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10 Delicious Canada Cocktail Recipes to Try (2024)
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a delicious Canada cocktail. Ring in Canada Day this year with some of the best cocktails created in Canada!
Growing up in Muskoka each summer, where cottage season basically means drinks on the dock, I fell in love with local cocktails. It wasn’t until I travelled the world that I realized not everyone has the same cocktails that we do.
After bartending and learning the recipes for these Canadian classic cocktails, I started sharing them with my global friends.
Now it’s time to share them with you!
I’ve included the best cocktails created in Canada and some fun red and white cocktails to make for Canada day – all with easy recipes so you can make them yourself!
Keep reading to find out which one is my absolute favourite and why.
Pin this for later!
Classic Canadian Cocktails
Did you know that Canada has created some amazing cocktail recipes? It’s a shame that more of the world doesn’t share our love for Clamato Juice and Canadian icons of they could be sharing in these delicious Canadian drinks.
I’m sharing 7 Canadian cocktail recipes you’re going to love making for Canada Day!
These cocktails are all locally made, named, and were once served by me when I was working as a bartender in Ontario.
Caesar
The Caesar is Canada’s national drink. It’s a play on a Bloody Mary cocktail, but replaces the tomato juice with Clamato juice (part clam juice, part tomato juice).
It sounds pretty terrible because realistically “clam juice” is not an appetizing ingredient, but the salty tang that this adds to a Caesar is one of the reasons that it’s hailed as the best hangover cure in Canada.
Make a truly Canadian Caesar by drinking it on a dock or patio this summer!
Recipe:
Caesar Cocktail Recipe
The most famous cocktail in Canada.
Ingredients
- 1 Lime Wedge
- Celery Salt
- Ice
- Ice
- 1 Dash Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Dash Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Dash Tabasco Sauce
- 1 Dash Tabasco Sauce
- 1oz Vodka
- 1oz Vodka
- 8oz Clamato Juice (1 can)
- 8oz Clamato Juice (1 can)
- 1 Celery Stick or 1 Extreme Bean (optional)
- 1 Celery Stick or 1 Extreme Bean (optional)
Instructions
Place celery salt in a small, flat dish. Wet the rim of your cocktail glass with the lime wedge. Press the rim of the cocktail glass in the celery salt, twisting slightly to ensure it’s well coated.
Add as much ice as you prefer to the glass. Typically, fill to 3/4.
Add 1 dash of Worcestershire sauce and tabasco, or more if you prefer it spicy (3 for spice lovers). Top with 1oz vodka and 8oz Clamato juice. Stir 3 times to mix.
Garnish with the lime wedge and your choice of a celery stick or an Extreme Bean. Add a straw.
Notes
Virgin Alteration:Â Skip the vodka.
Caribou
The Caribou cocktail is the star of the Quebec winter Carnivale. You can buy it in a bottle premade, although it tastes much less appetizing than this recipe.
Caribou is a Canadian cocktail equivalent to mulled wine or the gluhwein I was far too obsessed with in Berlin. Serve it warm for a yummy cocktail that will help you survive the cold of Canadian winters without all the clothes.
Recipe:
Caribou Cocktail
The Caribou cocktail is the star of the Quebec winter Carnivale.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Red Wine or Port
- 1 1/2 cups Canadian Whisky
- 3 tbsps Maple Syrup
- 1 Cinnamon Stick (optional)
- 2 Whole Cloves (optional)
- 1 Orange Peel (optional)
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan or pot over medium heat.
Cook until maple syrup is completely incorporated and liquid is steaming hot but not boiling. You may need to stir to help incorporate the maple syrup.
Keep warm on the stove until serving. Strain out the cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange peel.
Serve in mugs.
B52
The B52 isn’t named for the band that introduced us to the Love Shack, it’s named for the B52 bombers that fought in WW2. Although these planes in no way live up to the yummy deliciousness of this dessert-themed Canadian cocktail. It was invented by a bartender in Banff, but you can now find them across Canada.
A B52 shot is the perfect after dinner treat if you don’t feel like drinking a full coffee. They’re perfect for giving you a bit of a boost without the heat of a mug of caffeine on a hot summer day. Plus, they look way more complex than they are!
Made this Canada cocktail recipe to impress your friends and use up that giant bottle of Grand Marnier every Canadian seems to have lying around.
Recipe:
B52 Cocktail
A Canadian cocktail shot named for the B52 WW2 bombers.
Ingredients
- 1/3 oz Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
- 1/3 oz Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
- 1/3 oz Grand Marnier Liqueur
Instructions
Pour the Kahlua into a shot glass. Slowly layer the Baileys on top. Then slowly pour the Grand Marnier on top.
Drink in one shot.
Slocum Maple Smash
The Slocum Maple Smash is one of the most delicious drinks you can find in Canada, and one of my favourites! This classic Canadian cocktail comes from New Brunswick, where maple syrup and moonshine are extremely popular. If you don’t have moonshine lying around, swap in vodka for the same effect.
I was introduced to this Canadian drink when I did a press tour with Tourism New Brunswick and have not stopped drinking it since. Granted, I’ve been keeping it virgin, but it’s become my drink of the summer.
I’ll definitely be making this cocktail for Canada Day!
Recipe:
Slocum Maple Smash
This classic Canadian cocktail comes from New Brunswick, where maple syrup and moonshine are extremely popular.
Ingredients
- 1.5oz White Spirit (Moonshine Whisky or Vodka)
- 3/4 oz Maple Syrup
- 1oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 3-5 Ice Cubes
- Soda Water (optional)
Instructions
For an undiluted version, use a rocks glass. If you’re adding soda water, use a tall glass.
Pour in the spirit, maple syrup and lemon juice. Stir until fully incorporated.
Cool it down and cut the sweetness with 3-5 ice cubes, depending on the size of your glass.
Serve it as a rocks martini or dilute it with soda water to have a refreshing summer patio drink.
Notes
Virgin Alteration:Â Skip the spirit and add more soda water.
Raymond Massey
Raymond Massey was a famous Canadian actor from Toronto. I only know him for his namesakes of Massey Hall and the Raymond Massey cocktail.
This drink goes down far too easily and makes a perfect addition to any summer patio. The combination of whiskey, ginger, and bubbles always works. You could have a rye and ginger, but why not up the ante with some champagne and a lovely fresh lemon twist?
Enjoy this cocktail responsibly!
Recipe:
Raymond Massey Cocktail
The combination of whiskey, ginger, and bubbles always works.
Ingredients
- 2oz Rye Whiskey
- 1/2 oz Ginger Syrup
- 5oz Champagne or Sparkling White Wine
- Ice
- Lemon Twist (optional)
- Homemade Ginger Syrup:
- Makes enough to store. Can be used for hot tea and baking as well.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 3/4 cup Water
- 1 cup Sliced Fresh Ginger, Peeled
Instructions
In a cocktail shaker with ice, shake the whiskey and ginger syrup.
Strain into an ice-filled tall glass.
Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
Notes
Ginger Syrup Instructions:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir constantly until sugar is dissolved.
Add the ginger and continue to heat until the mixture boils.
Cover with a tight fitting lid. Reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow to cool for 1 hour. Do not remove the lid. You can leave it for longer if you prefer stronger, or remove the ginger earlier for a less ginger-y syrup.
Strain out the ginger and store the syrup in a bottle with a tight seal.
Angry Canadian
People don’t think Canadians can get angry (which is a terrible Canadian myth), but we definitely can! In fact we’re so sure we can that we created a Canadian drink to prove it.
The Angry Canadian is essentially a manhattan with maple syrup (because maple syrup belongs in everything!).
I love this cocktail. My grandpa was famed for his love of Manhattans and its rubbed off on me. This cocktail is best enjoyed watching football while the grandkids run around screaming outside, if my poppa is to be believed.
Recipe:
Angry Canadian Cocktail
The Angry Canadian is essentially a manhattan with maple syrup (because maple syrup belongs in everything!).
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Maple Syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 Maraschino Cherry
- 2 Ice Cubes
- 2oz Canadian Rye Whiskey
Instructions
Pour the maple syrup into the glass. Top with two dashes of bitters and a cherry. Add the ice. Pour in the whiskey. Stir and serve.
Maple Blueberry Gimlet
This is a cocktail of my own invention that became incredibly popular at the bar I worked at in Muskoka. Canada is famous for our maple syrup, but many people don’t realize that our wild blueberries can’t be beat!
Make this classic Gatsby-esque cocktail a little more Canadian by shaking in some blueberries and maple syrup. The acidity of blueberries melds perfectly with the sharp notes of lime and smooth caramel of maple syrup.
Fair warning, you may turn into a 1920s flapper if you consume too many of these cocktails!
Recipe:
Maple Blueberry Gimlet Recipe
Make this classic Gatsby-esque cocktail a little more Canadian by shaking in some blueberries and maple syrup.Â
Ingredients
- 8 Blueberries
- 1oz Maple Syrup
- 1oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 2oz Gin
- Lime Wedge (optional)
- Blueberries for Garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a cocktail shaker, add the maple syrup and blueberries. Muddle. Add the rest of the gin and lime juice. Shake over ice for 10 seconds.
Double strain into a chilled martini or rocks glass.
Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh blueberries.
Red and White Cocktails for Canada Day
Canada Day is all about red and white, but not all Canadian cocktail recipes fit that bill. So I’ve gathered some of my favourite summer cocktails that weren’t invented in Canada but pull off the red and white theme brilliantly.
I’ve even included some non-alcoholic versions for the people like me who don’t drink but still want in on the fun!
Get ready to make these stunning red and white cocktails as you ring in Canada Day this year.
Watermelon Sangria
There’s nothing like a yummy sangria to get you in the mood for warm weather. This watermelon sangria is a twist on the heavier red wine sangria recipes from Spain to make it a perfect red-and-white summery drink.
Remember to serve these with spoons so you can fish out the yummy pieces of fruit once you’ve downed your glass!
Recipe:
Watermelon Sangria Recipe
This watermelon sangria is a twist on the heavier red wine sangria recipes from Spain to make it a perfect red-and-white summery drink.
Ingredients
- 7 cups Seedless Watermelon, cubed
- 750ml White Wine
- 1 cup Vodka
- 1/2 cup Triple Sec
- 1 Lime, sliced
- 1 Orange, sliced
Instructions
Place 6 cups of watermelon in a blender. Blend until smooth. Strain through a mesh strainer into a large pitcher.
Top the juice with the wine, vodka and triple sec in the pitcher. Stir to combine.
Mix the remaining watermelon with the lime and orange slices in the sangria.
Chill for 4 hours before serving to allow the fruit to infuse the sangria.
Drink in a stemless wine glass or hurricane glass.
Time: 5 minutes (Chill for 4 Hours)
Serves: 10
Ingredients:
7 cups Seedless Watermelon, cubed
750ml White Wine
1 cup Vodka
1/2 cup Triple Sec
1 Lime, sliced
1 Orange, sliced
Instructions:
Place 6 cups of watermelon in a blender. Blend until smooth. Strain through a mesh strainer into a large pitcher.
Top the juice with the wine, vodka and triple sec in the pitcher. Stir to combine.
Mix the remaining watermelon with the lime and orange slices in the sangria.
Chill for 4 hours before serving to allow the fruit to infuse the sangria.
Drink in a stemless wine glass or hurricane glass.
Miami Vice
This drink has many names, but my favourite is the Miami Vice. Essentially, it’s a layered cocktail of a strawberry daiquiri and a pina colada. While it may not be a Canadian drink, it is a perfect Canada Day cocktail to enjoy this summer.
The blended drink will keep you cool while the bright colours will make you look like a true Canuck.
You can either make these from scratch or use my cheaters method, where you sub out most ingredients with the canned (alcohol free) Bacardi mixes. Enjoy with or without alcohol, as you prefer!
Recipe:
Miami Vice Recipe
This drink has many names, but my favourite is the Miami Vice. Essentially, it’s a layered cocktail of a strawberry daiquiri and a pina colada.Â
Ingredients
- For the Strawberry Daiquiri Layer:
- 1oz Rum
- 1 cup Strawberries, stems removed
- 1oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- 1/2oz Simple Syrup
- Crushed Ice
- [OR 1 can of Bacardi Frozen Daiquiri Mix]
- For the Pina Colada Layer:
- 1oz Rum
- 2oz Coconut Cream
- 2oz Pineapple Juice
- Crushed Ice
- [OR 1 can of Bacardi Frozen Pina Colada Mix]
- Optional Garnishes:
- Maraschino Cherry
- Pineapple Slice
- Strawberry Slice
Instructions
In a blender, combine all of the ingredients for the strawberry daiquiri with 1 cup of crushed ice. Blend until smooth.
Pour into a hurricane glass and put in the fridge or freezer.
Wash the blender and dry it.
In the clean blender, add the ingredients for the pina colada with 1 cup of crushed ice. Blend until smooth.
Pour on top of the daiquiri in the hurricane glass to create a white layer.
Garnish with your choice of garnish and a straw.
Notes
Virgin Adjustment:
Skip the rum. Sub out 1/2 of the ice for more water.
Raspberry Mojito
One of my favourite drinks to make is a mojito. I love the fresh scent of the lime and mint as you muddle. Adding in some plump raspberries takes this classic cocktail and makes it perfect to serve this Canada Day.
Be sure to use real fruit and mint to get the best out of this cocktail!
Recipe:
Raspberry Mojito Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Lime Wedges
- 6 Raspberries
- 8 Mint Leaves
- 1 tsp Simple Syrup
- Ice
- 2oz White Rum
- Soda Water
Instructions
Place the mint leaves and lime in a tall glass. Muddle until lime juice and the oils of the mint leaves are released. Add the simple syrup and raspberries. Muddle softly to combine.
Fill the glass with ice.
Add rum. Top with soda water. Stir to combine.
Serve with a straw.
Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
3 Lime Wedges
6 Raspberries
8 Mint Leaves
1 tsp Simple Syrup
Ice
2oz White Rum
Soda Water
Instructions:
Place the mint leaves and lime in a tall glass. Muddle until lime juice and the oils of the mint leaves are released. Add the simple syrup and raspberries. Muddle softly to combine.
Fill the glass with ice.
Add rum. Top with soda water. Stir to combine.
Serve with a straw.
Best Wine, Beer and Cocktail Tours in Canada
- Niagara on the Lake Wine Tour
- Wine & Food Tour of the Cowichan Valley
- Icewine and Chocolate Tasting Tour in Niagara
- Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour
- Local Beers of Toronto Tour
- Kelowna Signature Sip Wine Tour
- Floating Tiki Bar Tour in Ottawa
- Toronto Cocktail and Dinner Boat Tour
Closing Thoughts on Cocktails
These Canadian drinks will help you enjoy the hot Canadian summers and ringing in our most exciting holiday: Canada Day.
Although the holiday isn’t just about drinking, celebrating with a red and white or Canadian cocktail is one of the best ways to enjoy the long weekend.
You’ll notice I’ve included non-alcoholic options for those like me who want in on the fun without the buzz. If you’re going to try the alcoholic options, remember to enjoy responsibly!
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Want More of Canada?
Complete your Canada Day celebrations by reading even more amazing Canadian content:
- Take This Canada Day Quiz to Test Your Knowledge
- Learn 100+ Canadian Slang Words
- Have a Canadian Party with Must Try Canadian Delicacies
- Don’t Forget to Find the Best Time of Year to Visit Toronto
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
