Drinks of the month: Here are 12 wines and spirits you need to try this July

We’ve finally been seeing some warmer weather (some would argue maybe too much, others not enough. Overall we can all usually agree that tis’ the season for enjoying a refreshing beverage in the sun. Whether that’s on a patio, in your backyard, at a festival, or at the cottage (and everything in between). Luckily for you, our editors are TAPPED IN to all the best options available. From new additions to old favourites that are available at the LCBO, Winerack and more. So don’t you worry, we got you covered!

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Here are 12 wines, spirits, beers and anything inbetween, our editor’s can’t stop thinkin’ about this Summer:

1. White Claw Tequila Smash

White Claw’s new Tequila Smash seltzer RTDs combines tequila with real fruit juices — made right in Ontario. The variety pack includes four flavours: Lime & Prickly Pear, Pineapple & Passionfruit, Mango Paloma, and Strawberry & Guava. Each 355mL can contains 100 calories and 1g of sugar and only 5% alcohol/vol.

Pairing: Grilled shrimp tacos, ceviche, fresh guacamole, or a fruit salad.

2. Coors Light

Because who doesn’t like a fresh crisp light beer on a sunny day? And Coors Light never disappoints. So if you don’t want to have to stress about the LCBO strike. Hit up The Beer Store for a case.

Pairing: Grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, and pizza.

3. J.P. Wiser’s 42 Year Old Canadian Whisky

J.P. Wiser’s 42-Year-Old, part of their Decades Series, was distilled in 1982 and aged for 42 years. Its aroma features rich vanilla intertwined with green apple, oak, rye, and toffee complexities. The palate offers a rich blend of roasted nuts and dried fruits, concluding with spicy notes and a lingering finish. Enjoy it neat or over ice.

Pairing: Aged cheeses, charcuterie, or roasted meats like lamb or duck. We were lucky enough to enjoy it with a Alobar tasting menu. Why not order some take out?

4. Patrón El Cielo tequila

Crafted entirely from 100% agave, this distinguished tequila undergoes four distillations to reveal its naturally sweet and subtle agave flavours. It is crystal clear and offers aromas of cooked agave and sweet fruit. The ultra-smooth palate is fresh with sweet citrus fruit and cooked agave flavors. Enjoy it over ice with a slice of orange.

Pairing: Spicy guacamole or a zesty shrimp cocktail. For dessert, consider pairing it with citrus-based treats like lemon sorbet or orange-infused flan.

5. La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir

From California’s cool coast, this fine Pinot Noir has gorgeous notes of red fruit with a rustic flare. Taste more from La Crema at ‘Eureka’ on April 22nd.

Pairing: Roasted duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, goat cheese, lamb chops, and berry desserts.

6. Cointreau Noir

The secret to an epic margarita. Pair it with the Patrón El Cielo and you got a “heavenly” margarita cocktail. What better way to enjoy a summer weekend?

Pairing: Guacamole and chips, shrimp cocktail, ceviche, tacos, grilled fish, chicken fajitas, Mexican street corn (elote), salsa, pico de gallo, churros with chocolate sauce, or even a key lime pie.

7. Glenmorangie Original Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

This single malt deserves its place on your bar cart. Matured in a range of ex-bourbon casks its complex aroma and taste profile are perfect for sipping and for elegant sunset coloured inspired cocktails.

Pairing: Smoked salmon, roasted almonds, seared scallops, blue cheese, dark chocolate, and crème brûlée.

8. Saintly The Good Rosé

Perfect for a summer afternoon, evening, weekend at the cottage, out on the dock or any other sun filled opportunity. It’s crisp light and refreshing. One of our all time favourite Ontario wines.

Pairing: Fresh seafood, light salads, goat cheese, bruschetta, BBQ chicken, and fruit-based desserts.

9. Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%

The ideal choice for those looking to cut back on alcohol this summer. This alcohol-free Italian lager offers the same crisp, refreshing taste and subtle citrus notes as the original. Perfect for any summer gathering. Also great for the designated driver so they don’t feel left out!

Pairing: Margherita pizza (which are so easy to make at home with the new outdoor Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven), grilled vegetables, mozzarella sticks, seafood pasta, antipasto platters, and lemon sorbet.

10. Domaine Chevallier Chablis

Fresh and delightful, you can’t help but fall in love with chardonnay when you sip Chablis. 

Pairing: Roasted Chicken Dinner

11. Coco Rum Original

Fresh Coconut water perfectly mixed with rum – experiment and enjoy with this new summer treat!

Pairing: Sunshine afternoons

12. Remy Martin 300th Anniversary Coupe [ Notable Mention ]

Super limited quanitites, in celebration of their 300th anniversary. Rémy Martin enriched a selection of the most harmonious, elegant Cognac Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie with the anniversary coupe from their past, symbolizing a perpetual renewal process. The 300th Anniversary Coupe is available in limited quantities worldwide, with only 6,724 units produced. We were so fortunate to get a taste, paired with an incredible dinner at Black + Blue Steakhouse, and it was exquisite.

Pairing: A special occasion. But food wise, foie gras, aged Gouda, dark chocolate truffles, roasted duck breast, lobster bisque, and pear tart.