Our 2022 Holiday Staff Picks
Need inspiration for everyone on your list, or something festive to serve at your Christmas shindig? Check out our staff’s holiday picks for this year and why each of these picks fit that perfect holiday vibe.
Sierra: Purple Cow Saskatoon Berry Cream Liqueur from Hansen Distillery
This beverage is Saskatoon berries served the way they were always intended —macerated in alcohol and slathered in cream. Decadent and irreverently purple, add a splash to whipped cream or any dessert. Sierra thinks “it’s perfect for cold weather and goes well with hot chocolate.”
Michael: Forty Creek’s “The Forager” Whisky
This combines the best of gin and whisky to make a fabulous sipping botanical whisky. It can also be used to put a modern spin on classic Gin or whisky cocktails. A perfect gift for any whisky or gin drinker. Here’s why Michael picked it: “Whisky is nice and warm in the winter months and the botanicals add the fresh outdoor feelings!
Eli: True North Candy Cane Cream Liquor
This Candy Cane cream infused white chocolate, fresh peppermint and real dairy cream with premium vodka from Highwood Distillers in High River, Alberta. Eli says this pick is “really sweet and fits the holiday vibe.”
Alvin: Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves — Alvin thinks there’s “Nothing better than celebrating with nice Champagne!” Pick up this special bottle of bubbly in store, or check out our selection of sparkling wine for all budgets — Prosecco, Cava, Cremant, and more.
Rose: Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon in an Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail, and it’s important to choose a good quality bourbon or whisky as the base. Rose loves the Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon as it’s very balanced with hidden spice. This bourbon serves as the perfect base for an Old Fashioned cocktail, which is a great warming winter drink.
Here’s how to make an Old Fashioned:
Ingredients:
2 oz. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
.25 oz. Simple Syrup
3 Dashes of Bitters
Orange peel
Steps:
In a mixing glass add bitters, simple syrup, Elijah Craig Small Batch, and ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain cocktail over a large ice cube in a double old-Fashioned glass. Garnish with orange peel and enjoy!
Maham: Bailey’s Almande
For all your vegan and lactose-free friends, Maham thinks this soy-based cream liqueur from Baileys is delicious over ice or mixed in with coffee or hot chocolate. The delicious blend of almond and vanilla flavours is also a warm and cozy option for these cold winter nights.
Lyndsie: Three Finger Jack Cabernet Sauvignon
Big bold red wines are perfect for this time of year and the hearty meals we’re eating, which is why Lyndsie’s staff pick is the Three Finger Jack Cabernet Sauvignon wine from California. She thinks it’s a nice wine perfect for colder weather and to share with family and friends for a celebration — helps that it pairs great with roasted red meats at the holiday table!
Wesley: Hendricks Lunar Gin
Wesley loves the Hendricks Lu