With the wide range of Quebec drinks with or without alcohol available everywhere, it’s easier than ever to drink local! Here are our suggestions and our favourites.
Cheers to local products!
This summer season, we have lots to celebrate! Why not challenge yourself to encourage as many local producers as possible by filling your glass with 100% Quebec products? We’re lucky to have a ton of artisans that produce top-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages—there’s literally something for every taste! Here are a few beverage suggestions you can find on our shelves and that are perfect for quenching your thirst and celebrating summer!
Refreshing options
To quench your thirst on hot summer days, opt for delicious beverages made right here in Quebec. Are you familiar with Loop? These colourful juices are made locally and are environmentally friendly. In fact, the company helps reduce food waste by using imperfect fruits and vegetables and turning them into cold-pressed juices. They offer a variety of tasty blends to choose from (my personal favourite is Big Bang).
More of a sparkling drink fan? Then try kombucha, a fermented beverage made with tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. Several local companies produce kombucha, such as Rise and Fou de l’Île, and there are a wide variety of flavours to choose from.
Quebec Kombucha: invigorating and different
Are you more of an effervescent type? We recommend kombucha, a fermented drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. Several companies here produce them, like Rise and Fou de l’Île. Various flavors are available to please everyone, from the most fruity to the most herbaceous and spicy.
Kombucha and its benefits
In recent years, kombucha has enjoyed unprecedented popularity, due to its health benefits. Indeed, this drink contains a large amount of antioxidants, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. In other words, they can play a significant role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. In addition, kombucha also contains probiotics, which can improve intestinal health! A word of advice: turn to those with a low sugar content to make them a real healthy ally.
Our microbreweries
In Quebec, our reputation precedes us when it comes to beer. In fact, if you head to our beer section, you’ll find a ton of local products to choose from. If you’re a fan of fruity beers, I recommend you try Loop beer, which come in flavours such as lemon-ginger and strawberry. Like with their juices, Loop beer helps reduce food waste by using bread that would otherwise have been thrown away.
Local wines
Quebec wines are gaining in popularity and are more and more present on our shelves. At Rachelle-Béry, you’ll find a nice selection of local brands to choose from, such as Domaine Labranche, an estate that produces white wine, rosé, and even bubbly. Perfect for your next backyard happy hour!
Cocktails and mocktails recipes
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few cocktail and mocktail ideas to try using local products:
The kombucha mule
If you like the Moscow mule, then this recipe is for you! Combine ginger kombucha (several local companies offer this flavour) with 30 ml (1 oz.) of Quebec vodka, ice, and mint leaves. Stir and enjoy!
Strawberry daiquiri
In a blender, combine 250 ml (1 cup) of ice, 250 ml (1 cup) of strawberries, and 10 ml (2 tsp.) of maple syrup. Blend until smooth and slushy. Pour the mixture into a glass and top with 1642 tonic. For an alcoholic version, add 30 ml (1 oz.) of rum.
