The holidays are a time for celebration, and what better way to toast the season than with a thoughtful gift for the cocktail enthusiast in your life? For some, crafting the perfect drink is about precision and technique, from muddling fresh herbs to mastering the art of the shaken—not stirred—cocktail. For others, it’s about enjoying the stories and traditions behind their favorite spirits.

No matter how the mixologist on your list enjoys their craft, these seven sustainably-minded spirits make for the perfect gifts. From mezcal that revitalizes a village economy to gin made from climate-positive peas, these seven spirits not only elevate every pour but also support practices that are kinder to the planet and communities — making this holiday season a little more spirited for everyone.

North Stars: Carbon Footprint, Energy Efficiency, Production & Consumption

Nàdar, meaning “nature” in Gaelic, is the world’s first climate-positive gin, crafted from peas. Based in Scotland, the distillery has a strong tradition of terroir-driven, field-to-bottle sustainability, and this release marks a significant milestone in their environmental commitment. Infused with makrut lime and lemongrass botanicals, Nàdar delivers a refreshing profile, featuring delicate notes of fresh fruit and citrus that embody both innovation and respect for nature.

North Stars: Community Support, Heritage Value, Production & Consumption

Sustainability has become a critical issue in the agave spirits industry. The rapid expansion of large-scale tequila and mezcal production has profoundly impacted farming practices, environmental resources, traditional methods, and small-scale producers. Amid these challenges, Mezcal Tosba stands out as a first-generation, family-run start-up that has revitalized a village economy. Their Espadín bottling offers a light nose with long-lasting citrus and fruitiness on the tongue, complemented by a subtle flavor of smoke resulting from the wood-fired roasting of the agave hearts.

North Stars: Heritage Value, Certifications, Production & Consumption

Hacienda de Chihuahua, a family-owned distillery in northern Mexico, has played a pivotal role in reviving Sotol, a traditional spirit crafted from the wild-growing Dasylirion plant. Certified organic, the distillery emphasizes sustainable harvesting and innovative techniques like steam-cooking and champagne yeast fermentation. Their Reposado Sotol, aged in French oak barrels, highlights the spirit’s complexity with rich caramel and vanilla notes layered over earthy, herbal undertones, embodying the rugged character of the Chihuahuan Desert.

North Stars: Production & Consumption, Certification, Waste Management

Luna, the world’s first biodynamic whisky, is crafted in Ireland using Demeter-certified barley. Inspired by the farming techniques behind some of the world’s finest wines, the distillers applied similar biodynamic principles to their grain cultivation. The result is a whisky layered with rich flavors of apricot jam, coffee, dark chocolate, and brown sugar, complemented by lighter notes of herbal tea and citrus for a well-rounded, complex profile. Unforutunately, the brand has gone into receivership. But that means remaining stock is limited and of increasing value. Get your hands on this one-of-a-kind before they’re gone.

North Stars: D&I, Gender Equality, Wildlife & Ecosystems

Claire M. Marin, founder and head distiller, and co-founder Cathy Leidersdorff established Pollinator Spirits in the Western Catskills after transitioning from careers in New York City. The brand draws its name from its honeybee-inspired origins, reflected in both its product line and the use of honey barrels to finish this New York grain-based rye whiskey. The result is a spirit where rye’s signature spice is balanced by nuanced notes of orange, toffee, and wildflowers.

North Stars: Community Support, Heritage Value, Carbon Footprint

This B-Corp certified Scottish distillery is on a mission to decarbonize its distillation process by 2025. Embracing biodynamics and waste-reducing packaging innovations, they also plan to establish on-site maltings, enabling them to locally harvest, malt, distill, mature, and bottle their whisky entirely on Islay. Their Islay Barley, an unpeated single malt sourced from seven island farms, offers a delicate balance of light sweetness, with flavors of honeyed porridge and lemon meringue adding depth and complexity.

North Stars: Production & Consumption, Water Management, Heritage Value

Mezcal is often considered a wine lover’s spirit, offering remarkable diversity through the use of nearly 20 agave varieties in distillation. Mezcal Amarás Cupreata showcases the complexity of single-variety agave, with Cupreata being a less common alternative to the widely used Espadín. Grown on high-altitude slopes in Guerrero and harvested after 13 years, it delivers vegetal, peppery, and mineral-driven flavors, culminating in a bold, spicy finish that highlights its unique terroir.

North Stars: Certifications, Production & Consumption, Wildlife & Ecosystems

This forward-thinking B-Corp distillery in Scotland is redefining whisky production with sustainability at its core. Nc’nean uses 100% organic Scottish barley, renewable energy, and fully recycled glass bottles, significantly reducing their environmental footprint. Nc’nean Distillery’s decision to produce unpeated whisky stems from both environmental and stylistic considerations. Founder Annabel Thomas has expressed concerns about the sustainability of peat use, highlighting its role as a carbon sink and biodiverse habitat.Their flagship single malt is unpeated and offers a modern, elegant style with notes of citrus, orchard fruits, and a creamy vanilla finish.