Cocktail Classics: 4 Cocktail Recipes Inspired by the Prairies
As a homegrown business, Birds & Bees Farmery takes pride in creating elevated spirits made exclusively from the fruits of our own land. With that in mind, we thought we'd shake things up (pun intended) and share four unique cocktails inspired by the beautiful prairies of our home here in Brosseau, Alberta.
These delicious drinks are designed to highlight the rich flavours of locally sourced ingredients, offering a taste of heritage and a fresh spin on the standard lineup of craft cocktails.
1. Prairie Blossom
This cocktail is a sun-soaked floral fusion for anyone who grew up in (or frequents) the fields. The bright flavours are tied together by the delicate essence of our tart Organic Fruit Wine, bringing together a light, refreshing drink that’s the perfect addition to a midday brunch or sunset cocktail hour.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Birds & Bees Organic Honey Mead Wine
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Lavender sprigs, for garnish
Instructions:
- Place the Organic Honey Mead Wine, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake hard until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a fresh lavender sprig.
2. Rustic Raspberry Spritz
Made with ripe, sun-sweetened raspberries, this blooming beverage tastes like sunshine in a glass. The rose-hued cocktail is finished with just a touch of bubbles for the perfect champagne-style finish.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup desiccated raspberries
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Club soda to top
- Red raspberries and fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice, then add the pre-blended raspberries, vodka, and lime juice.
- Top with club soda and give it a light stir.
- Serve with raspberries and mint, if desired.
3. Prairie Harvest Mule
This cocktail offers a local and seasonal twist on the classic Moscow Mule, combining the flavours of juicy fall apples with the warming spice of ginger. It’s a tribute to the fall harvest and a staple at our holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Victor Premium Vodka
- 2 oz Birds & Bees Organic Apple Wine
- 1 oz fresh apple cider
- 1 oz ginger beer
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Thin apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- Pour the vodka, wine, apple cider, and lemon juice into a copper mug (or your favourite glass).
- Fill the mug with ice and top with ginger beer.
- Give it a soft stir and serve with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
4. Sunset on the Prairies
This festive blend of sweet and tart embodies the beautiful sunsets that grace the Prairie landscape when day fades to dusk. It’s perfect for sipping as the day turns to night.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Birds & Bees Sweet Cherry Lil’ Squirt
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- Grapefruit slice and a few rosemary needles for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker with ice, add the Lil' Squirt, tequila, grapefruit juice, and agave syrup.
- Shake until cold and double strain into ice-filled glasses.
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice and rosemary sprig.
With local ingredients and a touch of creativity, these prairie-inspired cocktails will bring the flavours of Alberta straight to your glass.
