Did you know that there’s a day dedicated to the vegan way of life? That’s right – today we’re going to chat about all things vegan, and discuss how those following this diet (and lifestyle) can still enjoy cocktails and spirits to the fullest. We’ll list several vegan cocktails and help you determine which cocktail ingredients fit within the vegan lifestyle. Continue reading about World Vegan Day to get started!

Disclaimer: Distillery Nearby is not a health information source. If you have concerns about your diet, or questions about whether a vegan diet would be good for you, please reach out to your healthcare provider.

What Does It Mean to Be Vegan?

Are you considering taking on a vegan diet? Did you know that veganism is more than just a dietary choice? For most vegans, it’s a lifestyle, a philosophy, and a commitment to making compassionate choices that impact not only their health but also the world around us. So, what does it truly mean to be vegan?

At its core, veganism is about abstaining from the use of animal products and by-products. This includes avoiding meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and other items derived from animals. The following tenets are generally considered what it means to be “vegan.”

Cruelty-Free Living: Vegans strive to minimize harm to animals by not participating in activities that exploit or harm them. This means no supporting industries like factory farming or animal testing.

Plant-Based Nutrition: The vegan diet is centered around plants – fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It’s a shift towards a more sustainable and earth-friendly way of eating.

Environmental Impact: Being vegan goes beyond animal welfare. It’s also about reducing the environmental footprint. By consuming fewer animal products, vegans aim to lower greenhouse gas emissions and conserve resources.

Health and Wellness: Many people adopt veganism for its potential health benefits. A well-balanced vegan diet can be rich in essential nutrients, low in saturated fats, and associated with reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.

Ethical Compassion: Vegans are driven by a deep sense of empathy and ethics, choosing to live in harmony with all living beings and advocating for a more compassionate world.

Global Awareness: Veganism is not just a personal choice; it’s a way to contribute to global issues like food security, climate change, and sustainability. It encourages people to think about the bigger picture.

In essence, being vegan is a holistic lifestyle choice that seeks to harmonize our individual health, animal welfare, and the environment. It’s a way to express our values through everyday choices, from what we eat to the products we use.

What Is World Vegan Day?

On World Vegan Day, we celebrate the individuals who’ve embraced this compassionate way of life, and we invite you to explore the flavors, benefits, and positive impact of a vegan lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious, there’s always something new to learn and savor in the world of plant-based living! In this blog, we aim to discuss how cocktails and spirits can be made vegan, and which ones are naturally so!

When Is World Vegan Day?

World Vegan Day is observed on November 1st every year. It’s a great time for vegans and non-vegans alike to learn about veganism and at least consider its positive impact on our planet and well-being.

Is Alcohol Vegan?

Alcohol can be both vegan and non-vegan, depending on how it is produced and processed. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that determine whether an alcoholic beverage is vegan-friendly:

#1: Ingredients

The primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages is typically the alcohol itself, which is usually plant-based (e.g., from grains, fruits, or sugarcane). 

However, some alcoholic beverages, like certain liqueurs or specialty drinks, may contain non-vegan ingredients such as dairy, honey, or other animal-derived additives. It’s essential to check the ingredient list for any non-vegan components.

#2: Clarifying Agents

Some alcoholic beverages go through a clarifying process to remove impurities and particles, which can involve the use of non-vegan agents like isinglass (from fish bladder), gelatin (from animal collagen), or egg whites. 

These agents help to make the beverage clear. However, many producers have shifted to using vegan-friendly alternatives, like bentonite clay or plant-based proteins, in the clarification process. Look for labels that indicate the beverage is “vegan-friendly” or research the specific brand’s methods to be sure.

#3: Flavorings

Some drinks, particularly cocktails and flavored spirits, may contain non-vegan flavorings or colorings. It’s a good practice to inquire about the sources of any added flavors, and if in doubt, choose products that clearly state they are vegan or have a vegan certification.

#4: Production Processes

Certain alcoholic beverages, like wines and beers, can sometimes be produced with non-vegan practices. For instance, some wines are filtered using animal-derived products. Vegan wines and beers are available, but you might need to check with the producer or look for a vegan certification.

#5: Beer and Wine

Beers and wines can vary widely in terms of their vegan-friendliness. While some producers use animal products in the fining process (to remove sediment), others rely on vegan alternatives. To find vegan-friendly options, you can look for labels or do some research to identify brands and products that adhere to vegan practices.

Do Your Research, and Ask Questions

Luckily, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of veganism, and many alcohol producers are now making an effort to provide vegan-friendly options. As a result, it’s become easier to find a variety of vegan alcoholic beverages on the market. To ensure your drink is vegan, always check the label, inquire with the producer, or do some research to verify the specific product’s vegan status.

A Few Vegan Spirits & Brands to Try

There are loads of lists of vegan spirits brands online, like this one. We’ll list several for you here, but keep in mind that it may be easier to see what’s around you in our by-state distillery directory and cross check with another list. You can also contact your local distilleries and inquire about their specific processing and flavoring processes to be 100% certain before you purchase anything.

Baileys Almande

Baileys Almande is a delightful and dairy-free twist on the classic Irish cream liqueur. Made with almond milk, it offers a lusciously creamy and nutty flavor, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a vegan and gluten-free alternative to traditional Baileys, without compromising on taste and indulgence. 

Whether sipped neat, in coffee, or blended into cocktails, Baileys Almande brings a delectable, plant-based experience to your glass.

Hera the Dog Vodka

Hera the Dog Vodka is not just any vodka; it’s a brand with a heartwarming mission. Created to support animal welfare, every bottle of Hera the Dog Vodka contributes to rescuing and providing care for dogs in need. 

This premium vodka not only offers a smooth and pure taste but also embodies the spirit of compassion, making it a choice that will lift your spirits and help you support animals in need.

Greenbar Distillery

Greenbar Distillery is a pioneering and eco-conscious distillery that takes a fresh and sustainable approach to crafting spirits. Committed to organic ingredients and responsible sourcing, Greenbar Distillery’s lineup of handcrafted spirits, including organic whiskey, gin, and liqueurs, offers a delicious way to enjoy your favorite cocktails while supporting environmentally-friendly practices. 

With their passion for flavor and a greener planet, Greenbar Distillery is the perfect choice for those who appreciate great drinks and a dedication to a more sustainable future. They plant a tree for every bottle (or every 24 cans) purchased!

Vegan Cocktails to Try for World Vegan Day

Now, a huge part of this is making sure your spirits are vegan, of course. However, any cocktail that doesn’t use honey, egg, milk, cream, or half-and-half should be fine! For your syrups and flavorings, ensuring that those items don’t come from cruel sources is also important. Depending on how strictly you stick to these principles, it can be more or less difficult to collect bar goodies to make drinks at home. 

Regardless, here are several cocktails that, when made with vegan ingredients, are 100% vegan! Of course, drink responsibly!

The Classic Mojito

Ingredients:

2 oz white rum

1 oz fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons sugar

6-8 fresh mint leaves

Soda water

Instructions:

1. Muddle the mint leaves and sugar in a glass.
2. Add the rum and lime juice and stir.
3. Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel.

The Classic (But Also Vegan) Piña Colada

Ingredients:

2 oz coconut cream

3 oz pineapple juice

2 oz white rum

Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blend the coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum with ice.
2. Pour into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry.

The Spicy Margarita (Plain Margaritas Are Vegan, Too!)

Ingredients:

2 oz tequila

1 oz triple sec

1 oz fresh lime juice

1/2 oz agave syrup

Sliced jalapeño (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rim a glass with salt (use a lime wedge to moisten the rim).
2. In a shaker, combine all ingredients with ice.
3. Shake well and strain into the glass.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and a slice of jalapeño for some heat.

The Classic Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

2 oz vodka

4 oz ginger beer

1/2 oz fresh lime juice

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
2. Add vodka and fresh lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel.

A Bit Different: The Strawberry Basil Smash

Ingredients:

2 oz gin

4-5 fresh strawberries

4-5 fresh basil leaves

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz agave syrup

Instructions:

1. Muddle the strawberries, basil leaves, and agave syrup in a shaker.
2. Add gin and lemon juice, and fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a strawberry and a basil leaf.

Distillery Nearby: Find Local, Craft Spirits That Could Be Vegan!

Here at Distillery Nearby, we know how hard it can be to find local distilleries that are pumping out delicious, vegan spirits. We’ve made this a tad easier for you by organizing our distillery listings by state. This means that you can browse the distilleries in your area, and cross check them or contact them directly to find out which ones offer vegan spirit choices. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our distillery directory today! →