Local Alberta-made Drinks

At Culinaire we’re always trying new and wonderful things we hope to recommend.

On our Quick Sips page we hope to share all manner of “adult” beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic that might not fit in on our Spirits and Wine pages. This issue we’re highlighting six Alberta sips that we think you should know about! Have something we should cover? Pester Tom at tom@culinairemagazine.ca

Sunny Soda, Alberta

The skilled folks at Calgary’s Sunny Cider, have long made a non-alcoholic cider, but it’s been at their tap room only – until now! Showing off a bright, grown-up cider flavour with very reasonable sweetness (about 15 grams per can) and the flavour of real apple, this is absolutely done the right way. Crisp and refreshing with a dry, almost candy-flavoured finish. So tasty!

CSPC 102674, about $3-4 per can

Stickler Shrub Cocktails, Alberta

Shrubs are vinegar-based drinks, here in a blended cocktail style with gin, fruit juice, and a pinch of sugar, and it all comes together in a tart and refreshing beverage with about 5 percent alcohol. Very easy going to enjoy (best served chilled) with a good level of carbonation, and good balance of fruit and vinegar notes. In Blackberry Lemon and Grapefruit flavours, both are very tasty and something new for a tired palate.

CSPC 892956 or 892955, about $17-19

Fallentimber Meadjito, Alberta

Another mead-based take on a classic cocktail, here with room-filling, mouth watering mint leaf aromas, freshly muddled, but absolutely crushable lime and beach-friendly freshness. Honey notes are pretty mild, but as ready to drink, hot weather cocktails go, this can’t be beat when the sun is shining.

CSPC 858778 $16-18

Village Blueberry Yuzu Cider, Alberta

With an eye catching pinkish hue in the glass, it’s the bright and fresh flavours that really make this cider from Calgary’s Village Brewery stand out. Tangy blueberries? Check! Brassy yuzu notes? Check and check! Completely refreshing, crushable cider.

CSPC 871558 About $16-18

Fallentimber Honey Colada, Alberta

While this has been around for a while, who would have thought that a sparkling mead base would go so well with pineapple juice and coconut? Apparently Fallentimber did! Ready to go right out of the can, but best fairly well chilled, to show off the rich honey notes, the crushed pineapple flavour, and the toasty coconut. This would also be fantastic served on crushed ice – with a little umbrella.

CSPC 885121 $16-18

Fahr Copper, Alberta

An awesome, great tasting and award-winning beer made right in our backyard (and worth a visit) comes the Fahr Copper, an amber lager treading the fine balance of a refreshing, crisp lager and a more robust, nutty amber. A solid, year round beer that might just be best in jacket weather.

CSPC 825330 about $16-18