Açaí, the Brazilian super-fruit, is going out for a night on the town. Typically found in smoothies and fruit bowls, VeeV Açaí Spirit has found a way to bring the benefits of açaí from the rainforests of Brazil to a martini glass near you. San Diegans rejoice and welcome the world's first açaí spirit - simply a better way to drink.
All about açaí:
The Brazilian national fruit has been hailed as the healthiest food on the planet. Popularized by surfers and athletes, it's loaded with 57% more antioxidants than blueberries and has 30 times more heart-healthy anthocyanins than red wine. The mega-berry grows atop Amazonian palm trees and is known to promote digestive and cardiovascular health as well as fight premature aging.
Açaí naturally has the taste of exotic dark berries with a hint of chocolate.
VeeV takes the natural taste one step further by infusing the açaí liqueur with prickly pear and acerola cherry, which blend to create a refreshing taste of açaí and citrus. VeeV drinks like vodka, but is a lighter spirit at 60 proof, and is easier on the palate.
Best of all, the ingredients in VeeV make this sweet spirit a natural hangover remedy. This allows VeeVer's to live the VeeV life all night without losing the next day. Has the world finally found its miracle elixir? We think so.
VeeV Açaí Spirit is the brainchild of brothers Courtney and Carter Reum, former Wall Street investment bankers, who left their careers in 2006 to build an entrepreneurial company that reflects their passion for the environment. The brothers personally discovered the super-fruit while on a 2003 surfing trip in the heart of Brazil. From their appreciation for the Amazon and the natural power of açaí berry, VeeV Açaí Spirit was born - not just a company, but a vision and a transformative lifestyle.
"Our goal is to raise awareness, resources and support for the Amazon Rainforest and safe harvest of açaí, while running a sustainable, eco-friendly company," Courtney explains, "VeeV enables us to reach a young, influential audience who wants to make environmentally-friendly choices while also experiencing a luxury product."
Although VeeV is a liquer company by the books; VeeV is a progressive enterprise at heart, built on preserving the environment from whence the açaí berry is born: the Brazilian rainforest. VeeV donates $1 per bottle sold towards preventative and restoration green initiatives. VeeV paired up with the Rainforest Action Network and the Sustainable Açaí Project to ensure the sustainability of the super-fruit.
The Rainforest Action Network fights for the protection of the world's rainforest by aligning corporate and government agendas with conservation efforts. The Sustainable Açaí Project aids farming communities and ensures that açaí is "wild harvested" to preserve surrounding wildlife.
In addition to these eco-conscious ventures, VeeV conducts regular "VeeV Green Audits" to ensure eco-friendly business practices in all areas of the company. This includes carbon neutral packaging, the use of wind-generated power, and a sales team driven by a fleet of hybrid cars.
VeeV rolled into San Diego last summer and can be found in most swanky nightlife destinations from Downtown to Pacific Beach. Josh McCullough, VeeV's San Diego market manager, says the liqueur has had such a positive reception because it represents the culture of San Diego.
"I've lived in San Diego for over 10 years and the market has grown significantly, not only with hotels, restaurants, clubs, and nightlife in general but also with green awareness. The majority of San Diego venues from the beach areas to downtown know that their patrons love to have a good time, and want to help make those good times have a lasting impression by also helping the environment. VeeV is achieving these goals one cocktail at a time, and is clearly a better way to drink."
The açaí liqueur is available at over 30 bars and clubs in the San Diego area including The Fleetwood, Belo, Firehouse, Sidebar, Bar West, Airport Lounge, and many, many more. You can also buy a bottle of your own at Jonathan's of La Jolla or Wine Bank for $34.99.
The company's international website offers VeeV cocktail and martini recipes submitted by creative bartenders and drinkers alike. One of our many favorite concoctions is the Joie de VeeV, a refreshing mix of açaí mint, and strawberries that goes down smooth and won't come back to haunt you tomorrow.
Joie de VeeV
2.0 oz VeeV, dash of sugar, 3 mint sprigs, 2 strawberries, 2 lime wedges, ginger ale.
Muddle 2 slices of lime, 2 strawberries, 3 mint sprigs in a mixing glass.
Add 2.0 oz VeeV, sugar and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake. Pour into a glass and top with ginger ale.
For more information on VeeV Açaí Spirit and the VeeV cause, visit veevlife.com.
