May 28, 2020
Alberta’s first craft distillery is showing no signs of slowing down. Eau Claire Distillery has just launched a new ready-to-drink canned cocktail that’s just in time for summer.
“It’s called the Spruce Berry Smash. We use local ingredients as much as we can,” says Eau Claire Distillery’s Master Distiller, Caitlin Quinn. “We blended Eau Claire vodka, local raspberries, spruce for a nice botanical note, and a touch of local Chinook honey for some sweetness. It’s our take on a vodka-soda—with a twist!”
The Eau Claire Spruce Berry Smash is the latest new addition to Eau Claire’s lineup of popular pre-mixed cocktails, joining the Parlour Gin & Tonic, Cherry Gin Collins, as well as the vodka-based EquineOx Mule.
Quinn shares that Eau Claire wanted to create a new canned cocktail that would remind spirit lovers of flavours found across Alberta. Inspired by those spruce tips of the Rocky Mountains and wild raspberries found across the prairies, the name Spruce Berry Smash represents a combination of truly Albertan flavours.
“We've been getting good reviews on social media from people that have been trying it. One person said it was the the best canned cocktail they’d ever tried,” Quinn reveals.
That’s high praise, considering the ready-to-drink cocktail market has grown exponentially over the last few years, with nearly every beverage maker and distiller crafting their own takes.
“Our versions are worth a try because of that local connection—the fresh ingredients you’ll find here in Alberta. We were one of the first Alberta distilleries to make craft pre-made cocktails, and I think because of the convenience and the great taste, people are really enjoying them, and now a lot of other folks are jumping on board,” laughs Quinn.
You can find Eau Claire’s refreshing new Spruce Berry Smash alongside the distillery’s other pre-mixed offerings at your local Calgary Co-op Wine Spirits Beer store.
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