A dispatch from the tundra that is currently Eastern-Ontario: 

When the weather outside is frightful or, if you live in Vancouver, chilly enough for a light jacket and a toque, it’s time to warm up from the inside with one of our signature winter cocktails.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite winter drinks that pair well with the dead of winter. Check out some time-tested, warming libations and some contemporary cocktails that will take you to the beach. 

Open Fire

Why roast marshmallows outside when you can do just that over your cocktail?

What you need: Top Shelf Vodka, Top Shelf Cream Puff Liquor, Cold Brew Coffee, Spiced-Up Chocolate Bitters, Mini Marshmallows, Skewer, Culinary Torch (optional) 

Recipe

• 1 oz Top Shelf Vodka
• 1 oz Top Shelf Cream Puff Liquor
• 2 ½ oz Cold Brew Coffee 
• 4 Dashes Top Shelf Spiced-Up Chocolate Bitters

Garnish

• 5 Roasted Mini Marshmallows Skewered 

Glassware

Martini or Coupe

Preparation

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add all ingredients except the garnish. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and strain into a Martini or Coupe glass. Skewer the marshmallows and roast with a culinary torch. Garnish roasted marshmallow over the cocktail.

Top Shelf Toddy

Familiar, functional and a fan-favourite - we all love a hot toddy on a cold winter’s day.. especially with some stunning garnish. 

Here’s our rift on this classic winter cocktail. 

What you need: Top Shelf Gin, Lemon Juice, Honey, Nutmeg, Boiling Water, One Orange, Cloves (optional) 

Recipe

• 1 oz Top Shelf Gin
• ½ oz Lemon Juice
• ½ oz Honey
• Pinch of Nutmeg
• Boiling water
• Orange Ribbon (Optional Garnish)
• Cloves (Optional Garnish)

Garnish 

• Orange Ribbon Studded with Cloves

Glassware

Rocks Glass

Preparation In a rocks glass, add all ingredients and top with boiling water. Stir gently and garnish with an orange ribbon studded with cloves.

Top Shelf Gin’s dominant citrus notes make it the perfect companion for this warming classic cocktail. 

Banana Stand

There’s always money in the Banana Stand! 

This Tiki inspired cocktail is always on the money and can definitely be enjoyed in lieu of a winter getaway.

If you’re looking to enjoy some time crafting a delicious, Tiki inspired cocktail.. We highly recommend the Banana Stand. 

What you need: Top Shelf Peanut Butter & Chocolate Liquor, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice, Frozen Banana, Chocolate Syrup, Ice Cubes, Blender, Wide Straws

Recipe

• 2 oz Top Shelf Peanut Butter & Chocolate Liquor
• 3 oz Pineapple Juice
• ¾ oz Lime Juice
• 1 Whole Frozen Banana
• Chocolate Syrup
• 10 Ice Cubes

Garnish

• Piece of Pineapple

Glassware

Collins Glass

Preparation:

Add all ingredients except the chocolate syrup and garnish in a blender. Blend until smooth. In a Collins glass, add 2 teaspoons of chocolate syrup at the bottom. Flip the glass over and twist to let the chocolate syrup coat the sides of the glass. Pour in the blended cocktail. Garnish with a piece of pineapple. Serve with a wide straw. 

Top Shelf Peanut Butter and Chocolate Liquor is available as an individual item and in the Dessert Liquor 3-Pack 

Whisky

Okay… this isn’t a signature cocktail. After a few hours of hockey at the rink nothing is going to give you a big hug like a dram of Canadian Whisky. No recipe required, we've done all the hard work. Pour and enjoy. 

We love seeing your craft cocktails! If you make any of the above or are inspired to make something of your own.. Send us your photos and recipes and we'll feature them on the blog.