Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spirits by making gin with peas as a base, according to Food & Wine.

Rather than using grains as the base during distillation, a study conducted by 11 researchers concluded that most spirits could be made with peas, including vodka and beer, but they've already taste-tested gin made from peas to great success. By replacing the grain base, the gin's environmental footprint is practically non-existent, which could prove to be extremely helpful as climate change continues to spread throughout the world.

Scotland's Arbikie Distillery teamed up with the scientists to help the gin taste great as well as save the environment, and they figured out that even though milled, dried peas don't sound like the most appealing gin base, balancing them with botanicals creates a gin that tastes just like a traditionally grain-based one.

This process carries plenty of benefits (growing peas in the first place can also aid the environment), so next time you want a martini or a gin & tonic, you might be able to help the environment while you drink.

Photo via Flickr user bnilsen