Summer has officially arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s energizing, it’s full of adventure, and it’s hot. While we may look to trees as a handy place to take a break from the sun or host our next picnic, you might be surprised to learn that trees can also help keep you hydrated. (Seriously, what can’t trees do?) Enter Sapsucker, a sustainable Earth-First company that’s tapping into the thirst-quenching power of tree water.
If it’s your first time hearing the term tree water, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We sat down with Tim Lute, Sapsucker’s CEO, to learn more about their organic collection of sparkling tree water and grab some must-have sustainable cocktail recipes to keep you cool this summer.
Q: Tell us a little about Sapsucker and how it came to be.
We see an opportunity for delicious and sustainable drinks in the natural sparkling beverage market. There’s an untapped market with tree water, which opens up new possibilities for everyone to enjoy life’s main ingredient — water.
Q: What sets Sapsucker apart from other carbonated beverages?
That it’s not just water, it’s tree water! Unlike water from other sources, tree water is naturally sweet (with no added sugar) and supports immune health with 46 nutrients, minerals, and electrolytes. The subtle bubble and slightest hint of natural sweetness make it delicious, easy to drink, and unexpectedly refreshing. You can drink good and do good by crushing tree water; we’re preservative-free, GMO-free, vegan, and keep trees standing tall.
The role we can play to help keep hardwood forests standing and support local farmers is important to us. The opportunity to collaborate with a company like tentree to give back and support our mission is an important step. We believe this sets us apart.
Q: How do you extract the sap from the trees to make Sapsucker?
Tree water is a by-product of the natural growth process of maple trees. These trees draw moisture up through their roots and trunk in the fall, acting as a natural filter, adding nutrients and a subtly sweet finish. The water collects nutrients stored in the tree all winter and provides hydration and nourishment that enables the tree’s growth and rejuvenation in the spring. How cool is that!
Q: How does Sapsucker practice sustainability?
The harvest process is ethical and sustainable. We do not harm trees and let them continue to produce throughout their natural lives. (Up to 200 years without ever disrupting underground resources as it naturally absorbs CO2 the whole time.)
Plus, we are local and proud of it. We tap our beverages from Canadian maple trees, which means a lower carbon footprint versus other plant-based beverages on the market, such as coconut water.
Q: What are your favourite sustainable cocktails to beat the summer heat?
The Sweet Sap
Ingredients
- 4 ounces of The Lemon One
- 2 ounces of Honey Gin
- ½ ounces of lemon Juice
- ¼ of honey
- Ice
- Sage Leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Pour honey over ice.
- Pour The Lemon One, Honey Gin, and lemon juice in the glass over ice. Stir together.
- Garnish with fresh sage.
The Paloma Tequila
Ingredients
- Lime wedge, for optional rim
- Coarse salt, for optional rim
- 2 ounces blanco or reposado tequila
- 1/4 to /2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4 ounces of The Grapefruit One
Instructions
- If desired, rim a glass with salt. Begin by wetting the rim with a lime wedge, then roll it in a small dish of salt.
- Fill the glass with ice and add the tequila and lime juice.
- Top it off with The Grapefruit One and enjoy.
The Maple Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- Whiskey: 2 ounces of bourbon or rye
- 2 dashes of bitters
- 1 ounce of The Original One
- 1 orange: Plus a vegetable peeler or knife to slice off some of the peel.
Instructions
- Prep your orange peel. Use a vegetable peeler or knife to carefully cut a 2 to 3-inch-long piece of orange peel. Run the pulp-side of the peel around the rim of the cocktail glass. Then set aside.
- Add bourbon, bitters, and The Original One and use a spoon to briefly stir to combine.
- Add ice and stir with the spoon again to mix and chill the drink.
- Garnish and serve. Give the orange peel a good twist to release its oils, then tuck it into the drink.
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