Regardless of what's happening south of the border, buying Canadian-made booze has always been a delicious way to support local makers — and this summer, there's more reason than ever to raise a glass close to home. From internationally recognized wines to inventive canned cocktails and small-batch liqueurs, Canada's craft beverage scene is booming. Ontario’s diverse and world-renowned wine offerings — along with countless other sippable gems — prove you don’t have to look far to drink well.
With the arrival of patio season, Toronto’s open-air spots are buzzing once again, welcoming sun worshippers and cocktail lovers alike. But great drinks aren't just reserved for restaurant patios. Find a new summer favourite to toast to the summer, or shake up last year's signature cocktail with these bar cart additions. While you're at it, why not add some of these Canadian-made foodie treats to add to your shopping basket?
Whether you're lounging in a park, cooling off poolside, or firing up the grill in your backyard, this all-Canadian shopping list — featuring bright rosés, refreshing aperitifs, and ready-to-drink cans — has everything you need to kick off the summer we’ve all been waiting for.
Canadian beer
Foodism's top pick:
In association with Steam Whistle Brewing
Steam Whistle Pilsner
$17.95 for a six-pack
Too many brewers try to do it all — jack of all trades, master of none. But local legends Steam Whistle Brewing keep things refreshingly simple with their Premium Pilsner. The brewery, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary, focuses on a single beer and a single motto: "Do one thing really, really well." Made with just four handcrafted, natural ingredients, their crisp, clean golden pilsner lives up to its promise. It's perfect for patios, parks, dockside at the cottage — or anywhere the sun is shining.
Left Field Brewery Squeeze Play Pink Lemonade
$4.85
It's around now that we like to sub out heavier ales for something with a little summer sizzle. This Squeeze Play Pink Lemonade Sour from Left Field Brewery hits all the marks and comes in just under 5 per cent, so you won't get too wavy on those long summer days.
Slake Brewing Iris IPA
$4.95
We're already planning our summer wine weekends in Prince Edward County, but cracking open a can from Slake Brewing is a close second until then. If the gorgeous lilac artwork didn't sell you on this juicy, hazy IPA brewed with Nelson Sauvin hops, its pink grapefruit, citrus rind and mango aromas should.
Canadian canned cocktails
Pelican Club Limoncello Spritz
$3.55
This Ontario-crafted limoncello and sparkling wine spritz gets the sweet-to-tart ratio just right.
Donna Blood Orange Italian Spritz
$4.00
This Canadian woman-founded company is committed to sourcing all-naturalfor their refreshing summer sipper.
Reid’s Gin & Tonic
$3.30
What could be better than a G&T on a summer’s day? One that’s premade with Reid’s Signature Gin and 1642 premium tonic water, that’s what.
Willibald Gin Mule
$3.98
Homemade ginger tea goes into this canned cocktail with a kick from Willibald, an independently owned distillery in Ayr.
Good Sunday
$3.10
There’s no skimping on flavour in this lighter vodka soda, with real juice and fewer calories.
Ginslinger Elderflower Collins
$2.95
Breathe in the foraged juniper and local botanicals from the Niagara Escarpment in this blend of gin and elderflower.
Canadian rosé
Southbrook Triomphe Organic Cabernet Franc Rosé 2022
$23.95
Southbrook is the first Canadian winery to achieve the triple threat of organic and biodynamic status, and a Regenerative Organic Certification. Cheers to their natural wines with this zesty rosé.
Grange of Prince Edward Estate Series 2023 Rosé
$24.00
Made from estate-grown grapes from the Victoria Block, this delightfully dry and refreshing rosé is bursting with watermelon notes.
Lily Rosé Sparkling VQA
$17.95
This pale pink sparkling rosé is just crying out for a reason to be popped in a backyard this summer. We definitely think the weekend is cause enough for celebration.
Rosewood Flora
$20.00
This vegan-friendly rosé is popping with flavours of raspberry and candy, and is extra juicy thanks to the direct press and saignée methods used to make it.
Canadian aperitifs
Traynor Vineyard Madonna Vermouth
$34.95
Inspired by the winemaker’s childhood memories of his mother’s herb garden, this white vermouth is infused with herbs, spices and flowers.
Cicchetto Mandarino
$45.00
We’re borderline-obsessed with this vibrant citrus tipple created by two Italian-born friends in Toronto. Enjoy over ice or as a substitute for triple sec, curaçao or any other orange liqueur.
Dillon’s Orange Liqueur
$56.00
The next time you’re shaking up a cosmopolitan or margarita, go local with this zesty orange liqueur.
Spirit of York Aperitivo
$29.95
Give your negroni a bittersweet boost with the addition of Spirit of York’s herbal liqueur. The Toronto-made tipple features orange peel, gentian, dried cherries, wild cherry bark and licorice root.
