Tis the season to be merry and nothing makes us fa-la-la more than sipping a festive drink. The best spot to get ‘em? Simcoe County! Read on for our top 7 sippable gifts to grab while you’re there.
Our List of Gifts You Can Drink from Simcoe County this Festive Season
Read on for our rundown of sippable gift ideas from Simcoe County.
1: Cranberry & Blood Orange Gin
Where to get it: Beattie’s Distillers, 6673 Line 13, Alliston, ON. (View Map)
Shop online
The perfect gin for sipping on the rocks or mixed into cranberry juice, you’ll feel festive just holding this one. We could even picture a splash of OJ in there if you wanted a twist on your classic mimosa. Dare we add a sprig of rosemary?
Crafted by the folks at Beattie’s Distillers in Alliston, this gin is a specialty holiday spirit that you can’t get year-round. Gin not your thing? Try their equally festive peppermint vanilla vodka mixed into a crisp dessert martini or even splashed into your hot cocoa.
A visit to the distillery will make you dizzy with options as you scour their spirits collection ranging from their infamous sweet potato vodka to apple pie moonshine. Need more ideas? Hit the cocktail recipe section of their website.
2: 12 Days of Christmas Pack
Where to get it: Quayle’s Brewery, 4567 12 Line N. Coldwater, ON. (View Map)
View this post on Instagram
Quayle’s Brewery is just off of Highway 11 so it’s perfect for those heading north to cottage country this winter. Pop into this impressive brewery and you’ll be dazzled by your options.
Cozy up to the bar and grab something on tap and something tasty to eat, and before you head out the door, do a little holiday shopping! We love their 12 Days of Christmas Pack which features 12 different beers brewed on-site at Quayle’s for the person who loves it all!
In search of something more specific? They also have a sour lover’s gift pack, a hopped lover’s gift pack, and a light n’ easy gift pack. Check, check, and check.
3: Special Edition Sumac Cyder
Where to get it: Duntroon Cyder House, 3079 Simcoe County Rd. 124, Duntroon, ON. (View Map)
Feeling the winter blahs? Pop by Duntroon Cyder House and you’re sure to have a pep in your step before you leave!
Their Sumac Cyder is the perfect addition under the tree this year and best enjoyed fireside. Poured into a beautiful, large bottle it’s a showstopper that harkens back to flavours of summer.
With late and early harvest editions (you’ll be purchasing late this time of year), the flavour differs slightly. This one is mellow with notes of earthy tobacco and florals. Cheers to that!
4: Shinny Fuel American Pale Ale
Where to get it: Black Bellows Brewing, 40 Simcoe St, Collingwood, ON. (View Map)
The perfect edition to all those pond hockey pick-up games this winter, this APA by Black Bellows Brewing is easily ordered online or picked up from the on-site bottle shop.
We, of course, recommend the latter. Pull up a seat at the bar or grab a long table in the tap room and enjoy a few pints or a flight as you find the perfect, hit-the-spot snack off the menu. Think tostadas, momos, and even breakfast sandwiches. NOM NOM NOM.
5: 2020 VQA Cab Franc
Where to get it: Windrush Estate Winery, 3100 Concession Rd 3 Adjala, Palgrave, O. (View Map)
We didn’t forget about you, wine drinkers! A visit to Windrush Estate Winery is just the ticket! Head into their bottle shop to cruise a selection of their award-winning wines or call ahead to book a tour.
The cab franc was aged in French oak barrels for 14 months and now has an impressive bouquet and depth in tasting notes.
Want to kick up your visit a notch? Call ahead to Windrush Manor and you can enjoy a wine-tasting and charcuterie board with a view of Hawkley Valley that will knock your socks off.
6: Spicy Dill Caesar Elixir paired with Garlic Rimmer
Where to get it: 1858 Caesar Bar, 158 Hurontario St, Collingwood, ON. (View Map)
Nothing hits the spot quite like a Caesar. Are we right or are we right? This Canadian classic is a staple across the country and we definitely agree- it’s a keeper.
When you visit 1858 Caesar Bar in Collingwood (they also have a location in Sauble Beach), you’ll be mind blown by the way they’ve taken a humble cocktail and crafted it into… well, a masterpiece.
You can try everything from a Caesar topped with surf and turf (think shrimp and beef) to soft pretzels and even a chicken wing. *wipes drool off chin*
Take a piece of this genius back with you to give to somebody special this holiday season when you shop their line of Caesar elixirs and rimmers. We love a splash of the spicy dill elixir paired up with a garlic rimmer. Can’t go wrong there!
7: Cranberry Mead
Where to get it: Ontario Honey Creations, 938343 Airport Rd, Mulmur, ON. (View Map)
The last stop on this list? Ontario Honey Creations for an incredible cranberry mead made with honey straight from their hives.
Perfect for delightfully surprising your guests at any holiday function, this mead can also be purchased in a gift pack with another mead of your choice! Toss a ribbon on it and voila! You’re set.
Make a Trip Out of It
See a few A+ gifts on this list? Consider making a trip out of it and visiting some great spots in Simcoe County.
