Recipe Round-Up: Virtual Happy Hour Edition
There will be a time in the future where we can all hug our friends, go out for dinner, and enjoy a long-awaited Happy Hour at one of our favourite local bars or restaurants. However, in the meantime, let’s celebrate our local producers who are making their beers, wines, spirits, and ciders so easily accessible to us at home.
If you haven’t already taken part in a ‘Virtual Happy Hour’ it’s time to round up your crew and make it happen. They can be just as fun as in-person hang outs, especially when you get creative with new cocktail recipes!
We’re making your next Happy Hour simple by rounding up some of our favourite summer inspired cocktails featuring local ingredients, and providing details on where you can grab them.
1. The Midsummer’s Night
Photo: Communications Nova Scotia
The The Midsummer’s Night cocktail pairs especially well with warm summer nights on the patio, however it tastes just as delicious in front of your computer screen. Impress your friends (and your tastebuds) by whipping up this frothy blend of fresh summer flavours!
Local Source Guide:
- Compass Distillers Summer GiNS and Grapefruit and Hops Bitters:
- Compass Distillers: Order for pickup or delivery via their online shop . Some products also available via Harvest Wines and Spirits, Liquid Assets and the NSLC.
- Tangled Garden Summer Current Jelly and Cranberry Rosemary Cordial:
- Tangled Garden: Available via their online shop.
2. Bumbled into the Garden
Photo: Communications Nova Scotia
Rhubarb and honey blend together to make the perfect seasonal cocktail. Simple and easy to sip on, this Bumbled into the Garden cocktail is just what you need while virtually catching up with your pals!
Local Source Guide:
- Barrelling Tide Rhubarb Gin:
- Barrelling Tide: Order for pickup or delivery via their online shop.
- Honey:
- Cornect’s Family Farm: Check out their website for locations open near you.
- Kittilsen’s Honey: Available at some Sobeys and Atlantic Superstore locations as well as several independent retailers.
3. Blueberry Lavender Gin Fizz
Did you know that Oxford, Nova Scotia is the wild blueberry capital of the Canada? Add that fact to your next Zoom trivia night! While you’re at it, mix together this Blueberry Lavender Gin Fizz, using local Gin and wild blueberry juice.
Local Source Guide:
- Steinhart Distillery Gin:
- Steinhart Distillery: Order for pickup only via their online shop. Some products also available at the NSLC.
- Van Dyks Wild Blueberry Juice:
- Van Dyks: Available via their online shop. Product can also be found at Atlantic Superstore, Sobeys, Pharmasave, and most independent health food stores in Atlantic Canada.
4. La Vie En Rosé
Photo: Communications Nova Scotia
It’s Rosé season! Although we love a simple glass of bubbly wine, it’s always fun to mix it up for Happy Hour. This La Vie En Rosé cocktail uses local Rosé, Gin, and Earl Grey tea – what more could you ask for in a drink?
Local Source Guide:
- Lightfoot and Wolfville Bubbly Rosé:
- Lightfoot and Wolfville: Available for pickup and delivery via their online shop. Some products also available via Harvest Wines and Spirits, Liquid Assets and the NSLC.
- Barrelling Tide Rhubarb Gin:
- Barrelling Tide: Order for pickup or delivery via their online shop.
- Just Us! Earl Grey tea:
- Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op: Available for purchase via their online shop.
Bonus Recipe: Lobster Dip
Lets face it, Happy Hour isn’t just about the drinks. Pair this Lobster Dip with your cocktail of choice and enjoy a little taste of summer with every bite. Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy this dish solo, sharing is virtually impossible anyway.
Local Source Guide:
- Lobster Meat:
- Clearwater Seafoods: Available for delivery to HRM residents via their online shop or pickup by visiting their retail store.
- Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound and Restaurant: Available for pickup.
- Afishionado Fishmongers: Available for pickup or delivery via their online shop.
- Fisherman’s Market: Available for delivery to HRM residents via their online shop or pickup by visiting their retail store.
- Produce:
- Noggins Corner Farm Market, Stirling Fruit Farms, Masstown Market or one of the many other Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia – currently operating via their online stores.
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