Conservation Cocktails: Toasting to a Cleaner Tomorrow

Savor the Spirit. Support the Lakes.

At Lake Effect Vodka, every pour tells a story — one that starts with the crystal waters of the Great Lakes and flows into a glass filled with purpose. We believe that great vodka doesn’t just taste good — it does good. That’s why we’re raising the bar (literally) with our newest initiative: Conservation Cocktails.

Each of these recipes celebrates sustainability, flavor, and the natural beauty of our Midwest home — from Michigan’s cherry orchards to Wisconsin’s wild herbs and the cool, crisp air of the North. Every ingredient has been thoughtfully chosen to honor the land and water that make Lake Effect Vodka possible.

What Makes a “Conservation Cocktail”?

A Conservation Cocktail is more than a drink — it’s a small act of stewardship.Each recipe follows a few simple principles:

• Locally Sourced: Ingredients are harvested or produced in the Midwest whenever possible.

• Low Waste: Garnishes and byproducts are reused or composted.

• Natural Sweetness: We skip the artificial syrups and use honey, maple, or fruit infusions instead.

• Eco-Friendly Presentation: Reusable glass straws, biodegradable napkins, and no plastic stirrers — ever.

Because protecting the Great Lakes begins with the choices we make — even behind the bar.

1. The Cherry Current

Inspired by Door County orchards and Lake Michigan’s breezy shores.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Lake Effect Vodka

• 1 oz tart cherry juice (locally sourced if possible)

• ½ oz fresh lemon juice

• ½ oz pure maple syrup

• Sparkling water to top

Instructions:

1. Combine vodka, cherry juice, lemon, and maple syrup in a shaker with ice.

2. Shake well and pour over ice in a tall glass.

3. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a fresh cherry.

Eco Tip: Freeze leftover cherry juice in ice cubes to use later — no waste, no compromise.

2. The Shoreline Spritz

A bright, herbaceous refresher inspired by Wisconsin summers.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz Lake Effect Vodka

• 1 oz cucumber juice or puree

• ½ oz honey syrup (local honey + warm water)

• Fresh mint or basil leaves

• Soda water to finish

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint or basil lightly in a shaker.

2. Add vodka, cucumber, and honey syrup.

3. Shake and strain over crushed ice.

4. Top with soda and a mint sprig.

Eco Tip: Grow your own herbs on a windowsill — you’ll save money and reduce packaging waste.

3. The Lake Effect Mule

Classic, clean, and built for year-round adventure.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Lake Effect Vodka

• ½ oz lime juice

• 3 oz craft ginger beer (in recyclable glass bottles)

• Dash of local honey or a slice of candied ginger for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.

2. Add vodka and lime, then top with ginger beer.

3. Stir gently and garnish with honey or candied ginger.

Eco Tip: Save lime peels to create natural cleaning infusions with vinegar — sustainable and citrus-fresh.

Drink With Purpose

Every bottle of Lake Effect Vodka helps fund conservation programs across Wisconsin and Illinois — from freshwater restoration to youth education initiatives. To date, we’ve donated over $3,200 toward a $25,000 goal — and every sip brings us closer.

When you mix a Conservation Cocktail, you’re joining a community of people who believe in the simple power of nature, good company, and giving back.

So the next time you raise your glass, remember: you’re not just drinking vodka — you’re toasting to a cleaner tomorrow.

Join the Movement

Share your #ConservationCocktail creation on Instagram or Facebook and tag @LakeEffectVodka.Let’s spread the word — one sustainable sip at a time.