Don’t get it twisted, tea towels are the handiest kitchen must have around.

Tea towels are one of those ubiquitous must-haves in the kitchen that most of us probably don’t think about until we need one, but tea towels are the workhorses of the kitchen. Not only can they be used to dry dishes, but they also have a multitude of uses in the kitchen.

• Cleaning up spills
• Covering rising dough
• Lining baskets filled with bread or fruit
• Teapot cozy
• Potholders
• Absorbent surface for drying greens
• Apron stand in
• Keep mixing bowls steady and cutting boards from sliding

In addition, tea towels may not seem that sexy, but they are a critical part in controlling the havoc that paper towels and other throwaway paper products exact on our environment. Reusable towels are a cost-effective way to deal with spills and kitchen cleanup. It’s also possible to find towels made from eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, linen, and bamboo.

Tea towels also make awesome host or housewarming gifts as evidenced by the aforementioned usefulness, but they also easily personalized to your giftees decor and/or interests. Believe it or not, it’s possible to find towels decorated with everything from hand-embroidered flowers to screen printed song lyrics.

Whether you are in the market for some more tea towels, or need some onhand housewarming and host gifts, read on to discover some fun tea towels.

Fun & Eco-friendly Tea Towels

1. Cat Tea Towel

Pay attention cat people, here is a towel just for you. Made from organic cotton and screenprinted with eco-friendly inks.

2. Shop Local

This towel offers a  reminder to shop local and support your local farmers and businesses. Keep it your hood.

3. Linen Towels

For simplicity’s sake, consider using plain linen towels. Linen fabric is made from flax and is an eco-friendly alternative to other types of textiles.

4. Kitchen Conversion Towel

It’s already a well-established fact that kitchen towels are handy, but this towel takes the cake. It features all sorts of recipe conversions, like dry and liquid measurements, temperature conversions, and more.

5. Etiquette Towel

In the same vein, this towel breaks down some of the most important rules of etiquette. This just might be a good gift for the passive-aggressive among you.

Related on EcoSalon

High Time for Tropical Tea Towels
Lustables: Kitchen Tools Tea TowelsCatalogue Living Presents…The Tea Towel

The post Tea Towels: the Un-Paper Towel Workhorse of the Kitchen appeared first on EcoSalon.

Recent events have made it more evident than ever that we should be celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day–and not only on one day of the year, but every day! Kindness begins with just one person and you can jumpstart the effort on February 17th, which is National Random Acts of Kindness Day.

National Random Acts of Kindness Day was established by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK). Founded in 1995, RAK is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring everyone to practice and spread kindness. “Ultimately, we’re here for the kind-hearted do-gooders who are looking to spread kindness where they can,” is how the Foundation describes itself.

The goal of National Random Acts of Kindness Day is to highlight the importance of bringing more kindness into the world and our lives. You can get involved by becoming a kindness ambassador, also known RAKtivists (Random Acts of Kindness activist). If you need a little inspiration, read on for some random acts you can perform to help celebrate the RAK holiday and to promote kindness every day of the year.

And if you need some convincing about why practicing kindness is important, watch this video that explains the science behind being kind.

Ideas to Celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day

1. Make a pot of soup for a friend or loved one for no reason.

2. Find a Little Free Library and drop off some books.

3. Give the bounty of your garden away!

4. Send “Just Thinking About You” cards for no special reason–other than to let loved ones know that you care.

5. Pick up litter in your neighborhood or town.

6. Offer to buy the coffee of the person in line behind you.

7. Volunteer for an animal shelter.

8. Offer compliments to friends, loved ones, and even strangers.

9. Take in your neighbor’s refuse and recycling bins.

10. Try to smile more. A smile can help improve both your mood as well as a stranger’s.

11. Let someone get in front of you in line.

12. Make a point of holding the door for those behind you.

13. Buy school supplies and donate them to your local public school for those children who may need them.

14. Tip your server really well on your next meal out.

15. Offer to watch your friend’s pet the next time she goes away.

16. Leave inspirational bookmarks in random books at the library.

17. Post positive affirmations on post-it notes and leave them around in public places.

18. Purchase gift cards with small amounts on them and leave them at places like gas pumps with a note of explanation.

19. Volunteer at a local food bank.

Related on EcoSalon

7 Ways to Celebrate World Kindness Day (November 13th!)
The 3 Best Audiobooks for Getting Woke in 2017
The Evolution of Kindness: Can Being the ‘Nice Guy’ Save the Planet?

The post 19 Ways to Celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day appeared first on EcoSalon.

Okay, first things first. The planet doesn’t really need saving. It’s us…and the fellow earthlings our destructive habits impact, that need to be “saved.” But in all our efforts to do that, have we lost sight of just how important kindness is?

It’s hard not to be passionate. It’s part of being human. For some of us, that means fighting for democracy, the environment, animals, food sovereignty, or women’s issues. For others, that means fighting for profit, control, power. These desired outcomes are about as opposite as it can get. We find ourselves taking sides. Choosing to see others who don’t share our worldview as the enemy—wrong, misinformed, or worse, “unevolved.” But isn’t the truth that we’re all right? That those seemingly impossible and selfish worldviews are just as evolved as ours, even if they are the complete opposite?

Author and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle notes that whatever we fight, we strengthen. What we resist, persists. But how can we not fight against injustice? What does sitting idly by do for the soul? What would I really say to someone like Donald Trump if we were trapped in an elevator together (you know, after I kicked the shit out of him)? We’re all lovers and fighters; it’s not an either/or situation.

The more we look for them, the easier it is to see the battles all around us waiting to be fought. The digital age has us constantly negotiating causes, calls to action, and tragedies that fuel us with contempt while we’re scrolling through Facebook just trying to kill time. And even though there’s only a “like” option, most of us “dislike” much of what we’re seeing.

It’s a world out of balance.

To one extreme, we can try to avoid conflict. We can barricade ourselves with manufactured bliss, and do our best to dodge adversity. But that’s not always rational or doable. Conflict exists. But we don’t have to charge toward it, either.

What if we could accomplish more by simply surrendering to what it is we’re drawn to and still “fighting” for those causes, but while also doing it with kindness? After all, isn’t it our less-than-kind behaviors that have led us into wars, despots, dishonesty, and greed that got us into this planetary mess in the first place? It feels like something needs to change in how we negotiate adversity.

Still, no matter what the issues, or how we got here, Tolle says, “Always say “yes” to the present moment. “What could be more futile, more insane, than to create inner resistance to what already is?” That doesn’t mean we can’t change (or even “save”) the world, but there’s something in recognizing that in the big picture, it kind of doesn’t really matter. Unless what’s on the other side of life is that big old Judgement Day in the sky.

And what’s more, we can achieve more peace through kindness. Being unkind turns any issue into more than just the issue. Someone hits your car, for example. That’s a problem you’ll need to deal with. But if you come at the other driver screaming and shaking fists, you now have yet another issue to deal with spurred by your lack of kindness. They’re likely to respond with defensiveness or withdraw. We know that accidents happen. Sometimes that’s because someone is being totally negligent and completely at fault. They surely need to be held accountable, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be kind in that process.

Eleanor Roosevelt noted that what other people think of you is really none of your business. We’re all going to think what we want, whether it’s accurate or not. But being kind isn’t about doing it for the other person. It may not even be perceived as intended anyway. Being kind is our gift to ourselves. It allows us the opportunity to avoid conflict. It’s a surrender that seems vital in this modern world where there’s so much work to be done.

As Tolle says, “Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.”

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

Related on EcoSalon

Eco Humor: The Lighter Side of Green
Festival Culture: Building a New Paradigm or Just a Waste of Time?
NFL Linebacker Goes Vegan – And His Teammates Want What He’s Having

The post The Evolution of Kindness: Can Being the ‘Nice Guy’ Save Us? appeared first on EcoSalon.

This makeup tutorial will allow you to go from work to your Valentine’s Day date.

Related on EcoSalon 
The Greatest Valentine’s Day Gift: Vegan Raspberry Chocolate Truffles
10 Valentine’s Day Beauty Goodies That Are (Almost) Better Than Chocolate
5 Valentine’s Day Gifts For You, From You

The post A Quick Makeup Tutorial for Valentine’s Day appeared first on EcoSalon.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to to be a corporate holiday. Give your Valentine the gift of homemade this year and leave the mass-consumerism out of it.

While advertisers might have you believe that Valentine’s Day is all about commercialism, showing your love on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost a thing. With a little creativity and planning, you can wow your Valentine with one (or all of these) low-cost or free ideas.

7 Wallet and Planet-Friendly Valentine Ideas

1. Handmade Caramels

Making homemade caramel is easier than you might think, but it’s super impressive. And if your love is vegan, here is a recipe–extra points if you dip them in vegan, free-trade dark chocolate.

2. Homemade Dinner

What’s better than having someone make you dinner? Show your loved one just how much you care by making a tasty dinner and serve it by candlelight. If you don’t have confidence in your cooking skills, consider signing up for one of those meal services that can help make cooking a snap.

3. Breakfast in Bed

By the same token, serving up breakfast in bed is a fantastic way to show just how much your partner means to you. Score bonus points for making homemade scones and brewing up some tasty fair-trade pour over coffee.

4. Heart Garland

Nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day” than an arts and crafts project. With a little glue, yarn, paint, and junk mail you can make a festive heart garland for your special valentine.

5. Valentine Playlist

Back in the day, the kids would make mixtapes to send a love message to their main squeeze. Nowadays, streaming music makes that process a lot simpler, but the sentiment is just the same. Of course, if you still have a cassette tape around, knock yourself out.

6. Love Note Scavenger Note

Want to impress your Valentine? Plan a scavenger hunt complete with love note clues and the prize being a nice bottle of wine, a hot bath with flower petals, and/or some “Netflix and Chill.”

7. Homemade Bath & Body

And if you are planning on making a hot bath for your love, why not try your hand at making homemade bath bombs, shave gel, or body oil spray?

Related on EcoSalon

3 Ways to Show Your Valentine You Care (Without Cheating the Planet)
9 Last-Minute Personalized Valentine’s Gifts Perfect for V-Day
20 of the Quirkiest Offbeat Quotes About Love for Your Valentine’s Day

The post 7 Ways to Show Your Valentine You Care Without Buying a Thing appeared first on EcoSalon.

We tend to put a lot of pressure on our partners on Valentine’s Day, but it can be just as enjoyable – if not more so – to treat yourself to a gift instead. Here are just a handful of gift ideas that we’ve assembled to make you feel a little bit spoiled, whether you’re in a relationship for Valentine’s Day or not.

1. FLOW Water

Flow is the world’s first alkaline water that’s flavored with organic flavorings: refreshing cucumber-mint or enticing lemon-ginger. Sourced from a Canadian spring and sold in eco-friendly Tetrapak packaging made with paper from FSC-certified forests and non-GMO sugarcane-derived plastic, it’s the perfect beverage to bring along on a hike or walk this Valentine’s Day (your date with nature!)

2. Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé

This Italian sparkling rosé doesn’t just boast a lovely pink hue and an enticing floral fragrance; it’s also eco-friendly and vegan. Copper and sulfur are used as natural fungicides on the vineyard, which also boasts 100 percent renewable energy sources. Vegan-friendly bentonite clay is used during the filtration process in place of the animal byproducts used by some other winemakers, for a sparkling rosé you’re sure to enjoy: with your partner, with your fellow single ladies, or just on your own.

3. Pukka Love Tea

For a non-alcoholic option, Pukka Herbs’ certified organic herbal tea blend, Love is the ultimate in relaxation: a blend of chamomile flower, lime flower, and elderflower soothe the nerves, while rose flowers and lavender flowers offer a heady aroma that’s good for the heart. Sip it hot or use it to make up a reviving face scrub for an at-home spa night (or at the very least, a long bath).

4. Feel PURE Anywhere Balm

PURE Anywhere Balm will make your lips kissably smooth, but it can also be used anywhere else that needs a bit more love. This vegan body balm is made with natural shea butter, blueberry seeds, and beeswax for deep nourishment and hydration, and it boasts a minty fresh aroma, to boot.

5. SpaRitual “Infinitely Loving” Candles

Enjoy a non-toxic aroma experience with SpaRitual. The company specializes in “slow beauty” products made with vegan ingredients, and this philosophy carries over into its candles, made with a blend of essential oils and plant essences for non-toxic relaxation. The “Infinitely Loving” Candle with Chinese jasmine is the ideal way to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on Organic Authority
3 DIY Ways to Say I Heart You This Valentine’s Day
5 Sweetheart Styles for Valentine’s Day
5 Sexy Valentine’s Day Dresses to Get You in the Mood
Design Secrets

The post 5 Valentine’s Day Gifts For You, From You appeared first on EcoSalon.

You are special. I am special. We all are special creatures. So why is it that some of us think we’re better than others?

I’m a Mom now and I understand the temptation of applauding every single thing my daughter does. Whether it’s eating all of her food or the other end of that equation, it’s hard not to praise her for things that aren’t really praise-worthy in the big picture. Her grandparents, aunties, and uncle think she’s the most adorable person, too. Her slightly older cousins fawn over her on FaceTime chats, trying to impress her with somersaults and ballet moves. My daughter means the world to us in every possible way. But I cringe at the thought of letting her know just how special she is.

According to a report on CBS News, we all believe we’re above average, more worthy of praise and attention than we may actually deserve, “people think they are better than most people in many arenas, from charitable behavior to work performance.” Whether it’s overestimating our intelligence or our driving ability, we tend to think of ourselves as superior to our peers, family and partners and the strangers who cut us off or slow us down in traffic.

Chris Rock illustrated this behavior well when he talked about his wife’s troubles at work (treating the gift-wrapping department at JC Penny like “Dynasty”). The perception that people are “out to destroy us” puts us in a compromising position. And the truth is, people usually aren’t trying to destroy you; they’re not even thinking about you all that much, really, because most of the time they’re thinking about themselves and just how special they think they are. You needn’t look any further than our selfie-obsession to understand this.

Part of this is valid primal protection. If we don’t value ourselves, we’re not going to be adept at survival. And for children, it’s necessary to know they’re the center of their parents’ worlds for a time—it helps them feel protected and secure to do all those growing up things that are scary. But too much praise can be damaging and create a delusional worldview. And as we age, many of us fail to lose this burdensome sense of entitlement, which can spiral into full-blown narcissism or other mental health issues that can fill our lives with unnecessary drama and stress.

The self-obsessed seek constant validation, or create situations that may make them appear victim to others’ attempts at dethroning them from their special seat. The new age/self-help spiritual communities are filled with people seeking confirmation that they’re special and unique and deserving of constant praise rather than doing the real spiritual work, which comes from selflessness and helping others who truly need it. “Only when we learn to manage this balance between our own needs and those of others can we have genuinely satisfying, intimate relationships with other people,” says F. Diane Barth, LCSW in Psychology Today.

But it’s also rampant in Trump’s America (particularly from Trump himself). We’re insulated in our bubbles that not only validate our world views, but tell us that simply by having these belief systems is an indication of our special-ness. Picking sides these days has become a reward-system all its own, pushing us to push agendas not only for what we believe to be the betterment of the planet, but for the comfort of self-applause as well.

In his 2014 book, “Revolution,” Russell Brand petitions us to change the current system. He has notoriously opted out of voting and thinks we can change the current power structures by other means, none more important than a wakeup and self-realization to the oneness that connects us all. “Now, let me remind you: This is your planet, you can change it if you want to,” he writes, “You can change it by doing loads of drugs, by having it off with women, or by going on a murderous rampage with a licensed weapon. Doesn’t it make more sense, though, to change it by binding with your fellow man and working to create a society that’s fair and just? Of course it does.”

As woo-woo as it sounds, Brand has a prescient point that may be vital to our willful evolution: when we see ourselves as connected to everyone (and everything) else on the planet, our sense of self importance fades into a sense of self purpose. And the distinction is critical: We don’t have to lose our identities or passions to make the world a better place, but losing the feeling like we matter more than others is indeed a game-changer that just might make the future a better place where we’re all fed and clothed and able explore our uniqueness without the sense of failure if it’s not our naked ass on a magazine cover.

So, we’ve started to tell our daughter: you are special to us. And I’m ready to remind her when the time is right, that it’s what she does with her specialness that’s more meaningful than what she expects from it.

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

Related on EcoSalon

Multiple Personality Order – Embracing Your Inner Yous: HyperKulture
To Find Out If Someone Has Narcissistic Personality Disorder… All You Have to Do is Ask
Your Selfie and the Meaning of Beauty (According to the Internet and James Franco)

The post You are Special… and So is Everyone Else appeared first on EcoSalon.

Okay. So, there aren’t really that many things better than chocolate, but these Valentine’s Day beauty goodies are a (really) close second. Whether you’re giving yourself a gift for being super freaking fantastic, or you’re shopping for a friend, who’s also way cool, we think you’ll adore these consciously curated and completely adorbs V-Day picks.

1. You’re Blushing

I’m not blushing, you’re blushing! Or, at least you will be when you swipe on some of this rosy rouge from cruelty-free beauty brand, Too Faced. Packed neatly in a sweet, heart-shaped compact, you’ll enjoy using each of the three colors individually, or mixing them to create a flattering, multidimensional cheek flush. The adorable heart shape doesn’t hurt either! Priced at $33.

2. Coming Up Roses

You da bomb, baby, so take a bath like the diva you are by tossing in this gorgeous, oversized rose fizzer and watching it fill your tub with yellow rose petals, nourishing oils, mineral-rich sea salt, and your senses with perfumes of rose and lemon. Great for putting you in a relaxed mood, we’d suggest pairing this oversized bath bomb with a nice glass of wine. Priced at $19.95.  

3. Polished to Perfection

Customize everything from the box to the contents with this trio set from vegan and cruelty-free nail lacquer brand, Miami Deco. With beautifully designed bottles and gorgeous colors, you’ll want to keep these on display. Not only that, but we’re kind loving the names of some of these polishes, especially Boy Bye, Male Tears, and Don’t Call Me Baby Girl. Priced at $28.50.

4. You Are Loved

This sweet boxed set from Olivine Atelier includes two of the most popular beauty products from the shop. The Love + Roses is a hydrating and refreshing mist that’s made from rose essential oils and an array of other beneficial extracts that make up the “unparalleled emollient, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits.” The second item in the box, Love + Salt is a beach mist that will help you achieve those perfect, beachy waves no matter the time of year or circumstance. Priced at $28.

5. Ready to Roll

This useful and luxurious tool is the perfect addition to everyone’s beauty kit. As we recently found out, facial massage has huge benefits, and this is exactly the tool you need to reduce puffiness, drain the lymphatic system, and relax your facial musculature while feeling pampered. The aesthetic of this piece is lovely–the tumbled rose quartz is simply gorgeous–and would make a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for you or a friend! Priced at $32.

6. Pucker Up Buttercup

Sure, we apply lipstick, gloss, or balm, but your pout could use some exfoliation and deep hydration, too. Ensure your beauty routine doesn’t neglect your lips by using this cruelty-free, vegan, Strawberry Bunny Lip Scrub. Blended with cane sugar, shea butter, other nourishing oils, and topped with a berries and cream flavor, you might get the sudden urge to make out. Priced at $8.

7. Don’t Be Cruel

If you love makeup, just not more than you love animals, then you’ll definitely want to snag this vegan, cute-as-a-baby-bunny “cool not cruel” makeup bag. Perfect for stashing the essentials and then tossing in your purse, this piece is as practical as it is precious. Plus, who can resist that adorable little bunny face? Priced at $26.

8. Kiss and Makeup

Lime Crime is paying homage to moms who “feel comfortable in their skin and own it” with this velvety smooth lip bundle, titled M.$.L.F. (Moms I’d Like to Follow). This “pack” includes four wear-with-everything, carcinogen-free, neutrals and cautions that slathering these on “may cause increased confidence.” We’ll take two please! Priced at $30.

9. Bomb-Shell Brushes

Bring out your inner merbabe with this set of vegan makeup brushes that look like a totally luxe version of Ariel’s underwater treasures. With twelve brushes and a carrying case that could pass for a quirky clutch, this is ideal for the makeup lover who wishes to replace or seriously expand her brush collection with a high-quality set. The perfect jaw-dropping gift, your Valentine surely someone special. Priced at $94.99.

10. Get Fresh

This little kit is an essential in every busy beauty lover’s makeup kit. Whether you wear makeup intermittently or daily, this brush cleaner is practical and useful. The tin features a quick change sponge that allows you to change colors on the same brush sans water or chemicals, and the heart-shaped silicone mat/glove makes cleaning brushes with soap and water easier. Priced at $12.95.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

5 Valentine’s Day Picks You’ll Love to Give and Receive: Friday Finds
3 DIY Ways to Say I Heart You This Valentine’s Day
9 Last-Minute Personalized Valentine’s Gifts Perfect for V-Day

The post 10 Valentine’s Day Beauty Goodies That Are (Almost) Better Than Chocolate appeared first on EcoSalon.

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day the traditional way, or prefer yours spent with pals, Galentine’s Day style, we’ve got the goodies that you’ll love to give and to receive. From beautiful accessories, to graphic tees with good messages, this specially-curated list will help you get in the mood to celebrate.

1. Flirt-tastic Floral Frock

Whether you have a special date night planned with your lover, or you prefer to spend your Valentine’s Day venturing out for a good time with your best pals, this boho-inspired frock will take you wherever you want to go. Great with tights and booties on a chilly February night, you’ll love transitioning this dress through all seasons. We’re loving this look with the wide brim hat for extra drama and style. Toss on a cross-body bag and a pair of heart studs to complete the look. Priced at $62.

2. Be Mine Crossbody Bag

Wear your heart on your shoulder with this red velvet cross-body bag that’s perfect for giving or receiving. You’ll love pairing it with everything from jeans and a lacy bodysuit, to your favorite little black dress. Great for a pop of color and whimsy, this purse can be used on or around Valentine’s Day and beyond. If you decide to gift it (besties, girlfriends, moms, sisters, and aunts would all love this, by the way), then consider stuffing it full of their V-day faves, like gourmet chocolates, makeup, flowers, and nail polishes, before wrapping it up. Priced at $68.

3. Love Thyself Graphic Tee

Self-love is in the air! Show yourself some L-O-V-E by picking up this gorgeous graphic tee. Whether you snag one for yourself, or want to gift it to all the special people in your life, the message is real. A great reminder to not get discouraged if you don’t have a date this year, because, honestly, there’s nothing like some R&R at home by yourself–wine included–and now you’ll have a cool new tee to do it in! Wear this top with your favorite skirts for a fun casual chic look, or toss it on with jeans and booties and head out for the day. Priced at $24.95.

4. Amore Amethyst Necklace

Valentine’s Day is a commercial holiday intent on selling you a cookie cutter pendant from a big box jewelry store. However, we say screw that idea and get yourself, or that special someone, something that’s truly unique. With no two alike, you’ll love the uniqueness that natural stones offer. This raw amethyst necklace has a perfect mix of ultra violet, white, gray, and gold to go with your favorite outfits for V-day and beyond. A year-round piece that will never go out of style, the timelessness of this beautiful necklace will be appreciated for years to come. Priced at $49.99.

5. Prima Ballerina Skirt

Steal the spotlight wherever you go in this ethereal tulle skirt that’s ideal for dressing up or down. Reminiscent of the graceful ballerinas perfecting their pirouettes, you’ll feel like a sugar plum fairy while wearing this graceful white midi. Whether you decide to pair it with a silky top, as pictured, or prefer to put your own spin on it by sporting a graphic tee or leather crop jacket, rest assured, there are plenty of ways to style this versatile piece for Valentine’s Day. Go all in with ankle tie heels, a fitted long sleeve top, a statement necklace, and a low messy bun. Priced at $67.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

4 Single Ladies Valentine’s Day Party Ideas
9 Last-Minute Personalized Valentine’s Gifts Perfect for V-Day
5 Sweetheart Styles for Valentine’s Day: Friday Finds

The post 5 Valentine’s Day Picks You’ll Love to Give and Receive: Friday Finds appeared first on EcoSalon.

Whether you are looking to expand your own fancy liquor palette or are looking for some liqueurs to gift this holiday season, we have got you covered. Here’s a roundup of some lesser known, yet super impressive liqueurs.

5 Delicious Liqueurs You’ve Never Heard Of

1. Suze

Suze is a French aperitif that you never knew you needed, but now won’t want to live without it. Suze has an appealingly subtle citrus, yet slightly bitter and earthy taste. It’s made from the root of the gentian plant, which is an herb that grows in the Alps. It can be enjoyed straight as an after dinner aperitif or used in cocktails. Mix it with soda and orange rind for a super simple and refreshing drink.

2. Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Liqueur

Maraschino cherry liqueur is another unknown powerhouse for the home bar. While you may think it’s made with those dyed red maraschino cherries, it is actually made from sour Marasca cherries. The taste is a mix between sweet and sour and is not necessarily ideal to drink on its own. Instead, this liqueur is the perfect addition to cocktails like the Manhattan. It can also be used to make homemade maraschino cherries with fresh cherries if you have any of this liqueur by the time summer comes around.

3. St. Germaine

St. Germaine is a liqueur made from elderberry flowers. It has a delicate floral taste that is lovely on its own or an ingredient in cocktails. Its delicate taste mixes well with Champagne and other sparkling wines. The showy bottle makes for a super impressive gift and the gentle floral taste is a decadent addition to any home bar that can make one feel the warmth of summer even in the cold of winter.

4. Licor 43

Licor 43 is a Spanish liqueur featuring a complicated flavor profile that includes layers of citrus, vanilla, and spice. This warm and sweet liqueur is a versatile addition to any liqueur collection. One of our favorite cocktails using Licor 43 is the Ginger 43 which is made with ginger ale, Licor 43, and lime. Licor 43 also makes a great addition to red or white wine sangria.

5. Green Chartreuse

There are two different types of Chartreuse–Green and Yellow. Distilled using over 130 herbs, Green Chartreuse is the only liqueur in the world with a completely natural green color. Traditionally enjoyed as an after dinner drink, Chartreuse makes for a delicious addition to cocktails. One popular way to enjoy Chartreuse is as a substitute for gin in a gin and tonic. The complex herbal flavors of Chartreuse rival those of the most herbaceous gin.

Related on EcoSalon

7 Festive Cocktail Recipes to Ring in the New Year in Style
7 Home Bar Mixer Must-Haves for Budding Mixologists
15 Sparkling Drinks That Aren’t Champagne

The post 5 Super Cool Liqueurs You’ve Never Heard of Perfect for the Winter Season appeared first on EcoSalon.