To quote spirits expert Kara Newman, “Whether you opt for a big-ticket splurge or a thoughtful token, a little something for the bar always has a nice, indulgent feel to it.” From updated holiday classics to the perfect seasonal brew to spirits infused with wintry flavours, we’ve rounded up 2023’s best limited-edition sips.
Christmas Gin,
Eau Claire Distillery
Alberta’s Eau Claire Distillery releases their Christmas Gin every year. Classic gin botanicals meet frankincense and myrrh for an earthy, complex and utterly festive spirit.
$50
Warm ‘N Cozy Mulled Wine,
Sprucewood Shores
This mulled wine from Ontario’s Sprucewood Shores has notes of cinnamon, plum, orange and spice. Just pour into a pot, warm to your preference and start sipping.
$12
Dillon’s Chocolate Orange Kit,
Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers
Chocolate and orange is a match made in heaven. Dillon’s celebrates this amazing combo with their Chocolate Orange cocktail kit. It includes Dillon’s Orange Liqueur, Dillon’s Rye Vodka, Dillon’s Ginger Bitters and a classic hot chocolate mix.
$95
Gingersnap,
Lake City Cider
Apples from the Annapolis Valley, NS, are fermented and blended with freshly-pressed ginger root and a touch of molasses for this ginger cookie-inspired cider. Spicy, sweet and unique.
$6
Eggnog Cream Liquor,
Vodkow
Eggnog just might be the ultimate Christmas drink. Vodkow’s Eggnog Cream is made with lactose-free cream, carbon-neutral vodka and a blend of seasonal spices. Get it while you can – it’s only available at Christmastime.
$30
Gin Christmas Crackers Gift Pack,
Whitley Neill Gin
These adults-only Christmas crackers contain 50 ml bottles of a selection of Whitley Neill‘s London-distilled gin: Original, Parma Violet, Raspberry, Rhubarb and Ginger, Pink Grapefruit and Blood Orange.
$50
Happy Holidays Santero Moscato Spumante,
Santero
Santero’s renowned Piedmontese moscato is sweet and lightly sparkling, making it a versatile pairing for a number of dishes. The festive limited-edition label makes this reasonably-priced sparkler a great hostess gift.
$16
Holiday Edition Straight Bourbon Whisky,
Maker’s Mark
The nostalgic, festive pattern on the label is sure to make 2023’s limited-edition bottle of Maker‘s a collector’s item.
$47
Ernest Holiday Pack,
Ernest Cider
The seasonal pack of six flavoured ciders from Ontario’s Ernest Cider includes Merry Cherrys, Snickerdoodles and Mistletoe Mojitos.
$21
Amaro Montenegro Gift Pack with Icon Glass,
Montenegro
Originating in 1885, Amaro Montenegro is still made with the same secret recipe of 40 different herbs and botanicals. This gift set comes with a collectible glass shaped like the iconic bottle and a 750 ml bottle.
$37.50
Gingerbread Gin,
Willibald
Distilled with classic gin botanicals and a generous helping of cinnamon, clove and ginger, Willibald‘s gingerbread-inspired craft spirit has a balanced, just-sweet-enough taste.
$27
Absolut Cocktails Holiday Mixer Pack,
Absolut
Absolut‘s fruit-forward RTDs get a festive spin in a limited-edition holiday box. There’s a cocktail flavour for everyone: Mango Mule, Grapefruit Paloma and Berry Vodkarita. Best of all, your host can enjoy the party without having to mix cocktails.
$25
Winter Ale,
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Great Lakes Brewing‘s seasonal Winter Ale is inspired by long Canadian winters. This flavourful brew is crafted with specialty hops and malts, and brewed with cinnamon, ginger and orange peel.
$4
Laneway No.11 Gin Limited Edition Silver Bottle,
Laneway Gin
Woodsy, citrus and juniper notes make No. 11 Gin one of Laneway Gin‘s most popular spirits. It’s been dressed up for the holidays in a special limited-edition silver bottle.
$60
Crown Royal Salted Caramel,
Crown Royal
When it comes to Canadian whiskys, Crown Royal has always been a crowd-pleaser. Their limited-edition Salted Caramel flavour was launched in 2018, and is now an annual tradition. A gorgeous gift box seals the deal.
$35
Codorníu Limited Edition Brut Reserva,
Codorníu Winery
This traditional Cava is made with a blend of grape varieties, including Macabeo, Xarello, Parellada and a little Chardonnay. The dazzling limited-edition bottle is adorned with a traditional black-and-gold Spanish pattern.
$21
Winter Cottage Escape Pack,
Bobcaygeon Brewing Company
This beer variety pack is inspired by wintertime trips to Canadian cottage country. Cherry Sour, Northern Lights IPA and their Cottage Lager are packaged with a limited-edition Winter Lager that’s spiced with cinnamon and vanilla.
$17
Wild Rock Holiday Red & White Pack,
Benjamin Bridge
Benjamin Bridge released their Wild Rock wines last year, and you can now snag both bottles in a holiday gift set. Wild Rock White has the citrusy, herbal taste of Sauvignon Blanc, while Wild Rock Red features the subtle floral and earthy aromas of Gamay.
$45
Milk and Cookies Stout,
Breton Brewing
Leave Santa something new this year with the return of one of Breton Brewing‘s holiday-edition beers. Milk and Cookies Stout is an oatmeal milk stout brewed with lactose, golden naked oats and chocolate chip cookies from Cape Breton bakery Not Just Cakes.
$5
The Holiday Toast Bourbon,
Lucky Seven
For a big-ticket gift, Lucky Seven‘s limited-edition The Holiday Toast bourbon is perfect. Smooth and (surprisingly) 115-proof, it’s aged in new charred oak barrels, then re-barreled and finished in new toasted oak ones.
$147
Christmas Northern Cream,
Union Ten Distilling Co.
Union Ten‘s Christmas Northern Cream is made with Ontario cream and small-batch Canadian vodka. The liqueur is a sweet blend of chocolate, salted caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
