasts a round-the-clock party scene with plenty of opportunities to sample unique concoctions from professional mixologists. Local bars fill up well before happy hour to toast the day with bar drinks you won't find anywhere on the coast. Be prepared for a lineup of tempting martini recipes, fresh flavor infusions and classic drinks made with a twist of exotic fruit; the latest trends from the local mixology scene include eco-friendly alcohols, organic liquors and specialty beers from around the globe.

Mixologists at local bars in Miami have become cocktail designers extraordinaire with their lineup of exotic bar drinks infused with fresh flavors from the tropics. Head over to venues like Sushi Samba Dromo on Lincoln Road to try the samba dragon, a mango rum, guarana and ginger cocktail that will take you on a brief trip to the far east. Or, try your luck at the M-Bar on Brickell Key Drive to pick out one of hundreds of martinis from this signature martini bar. This place hits the spot with creative cocktails fit for a king (or queen). From the sunrise martini to the chocolate raspberry dessert-like 'tini,' you'll have plenty of ways to experience the best of Biscayne Bay.

If it's a poolside experience you're after, the Bahia at the Four Seasons will give you plenty of reasons to toast to the sunset. The venue serves up exotic mojitos and martinis by the pool after 5 p.m. And when the night calls for a glamorous bar-hop, don't miss the Opium Garden and Prive lounge on your route. The Asian-inspired club and modern lounge feature some of the best bar drinks in the city. Make table reservations for signature mixed drinks, bottles of champagne and liquor brands from around the world.

Local mixology trends in Miami go one step further with eco drinks and green cocktails for a fresh spin on the classics. Make your way to the Rose Bar inside the The Delano hotel where they serve Veev, the first eco-friendly liquor. It is made from the Brazilian açaí berry and rich in antioxidants. Ask for a cosmopolitan - or nearly any other cocktail - to be made with it and you'll be plesantly surprised with the unique flavor you discover.

The Miami Vice cocktail isn't the only drink you'll want to track down at the nearest bar. South Beach is home to dozens of tropical concoctions that make partying in the city an extraordinary experience!

Written by Sabah Karimi

The local scene in Los Angeles is an eclectic mix of star-studded celeb hangouts complete with paparazzi-littered sidewalks, local bars that serve celebrities and normal mortals alike and, of course, the nightclubs, lounges and hot new bars with a twist.

Clientele of the local bars is as varied as the L.A. scene, but there is a unique undercurrent you won't find anywhere else in the country: bar drinks and local mixology are of decisive importance and may turn a humble watering hole overnight into a bar of renown.

A hot new drink is making the rounds and already there are local bars catering to the clientele that demands it by name: VeeV. Made from the Brazilian açaí berry and mixed with prickly pear and Acerola cherry, this alcoholic beverage is taking local mixology by storm. Local L.A. scene insiders ask for VeeV by demanding it neat, or in the alternative trying it in a plethora of concoctions.

Bar drinks found in the many South America-inspired cantinas throughout the City of Angels have begun serving the VeeVARita, a takeoff on the traditional margarita. VeeV replaces the conventional Triple Sec - both VeeV and Triple Sec are 60 proof - and prickly pear puree substitutes for the strawberry fruit mixture.

Even the Southern institution of the mint julep has bowed to the açaí berry revolution. VeeV now replaces the bourbon whiskey, and even the occasional discrete bit of prickly pear puree is added to the ice and crushed mint leaves.

Certain to soon become incorporated into the L.A. scene's famous Sunset Boulevard institution that is the Key Club, VeeV has already changed the face of local mixology at bars and restaurants, and if the buzz about the exclusive Sky Bar at the Los Angeles Mondrian Hotel is any indication, even the velvet rope cannot keep out the VeeV-inspired açaí berry revolution in the bars of Los Angeles.

Sources:
http://www.veevlife.com/
http://www.keyclub.com
http://www.mondrianhotel.com/mondrian_hotel_skybar.asp

Written by Sylvia Cochran