The holiday season calls for celebrations with a special touch, and what better way to impress guests than by serving distinctive drinks made right here in Canada? Moving beyond standard offerings, a selection of homegrown distilleries and beverage creators are producing exceptional concoctions that capture the essence of their regions. Here are five Canadian brands offering unique libations for your festive gatherings and beyond.
Spirits with a Sense of Place
Canadian distillers are increasingly focusing on local ingredients and stories, creating spirits that are deeply connected to their origins. In Banff, Alberta, Park Distillery produces its Flora & Fauna Gin. This aromatic spirit incorporates eight botanicals, including juniper, rose petals, and licorice root, aiming to embody the spirit of the Rocky Mountains. It is distilled using pure glacier water and bottled with eco-conscious materials like recycled glass and biodegradable corks. Furthermore, the company donates $1 from each bottle to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Another Albertan standout is the 008 Single Malt Whisky from Turner Valley's Eau Claire Distillery. Priced at $109.95, this whisky is crafted for those seeking a narrative in their glass. It uses prized Alberta barley harvested with antique horse-drawn equipment and water from the glacial melt of Mount Rae. The flavour profile presents oak shavings and grassy fields on the nose, sweet malt and toffee on the palate, and a finish featuring coconut and cocoa powder.
Innovative & Ready-to-Drink Creations
For those who prefer convenience without sacrificing flavour, Canadian innovators have you covered. Matt & Steve's, based in Mississauga, Ontario, has leveraged its expertise in Caesar garnishes to create a canned version of the iconic Canadian cocktail. At about $4 per can, their ready-to-drink Caesars incorporate the brand's famous flavourings, offering an easy solution for holiday hosts.
From Montreal comes a truly unique offering: the Winter Wonderland Jar from the Cocktail Bomb Shop. Founded by entrepreneur Kiana Gomes, who gained fame on CBC's Dragon's Den in 2022, the shop sells "bath bombs for your booze." The limited-edition jar, priced at $99.95 for 30 bombs, includes handcrafted orbs in flavours like Sugar Cookie, Mojito, and Winter Punch that add shimmer and fizz to beverages.
Grain-to-Glass Craftsmanship
Exemplifying the farm-to-table—or rather, grain-to-glass—movement is Kinsip House of Fine Spirits in Prince Edward County, Ontario. They control the entire process, from milling their own grains to bottling. Their Woodland's Whisper Vodka ($48.30) is triple-distilled from Ontario wheat and infused with a surprising local botanical: pine needles. The distillery suggests enjoying its natural essence or mixing it with their syrups and bitters to create a signature Ch-ch-cherry Bomb cocktail.
This holiday season, elevating your home bar goes hand-in-hand with supporting Canadian craftsmanship. These five products, ranging from traditional spirits to modern cocktail innovations, offer a taste of local terroir and entrepreneurial spirit, ensuring your festivities are both memorable and authentically Canadian.
