DECEMBER

Holiday Spirits
Holiday cheer with a festive beer, anyone? Eighty-three years ago, Stella Artois was made for the first time in Leuven, Belgium as a Christmas brew. In 2008, Stella, named after the latin word for “star,” launched Stella Artois Légère: a light, 4% alcohol alternative (with 23% fewer calories) — perfect for those trying not to overindulge during the temptation-heavy last month of the year. But how does Légère compare to the original? Results at a recent house-party field-testing experiment were positive. OK, no one mentioned the fruity notes, hop aroma or light finish, but the young, hip, beer-picky crowd did call Stella’s lighter sister “smooth.” And most importantly, according to one enthusiastic party-goer sporting a buzz, “it does the trick.” ‘Nuff said.

JANUARY

Ice Time
January in Ontario’s largest wine region means the Niagara Icewine Festival (Jan 15-31). But should you choose to hibernate, fear not: Vineland Estates Winery is offering a trendsetting alternative. VICE, a new cocktail that combines our love of vodka and dessert wine, is a sweet and potent way to kick off an evening. Billed as “the world’s first one-pour icewine martini,” VICE is poured straight from the chilled bottle to your glass, and — if you’re not careful — down the hatch in a gulp or two (watch out, it’s very sweet and just as potent).

FEBRUARY

Olympic-Calibre Mixology
Vancouverites will be utterly immersed in all things Olympic this month. The Games might never return to our west coast capital, so why not drink it all in? The Four Seasons Hotel’s YEW restaurant and bar will be a popular watering hole for those whose drinking skills might overshadow their athletic ability. Mixologist Justin Taylor has created three quintessential Canadian creations: one to honour each Games hosted by our home and native land.

BRONZE-Montreal 1976
Canadian rye infused with Quebec maple sugar, citrus, granny smith apple and brule crust with apple spoon

SILVER-Calgary 1988
Buffalo jerky-infused vodka, housemade clamato, chili pepper, horseradish, true Alberta garnish

GOLD-Vancouver 2010
Infused B.C. gin from Victoria with dill and cucumber, fresh citrus, egg white, candied smoke salmon garnish