7 Best Organic Vodkas

Two things people do during tougher economic times are drink more hard alcohol (like vodka) and cut back on pricier goods, like organic products. But what happens when you mix the two? Could there be an organic vodka product that's better for you, the environment and your budget too?

Our Single Edition editors went on a mission to find out and are happy to report on a new wave of conscientiously prepared cocktails.

If you want to lift your spirits, here are some of the more virtuous vodkas to check out:

Ocean Vodka: Made in Hawaii with a kitschy palm tree that covers the face of the bottle, this one looks more like the start for a good rum runner more than anything else. Still it is "made from love" by two brothers and inspired by the blue Ocean of Maui, and thus made with desalinated seawater. The standard 750 ml bottle weighs in at more than fifty bucks which is a lot to pay considering you can pick up the same size serving of Grey Goose for less than $30.

Tru Organic Vodka: These certified organic spirits are free from chemicals from field to bottle, and packaged in recycled, recyclable or biodegradable materials. Not only does the company replenish forests by planting a tree for every bottle sold, the packaging is recycled, recyclable or biodegradable. At $32.99 this is one contribution that is worth considering.

Crop Vodka: Distilled and bottled in Minnesota, from American certified organic corn that is grown in fertile, healthy soil free of artificial fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals, Crop Vodka comes in flavors like tomato and cucumber that are clearly meant to please a chef's palate. At $21.99 for a 750ml bottle it's a little bit pricier than Absolut, which generally sells for less than twenty bucks for the same size bottle.

Purus Vodka: This one's made from 100% organic wheat straight from Italy and uses crystalline water from the Alps. You would never guess, but Purus Vodka is a silent offshoot of the Anheuser-Busch company and at $35 dollars a pop, the graceful bottle alone may be worth the price.

Others in the Category:

Square One Organic Vodka: Distilled in Idaho from organic rye grown in North Dakota.

360 Vodka: Quadruple distilled in Missouri from local grains, using an energy-efficient process and bottled in 85 percent recycled glass.

Rain Vodka: Made in Kentucky by luxury-bourbon firm Buffalo Trace from organic white corn.

With the holidays just around the corner, each of the sites has some delicious cocktail recipes that are perfect for entertaining!