Après Spirits – Photography by Clay Dolan

As temperatures drop, our favourite way to warm our bellies and lift our spirits is with a locally produced cocktail (or three). Whether you prefer gin, vodka, brandy, or Earl Grey tea, these cozy concoctions are guaranteed to keep you toasty this winter. Forget the fire, warm up with one of these cold weather libations.

Sonic Tonic, HERETIC SPIRIT VODKA

This younger sibling of the gin and tonic has now finally grown out of its awkward years. This striking beverage blends complimentary flavours and promises to dazzle the taste buds. Add a handful of crushed cherries for a fizzy finish.

  • 2 oz 0.5 oz
  • 3 oz
  • Heretic Vodka fresh lime juice
  • Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic water
  • rosemary cherries

Method: Fill an empty cocktail shaker with vodka, lime, rosemary and whole cherries. Muddle all ingredients together, crushing the cherries. Add ice and stir thoroughly. Strain contents over ice. Fill glass with Mediterranean Tonic Water. Gently stir (avoid agitating the tonic water too much).

The Infiltrator, SPY CIDER HOUSE AND DISTILLERY

The perfect antidote to a cold winter’s day, the Infiltrator has a smooth, spicy flavour and a hint of heart-warming heat. Cinnamon and spice combined with the aromas of cloves (from aromatic bitters) and a zing of lemon, create a remarkable balance to the complexity of the drink’s star performer, Spy Mata Hari Beyond Brandy.

  • 2 oz
  • 1 oz
  • 1/4 oz
  • 1/3 oz 1 dash
  • Spy Mata Hari Beyond Brandy
  • apple juice (cloudy pressed)
  • lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • cinnamon sugar syrup
  • Angostura aromatic bitters
  • slice of dried apple

To make the cinnamon sugar syrup: in a small sauce pot add water and cinnamon and bring to boil. Simmer for 10 minutes and strain out cinnamon sticks. Bring water back to a boil, add sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into a glass. Garnish with a floating slice of seductive dried apple.

Spiked London Fog, FRESHWATER DISTILLERY

This cozy drink is warm and savoury. Add a hint of vanilla and garnish with fragrant lavender for a truly aromatic cocktail experience.

  • 1-2 oz Clearwater or Darkwater Gin
  • 8.5 oz oat milk or regular milk
  • 1 tsp/oz sugar/simple syrup
  • vanilla simple syrup
  • 1 bag/tbsp Blue Mountain Tea Company Earl Grey or vanilla Earl Grey Tea

Method: Heat or steam milk. In a mug or other heat resistant cup add gin and sugar/syrup. Pour the milk over the tea and let steep until desired strength. Garnish with lavender, cinnamon, or whatever your preference.