Top 10 must-have vacation drinks

Your summer’s Top 10
Vacation-ready wines, beer and coolers

Here’s our Top 10 must-have beverages to enjoy on the patio, on the terrace, while camping, at the chalet, or wherever you like. Enjoy your summer vacation!

A thirst-quenching beer

They started as home brewers in the family garage and now head one of Quebec's largest independent microbreweries. The Laganière brothers can be proud of making some of the most popular brews in the province. Exclusive to the SAQ, this refreshing blonde is perfect for those who wish to explore craft beers alongside their best nacho recipe!

Really impressive for the price

Rooted in the Penedès since its beginnings in 1790, Parés Balta cultivates its plots organically and biodynamically with the greatest respect for nature. Made according to the traditional method, this Catalan sparkling wine is really impressive for the price. Dry, generous and dashing, you’ll love it with a cheese fondue, spring rolls or in a wide variety of cocktails.

A mojito created by Monsieur Cocktail

For talented mixologist Patrice Plante, aka Monsieur Cocktail, this mojito is simply the best there is. . With no artificial flavours or colours, this premixed drink comes from cold-pressed juices and a blend of artisanal Caribbean rums. Adding the freshness of mint from the garden, it will be perfect with scallop and salsa bites.

A white with great freshness

Covering a 67-hectare plateau almost 1,000 meters above sea level, Fuenteseca manages its vineyard in the Utiel Requena region according to organic farming principles. Matured only in stainless steel vats, this blend of Macabeo and Sauvignon results in a wine with great freshness, mixing accents of citrus and green apple with herbal and floral notes. With its screwcap closure, which makes it great to lug around for picnics, this white gives you a lot for the price.

Fruity, spicy and floral

A great demonstration that the quality of a wine is not only measured by its power, this Gamay is disarmingly simple and elegant. Elaborated without inputs, in "natural" mode, it releases beautiful fruity, spicy and floral tones. Almost translucent and very easy drinking, you’ll like it chilled with pizza cooked on the BBQ, a Lyonnais rosette sandwich or by itself to appreciate its nuances.

Full of summery flavours

Because summer means we’re naturally more attracted to refreshing flavours, that's what this vodka-based ready-to-drink is all about. With just the right amount of effervescence in alkaline water, this low-sugar cooler is enhanced by natural aromas of mint and cucumber. It's fresh, it's forthright and perfect in any heat wave!

A real paloma in a can

Offered in a can for the first time, this local paloma is inspired by the classic cocktail recipe. Quebec distillery Comont uses its agave spirit (like tequila!) in sparkling water with natural flavours of lime, grapefruit and blood orange. Really well dosed and thirst-quenching, this relatively light drink has clearly conquered the palate of Quebecers who place it among the most appreciated in the category.

A very versatile summer wine

Their Jumilla red based on the Monastrell grape variety has won the hearts of Quebecers. Many will be happy now that, Parajes del Valle also offers a rosé! Made with Bobal from the Manchuela high altitude vineyards, not far from Valencia, this tasty, dry organic wine will please a lot of palates. A very versatile summer wine that will be amazing with grilled pork tenderloin or with vegetarian paninis in picnic mode.

An Origine Québec rosé to savour

An efficient blend of Maréchal Foch and Seyval, this digestible cuvée alcohol-wise while remaining dry is quite surprising. Aromas of small red fruits and flowers are present, accompanied by a delicate vegetal touch that gives it length. Perfect with a chicken salad with spinach and strawberries, or simply with a platter of local cheeses and cold cuts.

A pearly and crunchy attack

A young family business located in a magnificent amphitheater facing the sea, Alta Alella takes care of its vines according to the precepts of organic farming. Bearing the initials of the Pansa Blanca grape variety (Xarel·lo) making up this cuvée entirely, this white seduces with its pearly and crunchy attack. The fruity, saline and floral notes persist for a long time in the finish and will pair greatly with spring rolls or grilled sardines.