Trent’s Summer Picks
Fernet Branca
Fernet-Branca is one of Italy’s most iconic amaros, renowned for its bold, bitter flavour and secret blend of 27 herbs and spices. First created in 1845, its original recipe remains unchanged, delivering a complex balance of herbal, aromatic, and bitter notes.
Enjoy Fernet-Branca neat, over ice, added to coffee, topped with soda, or featured in the following cocktail:
Amaro Spritz
Ingredients
- 2 oz Fernet-Branca, chilled
- 3 oz Prosecco or other sparkling wine
- 1 oz soda water
Method
- Pour all ingredients over ice and garnish with an orange or lemon wedge.
Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses
A classic Mediterranean-inspired blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, crafted to capture the spirit and lifestyle of the region. This medium-bodied dry wine offers a delicate balance of fresh acidity and subtle tannins, with inviting aromas of summer fruits, cassis, and red currants complemented by elegant floral notes of rose and hints of grapefruit.
The palate is vibrant and refreshing, showcasing a harmonious structure and a lingering aromatic finish. Best served chilled at 10°C, it is a versatile companion for lightly spiced cuisine, seafood, and shellfish dishes.
Deep Roots Coffee Liqueur
A rich, smooth liqueur crafted from amber rum and locally roasted Receiver Coffee. This small-batch blend delivers deep, layered flavours of dark roast, warm vanilla, baking spices, and a hint of chocolate, all wrapped in a sweet caramel finish. It’s bold, balanced, and perfect for sipping.
Trent’s Tip: Try it over ice, in an espresso martini, or as a decadent twist in your weekend coffee. It also pairs beautifully with dark chocolate desserts or creamy tiramisu.
Les Fumees Blanches Sauvignon Blanc Zero
For those times when you want the taste of wine without the alcohol, Les Fumées Blanches Sauvignon Blanc Zero is a standout choice. Made in France by renowned winemaker François Lurton, this alcohol-free white offers the classic Sauvignon Blanc experience — minus the booze.
It pours a bright yellow and opens with zesty citrus aromas of lemon, lime, and grapefruit. On the palate, it’s fresh, lively, and perfectly balanced.
Enjoy it chilled with light appetizers, fresh seafood, or a crisp garden salad. It’s a great pick for brunches or baby showers.
Famille Bougrier Muscadet Sevre et Maine
Calling all shellfish fans — this one’s for you. Famille Bougrier Muscadet is a classic from France’s Loire Valley, and it’s practically made to pair with East Coast favourites like mussels, lobster, quahogs, oysters, and even good ol’ squirt clams.
The Bougrier family has been crafting wine in the region for six generations, and it shows. This Muscadet is dry, crisp, and refreshing, with notes of apple, pear, lemon-lime zest, and that signature Loire minerality that seafood just loves.
Serve it well-chilled with your next seafood boil or oyster night — it’s a coastal match made in heaven.
Long Island Iced Tea
Craving a Long Island Iced Tea but not into juggling four bottles of liquor? This pre-mixed version from Ice Box makes it easy. It blends vodka, rum, gin, and triple sec into one ready-to-pour bottle — all you need to do is add a splash of lemon or lime bar mix and top with cola. That’s it.
It’s a quick, no-stress way to enjoy a bold, flavour-packed cocktail at home. Try turning this into a summertime punch for your next backyard get-together.