May 24, 2026
When it's -30°C outside and the wind is howling across the prairies, your drink choices change. Summer patios and cold beer give way to warming spirits, rich wines, and hot cocktails. Here's what to reach for.
Neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water. Whisky is the quintessential cold-weather spirit. Canadian rye (Crown Royal, Forty Creek) for familiar warmth. Scotch for a smokier experience. Bourbon for sweetness. A good bottle and a warm blanket is all you need.
Full-bodied reds are made for winter. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz — these wines have the weight and warmth that match heavy winter meals like stews, roasts, and braises.
Hot Toddy: Whisky, hot water, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon stick. The cold-weather classic.
Irish Coffee: Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, whipped cream. Warms you twice.
Mulled Wine: Red wine heated with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, orange peel, and sugar. Perfect for hosting.
Baileys Irish Cream in coffee, hot chocolate, or just on ice. It sells more in November through February than the rest of the year combined. There's a reason.
The last thing you want to do at -30 is drive to a liquor store. Call (825) 450-3030 and we'll brave the cold so you don't have to.