As one sips one’s green, sometimes literally, cocktail, let’s ruminate on the genesis of the eco-conscious flick. Al Gore wasn’t the first to put dire warnings of Earth’s demise on the physical or metaphorical celluloid. The human race’s cruising for a bruising was foretold in the fabulous “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” which is being revamped this year with Keanu Reeves as Klaatu, the role made famous by Michael Rennie in 1951. Originally, Klaatu came to Earth to warn mankind that if it didn’t stop messing about with nuclear weapons, the planet would be destroyed. The updated version, which is due in theaters in December, should we still be around to see it, nixes the nuclear threat for an environmental disaster. Keanu as Klaatu? We’ll drink to that.
ROUNDUP. Amazingly, in these times of the proverbial whatever-tini, no one’s come up with a cocktail to honor the movie that finally got people talking about Earth Day like it’s not just a bunch of old hippie hogwash. It took a movie to make people listen to what scientists had been saying for decades. And one by Al Gore at that. Nevertheless, let’s raise an eco-conscious cocktail to good old Gaia. And Al too.
Being green doesn’t stop at cocktails at the certified (by the Green Restaurant Association) eco-friendly Fireplace (1634 Beacon St., Brookline. 617-975-1900. www.fireplacerest.com). But it is a darn good place to start. To honor Earth Day, the Fireplace has a gorgeous Green Basil Gimlet ($10), which marries Square One organic vodka with crushed fresh organic limes and organic lemon basil. Square One is made from organic American-grown rye, which makes for a tasty deep finish.
At the Beacon Hill Bistro (25 Charles St., Boston. 617-723-7575. www.beaconhillhotel.com) — which prides itself on using locally grown produce, thus lessening the big old carbon footprint — the Whispering Viking ($11) is a refreshing summer cocktail using organic Rain vodka, which is made from organically grown Midwestern corn. It is muddled with lime, cucumber and organic mint from Eva’s Garden, in Dartmouth.
At Bambara (25 Edwin H. Land Blvd., Cambridge. 617-868-4444. www.bambara-cambridge.com), the Eco-Rita is one of the most delicious margaritas. It’s made with a handmade Herradura organic tequila and blue agave nectar instead of the usual orange liqueur, and finished with fresh lime juice ($12). Bambara’s eco-cred is commendable. Among numerous environmentally friendly measures, the chic spot uses Aquahealth bottled water, which is tap water that’s filtered using reverse osmosis filtration — same as many bottled nonspring waters — and bottled on premise. Still, the Eco-Rita’s more fun.
