Companies have been inspired to get creative with increasingly sophisticated premixed cocktails.fotostorm/Getty Images
Canadian alcohol producers continue to innovate, particularly in the rapidly expanding ready-to-drink category. The popularity of hard seltzers has inspired companies to get creative with increasingly sophisticated premixed cocktails, including the two recommended here that strike me as serious summertime sipping options.
For whisky lovers looking for homegrown replacements for American bourbon, Alberta Premium has just launched a new nine-year-old expression, Golden Rye, with a smoother, sweeter and flavourful character that’s blended to impress.
Alberta Premium 9 Year Old Golden Rye (Canada), $37.95
A new addition to the Alberta Premium lineup, this represents a step up from their blended rye that’s a staple in liquor stores across the country. Aged in a mix of new white oak and refilled bourbon and Canadian whisky barrels, this presents a pleasant sweet and spicy character, with aromas and flavours suggesting vanilla, pepper, fruit (apricot, orange marmalade) and honeycomb. The style is best suited for cocktails. This has 45 per cent ABV. Available at the above price in Ontario, $35.99 in British Columbia ($32.99 until Aug. 30), various prices in Alberta, $33.99 in Manitoba ($30.99 until Aug. 31), $37.99 in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Donna Blood Orange Italian Spritz (Canada), $3.95
Donna is a new line of Italian-inspired spritz cocktails produced by Melissa Pulvermacher, a wine educator and marketer who launched Dame Beverage company in 2023. This satisfying sparkling drink offers citrus (blood orange, grapefruit, lemon) with savoury and floral accents. The light bubbles help to temper the sweetness on the palate, while the refreshing finish suggests a lasting impression of lemon zest and herbal notes. It’s balanced enough to sip out of the can, but I prefer serving over ice in a large bowl wine glass. This has 5 per cent ABV and 7 g/litre r.s. Available at the above price in Ontario, $3.95 / 355 ml, various prices in Alberta.
Tromba Lime Margarita (Canada), $3.25
Calling this sparkling ready-to-drink cocktail a margarita is bound to confuse consumers expecting a smooth, refreshing premixed drink. That said, the mix of sweet lime and spicy agave flavours are an appealing light and less boozy cocktail served over ice in a tall glass rimmed with salt. This has 5 per cent ABV. Available in Ontario, $3.25 / 355 ml.