As the weather starts to heat up here in Ottawa, there’s no better way to cool off on your date nights than with a refreshing drink. From innovative craft beers and ciders to delicious non-alcoholic beverages, Ottawa’s locally-crafted beverages makes it easy to sip local this summer.
Dive into our curated list of the best new summer drinks crafted in (and nearby) Ottawa, along with our date idea pairing, and discover your next favourite beveragino.
Hard Ciders
Farmgate Cider: Not a Still-Life Session Cider
This local cider beautifully balances the tartness of cranberry with the freshness of apples. Sitting at 3.4% abv, this session cider is a perfect ‘any-time’ drink.
Plan a visit to Farmgate Cider in Arnprior, Ontario for a tour & tasting, or find their products at local restaurants, taprooms, bottle shops, and farmers’ markets across the Ottawa area.
Date Idea Pairing: Summer BBQ Party with burgers (meat or veggie) and a spread of comfort-food sides
1818 Farm and Cidery: Hop Garden & Last Call Volume II
1818 Farm and Cidery launched TWO locally-crafted beverages this month: Hop Garden & Last Call Volume II.
Each of 1818’s ciders is produced using locally-sourced ingredients, and made in very small batches for a refreshing summer sipper. You can purchase their cider at their Farmstand, or at the Carp, Stittsville, Westboro, and Barrhaven farmers’ markets.
Date Idea Pairing: Al fresco lunch with fresh vegetables, sandwiches, and freshly-baked desserts
Craft Beer
Dominion City Brewing Co.: Secret Handshake
Secret Handshake is the newest release from Dominion City Brewing Co. in collaboration with Town Brewery in Whitby, Ontario. This beer is fluffy and fresh, created with warmer weather and patio drinking in mind.
Visit their taproom to pick up a few cans to try this summer!
Date Idea Pairing: Weekend getaway at a cozy cottage
Beyond the Pale Brewing Co.: Czech this IPA
Czech This IPA is the perfect blend of traditional and Beyond the Pale flair. It’s brewed with Czech Pale Ale Malt and hopped with Kazbeck, resulting in a beer with a delightful berry flavour complemented by a hint of citrus from the hops, all balanced out by a gentle sweetness from the malt base.
Like all of their Flash Series beers, it will be gone in a flash! Get a 10% discount when you purchase a flat (24 cans). Purchase online for delivery or at their taproom!
Date Idea Pairing: Lounging by the lake with your besties
Flora Hall Brewing: Raspberry-Peach Gose
Flora Hall Brewing has a fresh new beer and it’s a spring/summer crusher! Whether you’re camping in the woods or relaxing at home, this sour blonde ale is perfect for any day this season.
If that’s not enough to love, 25% of each every sale from this tasty beer will be donated to the BGC Ottawa Homework Club. Fresh cans are available in their to-go shop!
Date Idea Pairing: Camping trip to explore one of the beautiful national parks around the Capital Region
Bicycle Craft Brewery: Transcend IPA
Transcend is Bicycle Craft Brewery’s newest New England IPA. Enjoy the tasty passion fruit, peach, grapefruit, and pineapple flavours and aromas for an easy-to-drink summer beer.
Shop online or visit their taproom shop to pick up a few cans.
Date Idea Pairing: Outdoor movie night with your favourite tropical snacks
Orleans Brewing Co.: Blood Orange Creamsicle Sour
The Blood Orange Creamsicle Sour from Orleans Brewing Co. is back for the summer! This beer is creamy and tart with its high effervescence and real blood orange. It’s fluffy, fruity, and absolutely delicious!
Purchase cans on their website or visit their taproom shop.
Date Idea Pairing: Potluck picnic in the park
Non-Alcoholic
City Seltzer: Strawberry Smash
We’re thrilled that City Seltzer is bringing back Strawberry Smash for the spring/summer! Their sodas are crafted with 100% natural flavours and this one is a deliciously fruity cocktail of strawberry and yellow watermelon.
Purchase your cans on their website or click here to find their store locator.
Date Idea Pairing: Summer pool party with the squad
On the hunt for summer date inspo? Check out our ultimate summer bucket list in Ottawa!
