Spring in British Columbia is a vibe. Misty mornings rolling over mountain peaks, cherry blossoms lining every street, rain mixed with sunsets across majestic and rugged seasides, and a subtle hum of life returning after winter’s chill.
Now, imagine bottling that energy and pouring it into a refreshingly regional cocktail. That, my friend, is the magic of B.C. spirits.
B.C.’s craft distilleries are redefining regional craft with local terroir, earthy botanicals, and a little West Coast ingenuity. Settle in as we toast a few of B.C.’s finest distillers and celebrate the spirits that embody everything we love about spring in the Northwest.
Floral and botanical gins: The ginfluence of B.C.’s terroir
Every sip of B.C. gin tells a story about the land it comes from. With a climate that gives us rolling vineyards, wild botanicals and crisp ocean breezes, British Columbia is a gin-lover’s Eden. Local distillers are foraging the wilderness (sometimes literally) to capture the essence of B.C.’s incredible biodiversity. From coastal fir trees to mountain berries and herbs, this is gin with a sense of place.
Take Sheringham Seaside Gin, on Vancouver Island for example. This small-batch knockout harnesses winged kelp, hand-harvested along the coast, along with a zesty, citrus brightness. Every sip feels like you’re walking on a salty breeze-blown beach, gazing out at the Pacific. It is invigorating, crisp and more than a little addictive.
Cocktail to try: Tide You Over
Then there’s Ampersand Distilling Co’s Ampersand Gin from the Cowichan Valley, the poster child for Northwest organic craftsmanship. Made with B.C.-grown wheat and local botanicals, it’s fresh, vibrant and expertly balanced with hints of citrus, making it a springtime staple on any self-respecting bar cart. Sip it straight to savor the flavors, or splash it into a classic, chilled martini for the perfect sip.
Fruit-forward spirits and liqueurs: A celebration of B.C.’s bounty
British Columbia’s rich agricultural heritage is on full display in its exceptional fruit-forward spirits and liqueurs. These handcrafted creations highlight the vibrant flavors of locally grown fruits, embodying the province’s unique terroir in every sip.
Okanagan Spirits Haskap Liqueur, crafted from tart, antioxidant-rich haskap berries, offers something different to surprise and delight. A bright and vibrant liqueur that delivers a juicy burst of flavor, making it perfect for creative cocktails or sipping on its own. The haskap berries, often called “honeyberries,” are carefully harvested to preserve their natural tang, offering a taste that’s as vibrant as the Okanagan landscape itself.
Cocktail to Try: BC Bramble
Makes 1 cocktail
2 ounces gin
1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 teaspoons Small Batch BC Maple Roch Syrup
1/2 ounce Okanagan Spirits Haskap Liqueur
Garnish: lemon wheel and seasonal berries
Add the gin, lemon juice, and maple syrup to a shaker, fill it 3/4 full with ice, and shake until chilled. Double strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice. Pour the Haskap Liqueur over the top, then garnish with lemon and fresh berries.
Northwest Cherries sing in Maple Leaf Spirits Canadian Kirsch from Penticton, B.C., where his traditional cherry brandy captures the essence of B.C.’s local orchards. Made from sun-ripened cherries grown in the province’s fertile valleys, it is distilled to create a spirit that’s pure, aromatic and deeply flavorful. Whether enjoyed neat, in desserts or in a cocktail, this kirsch is a true tribute to the lush fruit-growing regions of British Columbia.
Honey spirits that sweeten the season
Move over, boring bases—honey is stealing the spotlight in BC’s distillery game, and the results are downright magical. These spirits don’t just play nice in cocktails—they bring the drama, the sweetness, and the story. Sip on this: here are two standout creations proving BC distillers are turning honey into pure liquid gold.
This is vodka that doesn’t just serve as the backdrop to your cocktail but infuses it with a subtle hint of sweetness. Wayward Distillery in Courtenay, B.C., has done just that, crafting their Unruly Vodka from distilling decadent B.C. honey. The result? A spirit with a gentle floral sweetness that whispers of spring blossoms and sunlit meadows. Smooth and endlessly versatile, it’s the perfect base for a breezy spritz or a light, citrus-forward cocktail. The honey undertones offer a delicate complexity, elevating even the simplest drink into something you won’t soon forget.
Meanwhile, just outside Victoria, Devine Distillery is taking honey spirits to another level with their Honey Shine Amber Honey ‘Rum.’ Distilled from responsibly sourced B.C. honey, this spirit is as rich in flavor as it is in character. With a touch of spice and a velvety smoothness, it’s made to shine in tall, refreshing cocktails. Pure B.C. bliss, bottled for your enjoyment.
Cocktail to Try: Hit The Road Jack
Time to Pour Yourself a Taste of BC
Spring is fleeting, but your spirits stash doesn’t have to be. Stock your bar with BC’s best, then get to experimenting with everything from martinis to spritzers. Trust us, your cocktail game is about to level up in a big way.
Cheers to spring, folks. Now go grab a bottle (or three)!
