Local spirits for your long weekends and summer vacay

It’s official — summer has arrived, and let’s be honest, we’ve earned it this year. With a string of long weekends ahead (not to mention vacation time), we’re making the most of it: everybody outside! Whether you’re hanging out by the firepit or under twinkling lights in the backyard, here are 5 Origine Québec spirits to enjoy straight or in a cocktail.

Small batch, big flavour

This whisky is crafted from 100% Quebec ingredients and double micro-distilled in small batches to achieve a smooth, delicate profile — with zero burn on the finish. It’s then aged for three years in American, French, and Hungarian oak barrels. The result? A soft, well-rounded whisky with woody aromas and notes of vanilla and caramel. Perfect on its own or over ice, and a total hit in this matcha cocktail that’s as green and fresh as summer itself.

Whisky and matcha summer cocktail

Ingredients

• 2 ounces whisky
• 1/2-ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2-ounce honey syrup
• ¼ teaspoon matcha powder
• 4 ounces club soda
• 1 lemon slice for garnish

Mix

• Add the whisky, lemon juice, honey syrup, and matcha to a shaker filled with ice. Shake like you mean it.
• Pour into a chilled highball glass filled with ice.
• Pour the soda into the shaker, stir to rinse, then pour into the glass.
• Add lemon slice for show.

Apple elegance

This apple brandy brings together apple eau-de-vie and orange zest in perfect harmony. Aged in oak barrels, it’s smooth and rich, with flavours of fresh orange, zest, caramel, citrus, brandy, and brown sugar. Silky and refined, it’s the perfect little indulgence when you’re in the mood for something special. Enjoy it on the rocks or in a cocktail like the Snazzy Zest— a toast to the estate’s 100th anniversary, or simply to your well-deserved time off.

A Park for the pack

Made entirely from Quebec corn in LaSalle, this is a true London Dry Gin — Origine Québec style! Delicate and well-balanced, it features aromas of juniper berries and citrus zest with a subtle hint of cracked pepper. The large-format bottle comes in eco-friendly packaging that’s recyclable, renewable, and BPA-free — perfect for big BBQs and family gatherings. Serve it on ice or in a crowd-pleasing classic like a gin and tonic, or try something more creative like the Northern rose.

Marvelous Menaud

Inspired by Italian apéritifs but made with 100% Charlevoix ingredients, this local gem gets its citrusy aroma from northern fruits like sea buckthorn, haskap, barberry, and wormwood, all macerated in Menaud’s neutral grain spirit. It strikes a perfect balance between tart and sweet — ideal served on the rocks or in a classic Spritz made local or Negroni.

Top-shelf vodka

If you’re looking for a solid, versatile base for all kinds of cocktails, this is it. Made from 100% premium Quebec corn, this classic vodka has a crisp taste with a touch of sweetness. Its subtle, signature butterscotch note adds a little something extra to a classic Bloody Caesar or the ever-popular Espresso Martini.

Go ahead and share your favourite summer cocktails, and long-live the sunny season!

In partnership with Distillerie de Montréal, Domaine Lafrance, 1769 Distillery, Menaud et Ubald.