NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – The makers of organic beer, brandy, gin, tequila, wine and vodka are marketing a healthier way to socialize via their eco-sensitive brands, MSNBC reports.

“Sip tequila and save the world, that’s our motto,” said Enrico Caruso, senior vice president of sales for 4 Copas Tequila, which manufactures USDA-certified organic tequila.

Brewing green is not limited to small companies. Last month, Anheuser-Busch debuted Purus, an organic vodka, following up on its 2006 launch of two organic craft-style beers, Stonemill Pale Ale and Wild Hops Lager.

Anheuser-Busch feels that organic beverages cater to a niche of socially conscious buyers, said Pat McGauley, Anheuser-Busch vice president for innovation. Sales of the organic beers have “exceeded expectations,” McGauley said. “We’re really excited about these products.”

Overall, the $6 billion organic food industry is forecasted to increase 59 percent by 2012, according to Mintel Research. In 2006, organic beer sales jumped 29 percent to reach $25 million, according to the Organic Trade Association. Organic wine advanced 13 percent to hit $80 million, the association estimates.

While those numbers don’t come close to the $128 billion in beer and wine sales nationwide, the organic category is a fast-growing segment.

Because more people are interested in socially conscious drinking, new “green bars,” such as San Francisco’s Elixir, are popping up. Elixir offers organic cocktails made with organic liquors and fruit.

“Alcohol is still alcohol,” said Elixir bar owner H. Joseph Ehrmann. “You’re not getting a better buzz or a less of a hangover. The point is we’re doing things differently.”