Many Canadians look forward to spring and the warmer weather it brings (it’s our go-to small talk topic during the winter). Easter marks an occasion for us to enjoy the season by spending time with friends and family – often with festive food and drinks. In my professional opinion, a wine cocktail can help capture that spirit of spring.
To celebrate the season (and our Canadian wineries), I’ve put together three wine cocktail recipes for three distinct Canadian personalities – the red flannel clad nature lover, the city socialite, and the creative in the scene.
For the Bold & Brooding: The Northern Sangria
Your idea of a getaway is the cabin-in-the-woods. Outsiders see that you’re tough and can handle anything, but you also have a refined taste for high-quality, because you obviously need the best gear that lasts through the elements.
Try this red wine sangria recipe while you relax on your deck after your long day of adventure:
Ingredients
- 1 Bottle Malivoire Gamay, 2023
- 1-2 oz TAG No. 5 Muskoka Cranberry Vodka
- 1/2 cup Pomegranate juice
- 1 Orange, sliced
- 1/2 Apple, diced
- Sparkling water
- Ice
Instructions
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Combine wine, cranberry vodka, juice, and fruit in a pitcher.
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Stir and chill for at least 2 hours.
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Serve over ice, topped with sparkling water.
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Garnish with an orange wheel.
For the Bubbly Socialite: The Raspberry Mimosa Twist
You like to do the most – your days are filled with bachata classes, get-togethers with friends, and whatever parties you were invited to. Whatever is happening in the city, it’s already in your calendar.
Drink this raspberry mimosa at brunch while booking a vacation with your friends:
Ingredients
- 3 oz Stoneboat Vineyards Bubble Boat Brut XIV
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz Maison Sivo Raspberry Liqueur
- Orange peel (optional garnish)
Instructions
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Add OJ and raspberry liqueur to a flute.
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Top with sparkling wine.
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Gently stir then garnish with an orange peel.
For the Creative Spirit: The Blueberry Lemon Fizz
You are all about self-expression and you want to share your craft with the world. You want a drink that’s refreshing and unfussy, but still leaves a memorable impression (just like you).
Sip this fizzy experience while listening to your curated selection of vinyls:
Ingredients
- 4 oz Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery Robert's Block Riesling, 2019
- 1 oz Beattie’s Blueberry and Lemongrass Vodka
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- Lemon slice + fresh mint
- Sparkling water, to top
- Ice
Instructions
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Fill a wine glass with ice.
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Add riesling, blueberry and lemongrass vodka, and lemon juice. Stir gently.
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Top with a splash of sparkling water.
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Garnish with lemon slice and mint.
These three cocktails are rooted in great Canadian wine, and built for connection, flavour, and celebration. No matter which “personality” you fit into, anyone can enjoy them. Test them out, see which ones you like the best, and you can serve them at your next gathering – because nothing says “happy spring” like a cocktail that tastes like the season.
