A holiday guide to Québec-made alcohols

‘Tis the season to clink glasses and celebrate that we made it through another year! And what better way to make merry than by adding some local flavour with Québec alcohols? Spread the holiday cheer by bringing a bottle of our local elixirs to parties or offering them as a gift. From festive favourites to new drinks, here are a few picks:

GINS

With notes of juniper, lemon and orange, we’re mad about Madison Park London Dry gin. Crisp, clear and excellent all by itself or in your favourite cocktail.

Madison Park London Dry, by Distillerie 1769

Hand-picked indigenous herbs native to the Arctic region give the Ungava gin its one-of-a-kind taste and sunshiny colour. Excellent all alone, with ice or to freshen up a cocktail.

Ungava Premium Canadian Gin, by Domaine Pinnacle

The parsnip: it’s always the quiet ones that we least suspect. But this humble root vegetable is being given its fair due by these break-all-the-rules distillers, and the Piger Henricus, a London dry, is fast-tracking to our favourite.

Piger Henricus Gin, by The Subervises

Gin lovers are definitely going to want to check out Gin de neige (“snow gin”), a truly lovely libation created and distilled with juniper berries, sweet clover, white spruce and lichen.

Gin de neige, by La Face cachée de la pomme

Tip: The brand-new 1642 Tonic Water, with a hint of Québec spruce, adds a dash of local sparkle to a classic Gin and Tonic.

VODKAS

Quartz Vodka, made from the pure, esker-sourced waters of northern Québec, is excellent go-to. Enjoy its clean, refreshing taste on its own or add it to a cocktail.

Quartz Vodka, by Domaine Pinnacle

PUR Vodka has picked up a clutch of prizes ever since it hit the market. Its pureness lies in the natural spring-sourced water and locally-grown corn, two ingredients that have helped make it a breakout success.

PUR Vodka, by PUR Vodka

An awesome new entry created from apples, Canadian corn and spring water. We’re in!

Amarok Vodka, by Domaine Lafrance

 ICE CIDERS AND ICE WINES

The tastes of candied apples and apricots come shining through in Des glaces, an award-winning and awesome ice cider that you can sip while nibbling on fois gras, fine cheeses and desserts.

Des glaces, by Cidrerie du Minot

Recently voted best in Québec and in the world, Neige récolte is a true celebration of the wonders of winter and the unctuous tastes that come of frozen, fermented grapes.

Neige récolte d’hiver, by La face cachée de la pomme

Newer to the market, the Union Libre Fire Cider promise to set hearts aflame and send tastebuds cartwheeling. This fine nectar makes a mouthwatering accompaniment to cheese, canapés and fine meat products.

Fire cider, by Union Libre

Bliss out despite the biting winter cold with Monde, a sweet syrup that surprises with fruity flavours and that is a great friend to desserts.

Monde, by Rivière du Chêne Winery

This spicy, floral and fruity ice wine has, as its name suggests, been a runaway success.

Ice Wine Marathonien, by Vignoble du Marathonien

OTHER SPIRITS AND LIQUEURS

WHISKY

The golden amber-coloured Coureur des bois Maple Whisky is a blend of aged Canadian whisky and pure maple syrup. Drink it neat, on ice or in a cocktail.

Coureur des bois Maple Whisky, by Domaine Pinnacle

RUM

Infused with six Nordic plants from Québec’s Chic Choc mountains, Chic Choc Spiced Rum is a light amber that will warm your heart and tummy.

Chic Choc Spiced Rum, by Domaine Pinnacle

BRANDY

Move over Calvados—we’ve got Calijo. This apple brandy wafts with wood, vanilla and caramel notes, with a lovely apple finish. Serve it strait up or on the rocks and enjoy as it hits your palate.

Calijo , by Michel Jodoin

MAPLE CREAM

Maple cream? You definitely want that in a glass. And Coureur des bois Maple Cream is perfect in coffee or cocktails or with ice, sipped slowly around a crackling fireplace.

Coureur des bois Maple Cream, by Domaine Pinnacle

APPLE MISTELLE

Neige noir is another drink you’ll want on your party list. An apple mistelle that combines flavours of caramel, maple, dried fruits and spices, it makes for a lovely after-dinner libation.

Neige noir, by La Face cachée de la pomme