‘Sipping with Purpose’: Barr Hill and Chinola Raise Funds for At-Risk Pollinators With Earth Month Cocktail Initiative

During Earth Month, Barr Hill and Chinola join forces to raise funds for protecting bees with the help of a delicious tropical cocktail. (Photo: Barr Hill)

In a joint effort to celebrate Earth Month, Vermont-based gin business Barr Hill and Dominican passionfruit liqueur brand Chinola have teamed up to promote the Saturn cocktail in a fundraising endeavor dubbed “Sipping with Purpose.” Taking place during the entire month of April, the initiative aims to raise awareness about sustainable farming practices, innovative distillation methods and the conservation of bees and other at-risk pollinators.

At the heart of this partnership lies a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. Barr Hill and Chinola both recognize the indispensable contribution of bees to agriculture and strive to safeguard their habitats while minimizing waste through innovative techniques.

“We have great respect for industry colleagues like Chinola who innovate and work hard to keep our agricultural landscapes robust and buzzing, and we are thrilled to partner with them for Earth Month,” said Barr Hill lead distiller and owner, Ryan Christiansen, in a press release.

“Connecting cocktail culture to our agricultural roots is what we’re all about.”

This month, every purchase of Barr Hill Gin and Chinola will contribute funds to initiatives by Xerces Society and Pollinator Partners, aimed at safeguarding endangered pollinators. Additionally, a portion of each Saturn cocktail sold at the Barr Hill distillery bar will be donated to a local partner of the 1% For the Planet program.

(Photo: Barr Hill)

The Saturn cocktail was created in 1967 by Filipino-American mixologist “Po Po” Galsini, drawing inspiration from the launch of the Saturn V rocket. This vintage American libation combines tropical passionfruit flavors with the botanical essence of gin. Other key ingredients include fresh lemon juice, spiced falernum syrup and orgeat. The Saturn is also considered one of the most popular gin-based tiki drinks, a departure from the usual rum-based cocktails in this category.

Based in Caledonia Spirits’ eco-conscious distillery in Vermont, Barr Hill is renowned for incorporating locally sourced raw honey into its spirits. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is evident through various initiatives, including harnessing renewable solar energy, reclaiming heat and converting distillery waste into biofuel for community power.

Notably, Barr Hill has reduced water usage by 83% with a reclamation system and low-flow fixtures. Additionally, stillage waste undergoes “bio-digestion” for renewable energy, while 83 kw of solar panels offset electricity consumption. Moreover, excess heat generated during production serves to warm the outdoor bar area.

Barr Hill offers two acclaimed spirits: Barr Hill Gin (45% ABV) and Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin (43% ABV). Barr Hill Gin boasts a classic dry style with hints of clove, grapefruit and wildflower honey, while Tom Cat, aged in barrels for six months, presents a rich, nuanced flavor profile with notes of vanilla and oak.

Meanwhile, based in the Dominican Republic, Chinola practices low-impact jungle farming to source fruits and cane spirit for its fresh fruit liqueur. The business nourishes young passionfruit plants with organic worm castings and supports native pollinators with its apiary, which also supplies honey to the community. The Chinola distillery is energy self-sufficient, powered by sugar cane waste, and recycles CO2 gas for carbonated beverages. Passion fruit seeds are used for skin care oil and cattle feed, while shells are composted.

Read next:

Barr Hill Turns to Sherry Casks In Latest Tom Cat Gin Release

Self-Described Gin and Tonic Fan, Chef José Andrés, Recommends This Cocktail That Will ‘Haunt You Forever’

Celebrate National Gin and Tonic Day With These 10 Creative Twists on the Beloved Cocktail