On Thanksgiving its the turkey, on Christmas its the cookies and desserts, but for New Year's Eve the traditional indulgence is not any kind of dish but that most ancient of indulgences, alcohol! While alcohol should be drunk responsibly, there is nothing wrong with ringing in the new year with your friends. And if you shall imbibe, why not help people in the process? The fair trade alcohol market is growing and there shall eventually be something for everyone. As for now the selection fair trade has to offer is nothing to sneeze at.

Wine

For our more sophisticated connoisseurs there are a number of fair trade wines available. Etica wines were linked in our previous Thanksgiving Day blog are a fine organic option. However one particular company that prides itself on its ethical practices is Wieta. Wieta is an initiative that monitors fair trade practice in South Africa. It began with wine in 2002 but has since expanded its efforts with other kinds of agricultural products. Wines supported by this initiative are sure to be of ethical standards and practices. Fair trade wines can be a consideration not just for this time of holiday celebration but for every day uses such as cooking or romantic dinners. There is even fair trade communion wine available. With some encouragement an entire church body could support ethical trade. If you are looking for more than just visit ethicalwine.com.

Cocktails

In terms of hard liquor and liqueurs mixology is at its finest with these fair trade ingredients. Fair is a fair trade spirits company that has award winning quinoa vodka. as well as goji berry and coffee liquers. Even Divine Chocolate has recipes for fair trade chocolate cocktails guaranteed to be delicious.

Beers and Ales

One thing that can be said about fair trade brews is that there is a colorful selection. Peak Organic Brewing Co. is the creator of the U.S's first fair trade beer, an espresso amber ale. For the more fruit inclined beer drinker 4 out of 5 of Mongozo beers are fair trade, including their banana and mango flavors. The Little Valley Brewery Co. is a licensee of the Fairtrade Foundation for its ginger pale ale.

While still new in the market, fair trade alcohol is growing steadily and someday will be serious competitors with larger more well known companies. But for now these small non-profit companies are cultivating themselves and their products making the taste of fair trade better and better, training the socially conscious party animal in us all.