Debbie’s Local Picks
Double Hill Symphony
As the leaves begin to change and temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to raise a glass and toast the end of summer. Celebrate the Island harvest with Symphony, a limited-edition sparkling cider from Double Hill Cidery.
Crafted in the rolling hills of Caledonia, Symphony is made using a unique blend of 33 cider apple varieties—many of which are exclusive to Prince Edward Island. The result is a complex, elegant cider that truly reflects the terroir of the region.
Much like wine, hard cider has a natural affinity for food. Its lower alcohol content, gentle carbonation, and bright fruit character make it a versatile pairing for poultry, pork, and roasted root vegetables. If you’re looking to serve something a little different with Thanksgiving dinner this year, Symphony is a perfect complement to the sweet and savory notes of the traditional feast.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, cidery owner Sebastian Manago is donating $1 from every 750ml bottle sold to the PEI Symphony Orchestra—just one more reason to sip, support, and celebrate local.
Deep Roots Chocolate Espresso Martini
It’s easy to taste the local pride in Deep Roots Distillery’s Chocolate Espresso Martini. This ready to drink cocktail is crafted using the distillery’s own cocoa infused vodka, house made bitters, brown sugar vanilla syrup and finished with locally roasted coffee.
This is the ultimate dessert cocktail and perfect and easy treat to pack for a weekend get away!
Red Island Lady’s Slipper Haskap Cider
Lady’s Slipper is a blend of Red Island’s delicious base apple cider and pure haskap berry juice. Together they make slightly sweet sparkling pink cider that is delicate and refreshing. Red Island ciders are gluten free hand-crafted in small batches with local apples.
Ciders offer a lot of versatility and can be served as an apéritif, with meals, or with dessert. Pair the Lady Slipper Haskap with brie and charcuterie, smoked salmon, or a classic cobb salad.
Rossignol Marachal Foch
A touch of Canadian charm always enhances St. Patrick’s Day celebrations across PEI. If Irish Stew is on the menu, pair it with a bottle of Rossignol Marechal Foch, a fantastic local choice. This dry, full-bodied wine offers aromas of blackberry and spice, while its jammy dark fruit flavours and earthy undertones perfectly complement the stew’s rich depth. Here’s to supporting local – Cheers!
Deep Roots Blueberry Liqueur
August is blueberry season on Prince Edward Island so it’s the perfect time to experience Deep Roots Distillery Blueberry Liqueur. This small batch family run distillery is located in Warren Grove, PEI.
The liqueur is made with 100% locally-sourced wild blueberries grown in our iron-rich red soil. The sweet aroma of ripe, juicy berries combined with the clean, crisp taste of their Island Tide spirit makes for a luscious late summer beverage.
Blueberry Rum Fizz
Serves: 1
Glass: Old Fashion
Ingredients
- 2 oz Fisherman’s Helper White Rum
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Deep Roots Blueberry Liqueur
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- Club Soda
- Blueberries
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle a handful of blueberries and sugar
- Add ice, rum, lemon juice & Blueberry Liqueur
- Strain into an iced filled cocktail glass
- Top with soda and garnish with blueberries
Colliding Tides Frosted Strawberry Kiwi
Frosted Strawberry and Kiwi Lime is the newest addition to the Colliding Tides family of ready-to-drink beverages, proudly made in Prince Edward Island. This refreshing blend of strawberry and kiwi flavours is crafted with vodka and finished with a touch of real cane sugar for a lightly frosted twist. Locally made and bursting with flavour, it’s a perfect companion to PEI sunshine!
Lone Oak Lemon + Lime Vodka Seltzer
If you are looking for a low-calorie, low-sugar alcoholic drink, hard seltzers are a great choice. Lemon Lime Vodka Seltzer is the latest addition to the quality beverages created by Lone Oak Brewery. Refreshingly clean and crisp with light carbonation it is a perfect summer sipper.
For a flavourful twist, add ice, mint and lime to a tall glass and top with Lone Oak Lemon + Lime Vodka Seltzer. This “Take Me to the Tropics” drink is a quick and easy recipe to add to your personal cocktail list.
Gahan Blueberry Ale
The PEI Brewing Company’s, Gahan Blueberry Ale can be described as a fruit beer that isn’t afraid to be a beer. The unfiltered ale is made with all natural ingredients including fresh Island blueberries. A blueberry puree is introduced during fermentation which produces natural blueberry aromas with undertones of grain, herbs, citrus and dried flowers. The palate is dry and tangy with a crisp unsweetened blueberry finish. It’s well structured, fruity and smooth.
This fruity and carbonated ale is an ideal pairing with many dishes ranging from a Brie & Blueberry Grilled Cheese to the more sophisticated flavors of Pan Seared Duck with a savory blueberry sauce.
For a quick and tasty weekend snack to share with friends, try our Blueberry Ale, Red Onion and Lime Mussel recipe.
For the perfect refreshing beverage after a hot summer day, try a Blueberry Shandy prepared with Gahan Blueberry Ale:
Blueberry Shandy
Makes 1 drink.
Ingredients
- 10-12 Fresh Blueberries
- 1oz Simple Syrup
- Juice from one lemon
- 12oz of Gahan Blueberry Ale
Method
- Mash berries with a fork and remove skins
- Mix lemon juice and berries and stir
- Pour into the bottom of a chilled pint glass and top with blueberry ale
- Garnish with blueberries and lemon.