Americans are demanding organic more than ever. And naturally, that quest for pesticide-free fare is spilling over into the cocktail glass, too. Organic cocktails are becoming commonplace at holiday parties. "With more people wanting in their glass what's on their plates, it's getting easier all the time to find all sorts of organic fruits, veggies, herbs—and even booze—for making 100 percent organic cocktails," explains Paul Abercrombie, author of Organic, Shaken and Stirred: Hip Highballs, Modern Martinis, and Other Totally Green Cocktails (Harvard Common Press, 2009). "Hardly a month goes by that I don't hear of some new organic gin, rum, or vodka; I'm even seeing more exotic liqueurs go organic. Most cities or towns with decent wine or liquor stores will carry at least some organic hooch. And if you can't find it on local shelves, just about anything you want can be ordered online." (You can make your own simple syrup by simply stirring sugar in boiling water, and then setting aside to thicken.)

If you do drink during the holidays, why not try incorporating some organic elements into the mix? And, of course, be careful not to overindulge. Overdoing it can erase the heart-healthy benefits of alcohol, and could even lead to holiday heart syndrome, an abnormal heart rhythm caused by binge drinking that often occurs during holiday festivities. (If alcohol isn't your thing, check out tips for hosting an alcohol-free shindig for entertaining ideas and a link to fruit punch recipes.) Here are some 100% and some partially organic cocktail recipes, along with tips on avoiding nasty ingredients while mixing it up over the holidays: Avoid organic cocktail pitfalls Elderflower Fizz Bank Exchange Punch Apricot Honeybush Martini Sweet Vermouth