Discover Kelowna's Best Distilleries and Their Signature Cocktails

Kelowna’s local spirit makers infuse their craft with distinct regional character. This piece ventures into Kelowna's distilleries, spotlighting their signature cocktails that not only showcase their unique spirits but also reflect the nature of this dynamic city.

Okanagan Spirits

At Okanagan Spirits, local ingredients are the stars, creating a unique narrative in every bottle. This distillery, with its commendable array of spirits, stands out for its dedication to using 100% locally sourced grains and fruits, resulting in spirits that resonate with the taste of the region. Their Laird of Fintry single malt whiskey and BC Rye Whiskey have garnered attention for their quality and complexity.

Forbidden Spirits

Forbidden Spirits is a demonstration of innovation and natural bounty. Renowned for their apple-based spirits, especially the crisp and clean Rebel Vodka, the distillery has become a destination for those seeking a unique tasting experience. The stunning setting adds to the allure, with apple orchards serving as a backdrop for the spirit-making adventure.

Among their signature cocktails, "The Adam" stands out. This concoction is a blend of their Apple Brandy and a Lime Simple Syrup Elixir, delivering a harmonious mix of sweet and tart notes. The cocktail's simplicity underscores the quality of the brandy, while the lime adds a zesty freshness. Visitors have also praised their Espresso Martini as a standout, noting its exceptional balance and flavour.

Indigenous World Spirits

Indigenous World Spirits is a fusion of traditional indigenous knowledge and contemporary distillation techniques, creating spirits that are both a taste experience and a cultural journey. Their Hee-Hee-Tel-Kin White Whiskey is a standout, offering a modern interpretation of a historically significant spirit. The distillery is deeply rooted in supporting indigenous communities, adding a meaningful dimension to every sip.

While specific cocktail recipes are not detailed, the potential for unique creations using their spirits is immense. The distillery tour enriches the tasting experience with insights into indigenous traditions and their connection to the land, making each visit not just about the spirits, but also about understanding and appreciating cultural heritage.

Urban Distilleries + Winery

Urban Distilleries, one of British Columbia's oldest craft distilleries, is a hub of innovation and tradition. Known for its diverse range of hand-crafted, small-batch spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey, Urban Distilleries also boasts a winery component, offering a wide array of wines.

Their cocktail menu is a showcase of their spirit-making prowess. The "Apple Gingered Burban" and "BC Cherry Martini" are perfect examples of how they play with local flavours. For those who enjoy a twist on the classic, the "Blackberry Gin Fizz" and "Honey Mead Mojito" offer refreshing alternatives. The "All Canadian Dill Pickle Ceasar" is a unique take on the traditional Caesar, featuring their own Dill Pickle Vodka, Caesar Mix or Clamato Juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and garnishes like celery stick, pickles, and bacon.

The Dubh Glas Distillery and Kettle River Brewing Co.

The Dubh Glas Distillery, located south of Kelowna, and Kettle River Brewing Co., primarily a microbrewery with a unique spirit distillation approach, are also notable mentions. While specific signature cocktails were not available at the time of writing, these establishments contribute significantly to Kelowna's diverse distillery scene. The Dubh Glas Distillery is known for its meticulous crafting of single malt whisky, gin, and vodka, while Kettle River Brewing Co. brings an intriguing fusion of brewing and distillation techniques, distilling spirits from their beer products. These distilleries are perfect for those who appreciate the finer details in spirit production.

Conclusion

Kelowna's distilleries are more than just places to taste spirits; they are venues where the art of cocktail crafting comes to life. Each distillery offers a unique window into the world of distillation, infused with local flavours and innovative approaches.

These signature mixes are stories in a glass, narratives of a city rich in culture, innovation, and taste. So, the next time you find yourself in Kelowna, be sure to embark on this flavourful journey through its distilleries, and experience the city’s unique spirit, one cocktail at a time.