Newest Liquor, VeeV, is Making a Splash

VeeV, an all-natural, 60-proof, clear spirit made mostly from açaí berries, has moved north from the Los Angeles area and hit the San Francisco scene. Açaí tastes like dark berries (think blackberry and black cherry) with just the hint of essence of dark chocolate. Açaí berries are grown only in Brazil. Along with açaí, VeeV contains prickly pear juice and acerola cherry. At 60 proof, it has less alcohol, not to mention fewer calories, than most clear spirits, and the açaí berry has 57 percent more antioxidants than the old favorite, pomegranates, perhaps making VeeV the healthiest alcohol on the market.

VeeV is also a green, eco-friendly spirit. Courtney Reum, co-founder of VeeV (with husband Carter), says the company makes a donation of $1 for each bottle sold to companies supporting the sustainability of growing açaí in the Amazon, and raising awareness of rainforest concerns. Although initially VeeV debuted at about 30 of the trendiest L.A. bars and restaurants, it can now be found at the best bars and restaurants in San Francisco. One of the "house" recipes on the VeeV Web site (http://www.VeeVlife.com/) is the VeeV-ini. This perfect brunch libation contains a half ounce of VeeV and good champagne. To make it, put a chilled shot of VeeV in a chilled champagne flute with your favorite champagne and garnish with fresh organic blueberries and raspberries. This could mark the demise of the Mimosa as the staple of Sunday mornings. Mixology has thrilled to this new liquor, and mixologists at the hottest bars are coming up with their own new VeeV drinks. Tony Devencenzi, a mixologist at Jones in San Francisco, created the "VeeV-arita." Combine one ounce of VeeV, one ounce Cazadores Reposada Tequila, half an ounce Cointreau, half an ounce Prickly Pear Puree from the Perfect Puree of Napa , a quarter ounce agave nectar and the pulpy juice from one fresh lime. The good old margarita may have met its match.

Those who love VeeV declare it can be substituted in any recipe that uses clear liquor, and local bars in the San Francisco area seem to be competing to come up with the best new recipes. Gossip says that Red Bull has taken a back seat to this healthier drink. Is VeeV a fad or will it last? At $34.99 a bottle, it won't break the bank; and the environmentally conscious can feel good about drinking a sustainable product that supports its growers, and one that's also a carbon neutral spirits company - unique among spirits factories. The only problem some critics see is that it's just too delicious, and some consumers may find it hard to stop with one drink. But most hope VeeV is the great beginning of a new wave of eco- and health-conscious liquors.

http://www.VeeVlife.com/

http://www.luxist.com/2007/07/10/VeeV-drink-your-açaí/

http://epicself.com/2008/08/25/VeeV-cocktails-have-never-been-so-healthy/ http://www.whiteapricot.com/socal/

http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/

http://weblogs.variety.com/theknife/2007/08/cocktail-report.html