








Living Aware Daily
04 May 2012 04:48
| Reviews, Sustainability
| Permalink
Comments
A Taste of Ashland
It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm! And the Tasters were out! Once again, ORGANIC NATION Spirits wowed the crowd. Besides serving tastes of both our luscious spirits, we had a yummy BEE'S KNEES, that classic 1920's cocktail mix, to offer. We were at Backroads Studio, where Harriet Greene and Marty Goldman live and create incredible works of art. To round things out, Mystic Treats was serving up delicious pizza, such as their Southern Oregon, which features hazelnuts, figs and gorgonzola cheese!
I think that the local bars might be inundated with requests so here is the recipe for you to give them:
ORGANIC NATION~ It's the BEE'S KNEES:
2 oz. of ORGANIC NATION gin
3/4 oz - 1 oz. fresh squeezed organic lemon juice
1 oz. honey syrup
Shake with ice in a shaker and serve UP in a gorgeous Martini glass
Honey syrup: mix 1:1 local honey to water, heat up to meld.
**This is a cocktail that you have to taste as you go, you might need more honey, if the lemons are tarter than usual or less honey if the honey is stronger than some. Taste away and enjoy on a nice warm day!
I think that the local bars might be inundated with requests so here is the recipe for you to give them:
ORGANIC NATION~ It's the BEE'S KNEES:
2 oz. of ORGANIC NATION gin
3/4 oz - 1 oz. fresh squeezed organic lemon juice
1 oz. honey syrup
Shake with ice in a shaker and serve UP in a gorgeous Martini glass
Honey syrup: mix 1:1 local honey to water, heat up to meld.
**This is a cocktail that you have to taste as you go, you might need more honey, if the lemons are tarter than usual or less honey if the honey is stronger than some. Taste away and enjoy on a nice warm day!
ORGANIC NATION vodka: FOUR YEARS OLD
ORGANIC NATION vodka celebrated its fourth birthday! On April 30, 2008, the Oregon state liquor stores started selling ORGANIC NATION vodka. Since that date, our vodka has gained access in Asia and Europe and won two Silver medals and a Gold!! On January 16, 2012, our premium organic vodka captured a Gold Medal because of it's smooth, delicious taste and sustainable roots with the Good Food Awards. We are really proud to have been included with all those outstanding food producers and to be chosen as a Gold Medal winner!
Hop Frog at Standing Stone Brewing Co.

HOP FROG
2 oz. ORGANIC NATION gin
Muddle:
1/2 Myers Lemon
6 fresh Ammarello Hops
1/2 Myers Lemon
6 fresh Ammarello Hops
Add: Ice & shake well. Strain into a High Ball glass filled with ice
Top off with Soda H20.
**When hops are added to the brewing process for beer, the bitter taste of the hops are accented. This drink brings out the other floral flavors of the fresh hops. This is a refreshing drink that is best enjoyed at the end of long day.
Created by Jay Jones, Server/Mixologist extraordinaire at The Standing Stone Brewing Co., in Ashland, Cascade Peak Spirits Distilleries' home town!
Top off with Soda H20.
**When hops are added to the brewing process for beer, the bitter taste of the hops are accented. This drink brings out the other floral flavors of the fresh hops. This is a refreshing drink that is best enjoyed at the end of long day.
Created by Jay Jones, Server/Mixologist extraordinaire at The Standing Stone Brewing Co., in Ashland, Cascade Peak Spirits Distilleries' home town!
O-N at the Ashland Food and Wine Classic

Comments (1)
ORGANIC NATION gin in CA
Iron Bartender Seeks Greatness with ORGANIC NATION Spirits

ORGANIC NATION Spirits Abroad

Dave Clark, Mixologist, Thai Pepper
04 October 2011 01:51
| Mixologists
| Permalink

Gatsby
2 oz ORGANIC NATION gin
1/2 oz dry vermouth (try Vya out of Quady Winery in Napa)
2 dashes of organic Bitters
Stir with ice and strain into a chilled Martini glass
ENJOY!
Gigi, Concierge` Extraordinaire @ Ashland Spring Hotel

She is tireless and always ready with a helpful hint about where to go, what to do and even sometimes what to Imbibe! (that would be local certified organic spirits~ORGANIC NATION vodka and gin!) Thanks Gigi, it is friends like you who help a small little business make a go of it!
Check out LARKS, restaurant & bar in the Ashland Springs Hotel for great food, atmosphere and Salisha, their bartender, who is continually crafting delicious ORGANIC NATION cocktails.
Ann Curry, NBC Today Show News Anchor

American Craft Vodkas

Organic Nation vodka was one of their favorites: "With a silky mouthfeel, a slight sweetness, and a smooth kick on the finish, Cascade Peak Spirit's Organic Nation Vodka goes nicely with herbaceous and citrus flavors."
They developed a crafty cocktail: Celery Cider with O-N. Check out issues #136 & 137 of SAVEUR for more information.
Second from left in rear, Organic Nation is standing tall with its beautiful colors.
Comments (1)
Celery Cider Cocktail

1.5 oz. Organic Nation Vodka
2 oz. apple cider
Dash simple syrup
Pinch of celery salt
3 dashes celery bitters
Juice of one lime
Combine all ingredients over ice, shake and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a celery salt rim.
Delicious Organic Nation vodka cocktail developed by those talented people at Saveur Magazine.
Saveur Magazine supports Craft Cocktails
Organic Nation Chocolate Martini
22 March 2011 05:02
| Permalink
Salisha Early, renowned Mixologist mixes up a Chocolate Martini using her favorite local vodka, Organic Nation. LARKS has been a very, very supportive bar/restaurant using Organic Nation on their Speciality Drink menu and even cooking with our vodka and gin. They make a tasty Gin Vinergatte Dressing and much more. Ashland Springs Hotel has set the standard for supporting local artisan beverage and food crafters!
Limited Release Jan. 2011~"OLDFIELD" certified Organic Rye Whiskey
16 December 2010 04:27
| Rye Whiskey
| Permalink

This organic rye is delicate, flavorful and will excite your palate!
Comments (1)
Support for Small Biz Development Center
The Oregon Small Business Development Center in Medford was instrumental in helping us get organized in the very beginning. This types of non-profit programs are very important the Oregon Entrepreneurs. Thanks, Gary, Ruthie and Jack!
Chocolate Martini and a Facial
Saturday, November 6th, 5pm-7pm
Waterstone Spa is partnering with Organic Nation to create this deliciously healthful event.
Join us in the Crystal Room of the Ashland Springs Hotel for an evening of a Chocolate Martini and pampering. Come and learn about Oregon’s first and finest certified Organic Spirits, savor a scrumptious Chocolate Martini and learn from The Waterstone Spa Estheticians about giving yourself a facial with the wonderful, healthful and nature inspired Jurlique products. This will include cleansing, exfoliating, treating with a mask and ending with moisturizing.
Ticket price includes facial and one Organic Nation Chocolate Martini.
$20/person. Space is limited so call spa today! 541-488-0325
Sip, Sample and Savor

Spirits Night at Liquid Assets
We will be kicking November off with a bang this week in Ashland and beyond. Here's one of the many happenings going on...
Organic Nation & Vya Spirits Event at Liquid Assets
Thursday, Nov. 4th 7-9 pm. Come and enjoy some of the NW’s finest certified organic gin and vodka paired with one of the only premium vermouths currently available produced by Quady Winery. For $20 each person will receive samplings of four signature cocktails featuring Organic Nation gin and vodka and VYA vermouth as well as interesting presentations and discussion about the fashioning of Organic gin, a premium vermouth and more by Diane Paulson, Organic Nation CEO/Founder and Emily Benz of Quady North Winery. Call Liquid Assets for reservations, 541-482-9463, and pre-payment. L.A. will hold a credit card number for a reservation.
To whet your appetite, here is an example of one of the four signature cocktails:
Barbed Wire
2½ oz Organic Nation Vodka
½ oz Brandy Peak Blackberry Brandy
¼ oz Vya Sweet Vermouth
Dash of Absinthe (no more than 1/4oz)
Squeeze of Lime
Sponsored by Liquid Assets, Organic Nation, and Quady North Winery: www.liquidassetswinebar.com, www.quadynorth.com, www.organicnationspirits.com
Organic Nation & Vya Spirits Event at Liquid Assets
Thursday, Nov. 4th 7-9 pm. Come and enjoy some of the NW’s finest certified organic gin and vodka paired with one of the only premium vermouths currently available produced by Quady Winery. For $20 each person will receive samplings of four signature cocktails featuring Organic Nation gin and vodka and VYA vermouth as well as interesting presentations and discussion about the fashioning of Organic gin, a premium vermouth and more by Diane Paulson, Organic Nation CEO/Founder and Emily Benz of Quady North Winery. Call Liquid Assets for reservations, 541-482-9463, and pre-payment. L.A. will hold a credit card number for a reservation.
To whet your appetite, here is an example of one of the four signature cocktails:
Barbed Wire
2½ oz Organic Nation Vodka
½ oz Brandy Peak Blackberry Brandy
¼ oz Vya Sweet Vermouth
Dash of Absinthe (no more than 1/4oz)
Squeeze of Lime
Sponsored by Liquid Assets, Organic Nation, and Quady North Winery: www.liquidassetswinebar.com, www.quadynorth.com, www.organicnationspirits.com
Martini Madness w/ WhiteWater Warehouse
A fabulous time was had by all the wet and chilly rafters in spite of the weather shift on Aug. 29th-31st! Diane & David, owners of Organic Nation, served up cocktails each night helping to take the chill off! The White Water Warehouse folks, Joy and Bob Meisner were absolutely amazing with their water crafting expertise, gourmet lunches and dinners each night! Look for us next year!
Wanderlust

Wanderlust is a one-of-a-kind festival bringing together the world's best Yoga teachers and favorite musicians, all in a setting of breathtaking natural beauty. Wanderlust 2010, takes place July 29 – August 1 in Lake Tahoe, CA, will offer yoga classes taught by world-renowned teachers like Shiva Rea, Baron Baptiste, Seane Corn and others. The amazing music lineup will feature performances from Moby, Bassnectar, Brazilian Girls, Pretty Lights and more. Daily yoga classes, nightly dance parties, and awesome extracurricular activities will keep you busy for one incredible weekend in the mountains!
Organic Nation will be the featured Spirit at the event! Melodie will be there, offering Organic Nation t-shirts for raffle, doing quality control for the Signature Organic Nation Cocktail and much more! Keep an eye out for her, she is the beautiful, strong, engaging blonde with the most amazing smile! Say hi to her and enjoy an certified Organic Nation cocktail!!
For information and details go here.
Weekend Cocktail: Blame the Bastard

Blame the Bastard
2 oz Organic Nation Gin
½ oz Simple Syrup
1 egg white
2 oz Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
½ oz of Lemon Juice
Shake with ice for 1 full minute till milky and stiff foam develops
Serve over ice in a bucket glass
Finish with one shake of Angostura bitters
Garnish with one mint leaf
Enjoy the 'Bastard' at your next cocktail party or evening on the patio and do your part, select sustainable and local ingredients!
Cheers!
Melodie
Mixologist Spotlight: Brandon Wise
16 July 2010 12:50
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Recently transplanted from Chicago, mixologist Brandon Wise focuses on seasonality with his craft cocktails at Irving Street Kitchen. Wise’s cocktail program is rooted in the classics with a focus on artisan spirits, a core value fostered while managing Chicago cocktail destination In Fine Spirits. Before relocating to Portland, Brandon fused the beverage program of Perennial with the contemporary cuisine of Chef Ryan Poli with technique driven libations and market fresh ingredients. Brandon can be found behind the bar at Irving Street Kitchen in the Pearl District’s newest cocktail hot spot.
Doctor’s Orders
1 1/2 oz Organic Nation Gin
1/2 oz Aperol
1/4 oz Rothman & Winter Apricot liqueur
3/4 oz lemon juice
2 Teaspoons 1:1 simple syrup
Dash peychaud’s bitters
Egg white
Build ingredients dry in shaker tin starting with egg, dry shake with whisk from hawthorne strainer. Add ice, shake and double strain into bucket glass over large hand carved ice cube. Garnish with smacked mint leaf and 3 drops of peychaud’s bitters
Mixologist Spotlight: Ryan Mortimore
29 June 2010 11:13
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Basilico Fresco
3 oz Organic Nation Vodka infused with Basil and Strawberries
1/2 oz Fresh Lime
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon
1/2 oz Ginger Simple Syrup
Shaken with ice
Served over ice in a collins glass
Topped with Sparkling Wine
Garnish with a Basil leaf and lime wedge
Ryan got his start at Cucina Biazzi in Ashland where he learned his tricks of the trade, lending to a talent that quickly emerged to an inevitable love for mixology.
While studying in Florence during the Fall season of 08, Ryan's passion for cocktails merged with his love for Italy and its culinary delights. His dedication to the european influence infuses immaculately with Joolz Mediterrainean fare and his attention to detail. Ryan has been an instrumental part of Joolz and its extensive cocktail offerings since's its opening May 2009.
Ryan is a Bend native and continues to contribute to its unique culture.
Cheers!
Visit Ryan at Joolz in Downtown Bend, Oregon and enjoy this delectibly refreshing cocktail.
Melodie
Mixologist Spotlight: Kenneth Bryant
23 June 2010 05:17
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Organic Bitter Past
Organic Nation Gin
Fresh Muddled Grapefruit
Campari
Dolin Sweet Vermouth
Fresh Lemon Juice
Muddled, Shaken and Served up.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Ken brings his passion for classic cocktails and interest in fresh new flavors to the bar top at Bend's Astro Lounge. Cultivating years of experience from the likes of Loft 11 in San Francisco, Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara and The Other Room in Venice Beach, yeilding some of the best cocktails and pushing the bleeding edge in the industry.
Astro Lounge is one of Bends top and original cocktail bars leading its competitors with more 'Best Bar' awards in Bend Oregon in the last 10 years.
Cheers!
Visit Ken at the Astro and make sure you you treat your self to one of these tasty summer cocktails.
Melodie
Taking Green to new Heights

Power Up The Green Economy... By bringing together stakeholders who are passionate about green industries and jobs and form long-term partnerships to develop green business and green social networking in southern Oregon.
To collaborate and empower southern Oregon businesses, organizations and individuals to create new businesses, new jobs, become sustainably independent and promote then region’s products and services locally and globally.
Join these business's and consumer to celebrate and learn.
June 18th, 19th & 20th, 2010 at the Medford Armory.
Get your wonder fulfilled at Wanderlust
Wanderlust is a one-of-a-kind festival bringing together the world's best yoga teachers and favorite musicians, all in a setting of breathtaking natural beauty. Wanderlust 2010, which will take place July 29 – August 1 in Lake Tahoe, CA, will offer yoga classes taught by world-renowned teachers like Shiva Rea, Baron Baptiste, Seane Corn and others. The amazing music lineup will feature performances from Moby, Bassnectar, Brazilian Girls, Pretty Lights and more. Daily yoga classes, nightly dance parties, and awesome extracurricular activities will keep you busy for one incredible weekend in the mountains.Organic Nation will be the featured spirit at the event! Enjoy Organic cocktails the whole weekend!
See you there!
Melodie
Weekend Cocktail: Pink Gin
A long time classic, Pink Gin has also been known as a Gin & Bitters. For lack of a more complicated cocktail, thats just what it is, Gin and Bitters. Originally created by the Royal Navy to make Angostura bitters, which they used for medicinal purposes for the sailors, more palatable.After searching I found the cocktail also referred to as "Gin Pahit" in many 19th century sailing stories.
This is the virtually the same drink, only the name has been lost in time. According to stories 'pahit'is Malay for "bitters." No matter the name, the cocktail has more or less remained the same.
Enjoyed best with a botanical rich Gin, hence my selection of this cocktail for our Organic Gin, shaken well with ice.
Cheers!
Melodie
Pink Gin
2 oz Organic Nation Gin
3-4 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
Shake hard with ice.
Serve in a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a Lemon Twist if you like.
Taking Chocolate to new extremes

Extreme Chocolates is a quality based confection and patisserie company that just keeps pushing the envelope!
Flavors run amok, ideas whirl uncontrolled and the result is a fabulous chaos. They explore how to take a conventional product and take them over the edge! Owner and Chef/Chocolatier, Carrie Wong, has been a fan and advocate of our products since we met at the Oregon Chocolate Festival at the Ashland Springs Hotel, Mar. 2009. At the time, she was using an imported French vodka. Once we introduced ourselves, chatted about local, organic, it was an easy sale and Carrie and Organic Nation started doing business. It is great to collaborate with another Oregon business to create a superior product that supports the Oregon economy. And yes we LOVE her chocolates!
According to Carrie Wong, Founder/CEO: "We grabbed the best Organic Vodka Produced in Oregon – Organic Nation- and began producing the finest slow brewed vanilla extract with amazing results – and that’s not just our opinion, Gourmet Magazine agrees! Now, we have released the creative juices once again and are brewing our own pure lemon extract in a base of Organic Nation premium Gin! Hang on – this one will rock your world! If we can create these items with a little great booze, vanilla beans and a lemon – imagine what we can do with chocolate! Oh My!"
Some of their inspirations: Grains of Paradise in Dark Sumpaz Single Origin Chocolate Truffles, Smoked Maracaibo Chocolate with Hawaiian Sea Salt Truffles,
Padron Cigar Infused Dark Chocolate Truffles
And so much more….keep an eye on them at www.extremechocolates.com
Extreme Chocolate Girl
2 oz Organic Nation Vodka
½ oz Extreme Chocolates' Dark Chocolate Pinot Sauce
½ oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
½ tsp Extreme Chocolates' Vanilla Extract
2 oz Extreme Chocolates' Dark Chocolate, melted in a squeeze bottle
Take a chilled Cocktail glass and squeeze a swirl design inside the glass with the melted chocolate.
In a shaker, add ice cubes, then Vodka, Chocolate Sauce, Chocolate Liqueur & Vanilla
Shake vigorously for 30 seconds and strain into chilled glass – enjoy!
Thanks Carrie!
Cheers,
Melodie
Toast a cocktail to help the 'Lost Dog's'

21st Paradigm Presents “Lost Dogs”
An evening with award winning filmmaker Vanessa Schulz, featuring Dr. Byron Maas of Animal Balance and Allison Lance and Danielle Thompson of SPECIEES
Event proceeds to fund completion of documentary film “Lost Dogs”
Vanessa Schulz of 21st Paradigm teams with Dr. Byron Maas of Animal Balance, and Allison Lance and Danielle Thompson of SPECIEES.
Contributors include; 21st Paradigm, Wieden + Kennedy, Jim Riswold, Dotty Parker Design, Twist Cocktail Catering and Organic Nation Spirits
The event will be targeting community members to raise awareness of the global stray dog crisis and share a preview of filmmaker Vanessa Schulz’ latest feature documentary in production, “Lost Dogs.” The evening also includes presentations by Allison Lance, Danielle Thompson, and Dr. Byron Maas on their efforts to increase sterilization and humane canine population management around the world. A custom art piece created by renowned artist and former Wieden + Kennedy creative director Jim Riswold will also be auctioned to benefit “Lost Dogs.”
The event will be held at Wieden + Kennedy (224 NW 13th Avenue, Portland, OR)
Saturday, June 5th, 6 PM
Some of you may ask why? “Lost Dogs” explores the extraordinary lives of street dogs, and uncovers the story of the inspiring activists who risk everything they have to protect the dogs. It began with one dog capturing the world’s attention by performing a death-defying and heroic act. The incident, caught on surveillance camera, reveals the epidemic problem of Chile’s homeless pet population.
For more information or to visit the Lost Dog's site, go here.
Contact for media features and materials:
Vanessa Schulz: Vanessa@21paradigm.com - 541.868.7646
Celebrate Dance

Celebrate the success of Oregon Ballet Theatre’s 20th Anniversary Season with a Gala Performance featuring dancers from some of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies!
Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) is quickly rising to the national scene. Established in 1989, OBT’s celebrated company of dancers performs an annual five-program season at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts and also conducts both regional and national tours.
For More information go here.
To buy tickets for the fundraiser June 3, 2010 click here.













