SINCE THEY GROW LAVENDER in the often-dry Río Grande Valley, Kemper Barkhurst and Elizabeth Arnold are always conscious about water—where it comes from, how much is available, how it’s transported, and what it tastes like. When it comes to drinking it, they are especially hooked on sparkling water, but not thrilled about how far the bottles they were buying from big corporations have to travel. So, in 2013, Bluefly Farms launched their own line of farm-to-can sparkling waters flavored with local lavender, tulsi, peppermint, and rosemary. “We decided to keep it simple by using the herbs we grow and let them do all the talking,” says the couple. The drinks contain only water, bubbles, and plant essences. Another aspect that makes Bluefly Farms Sparkling Water special—and sustainable—is that they are a treat that’s only available from retailers in Albuquerque and northern New Mexico. “Folks ask us all the time if we’ll ship it out of state, but we tell them it’s too precious.”
Check out Bluefly Farms’ retail space at 2506 Washington St. NE, in Albuquerque, open Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.