What’s New for Happy Hour – November 2024
Hey friends! 👋🍂
Welcome to my second monthly column dedicated to happy hour in Quebec! Each month, we’ll dive into everything that adds sparkle to our evenings: new products, events, fresh spots to visit, tips for creating the perfect vibe, and delicious cocktail recipes.
What’s on the menu this month? Exciting new releases to discover, a particularly festive and friendly event, and, of course, tips to turn your evenings into magical moments. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or eager to try original ideas, November has plenty to offer.
Grab your glass, your comfiest slippers, and join me in the cozy world of Quebec-style happy hour. Cheers! 🥂✨
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Welcome to the second edition of my monthly column dedicated to happy hour!
November has settled in with its shorter days, crisp evenings, and cozy ambiance. But around here, autumn is anything but gloomy—oh no! Let’s be clear: November is the perfect time to reinvent our happy hour rituals and celebrate the season in style.
Autumn flavors are still shining, but this time, there’s a hint of winter spices and soul-warming drinks in the air. It’s also a great moment to start preparing for the festive season by discovering local products to gift or share with loved ones.
So, grab your favorite glasses, put on your coziest sweater, and get inspired by the ideas, new products, and recipes I’ve gathered for you this month. Cheers to a warm and convivial happy hour! 🥂
NEW PRODUCTS
Every month, Quebec’s artisans push the boundaries of creativity to bring us innovative products that celebrate the richness of our local terroir. In this section, I shine a spotlight on the latest arrivals on SAQ shelves and in specialty shops—perfect for elevating your happy hour game and discovering unique local flavors.
This month, I had the pleasure of tasting some of the new additions, allowing me to share my personal impressions with you. There’s nothing quite like sampling these products firsthand to truly appreciate their distinct flavors and understand what makes each one stand out. My feedback—subjective, of course—stems from these direct experiences, and I must admit, a few of these discoveries left a lasting impression. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds as I reveal all the details in the next few lines!
Moonlight Cream
If you’re a fan of Moonlight Rum, you’ll fall in love with the new Moonlight Cream. It carries the same rich aromas of flambéed bananas, maple syrup, and vanilla. Whether stirred into coffee or enjoyed as coffee shots, this product is sure to impress your crowd.
I had the chance to taste it with friends, and let’s just say—the bottle didn’t last long! It’s an indulgent, smooth treat that brings a festive twist to any gathering.
Buy at SAQ
Credit : saq.com
Miele Winter Ready-to-Drink
I haven’t had the chance to try the new ready-to-drink offering from Spiritueux Iberville yet, but as a big fan of their Miele Amaretto, I’m intrigued to give it a go. According to reviews on the SAQ website, opinions are mixed. However, one common description stands out: a “drinkable apple pie in a can.”
If that flavor profile appeals to you, it might just be the cozy winter treat you’re looking for this season!
Credit : saq.com
Tricoté serré
This new maple cream, crafted in Quebec by renowned chef Martin Picard of Cabane à sucre Au Pied de Cochon, has generated quite a buzz. Though I haven’t had the chance to taste it myself, I’ve heard glowing reviews about its rich and decadent flavor.
If you’re a fan of maple and love supporting local creations, this could be a delightful addition to your collection—or a thoughtful gift for the holiday season!
Credit : saq.com
Monsieur Cocktail mixes
Monsieur Cocktail has launched three new mixers aimed at simplifying cocktail preparation while maintaining the deliciousness of the original recipes. Each mix is priced at $10.95 and comes in these flavors:
- Cosmo Mix
- Margarita Mix
- Mojito Mix
I decided to try the Mojito Mix. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical when I saw “made with real juice” on the label. A closer look at the ingredients reveals: filtered water, cane sugar, concentrated lime juice, natural flavors, and citric acid (for acidity). While I’m not entirely convinced this qualifies as “real juice,” my verdict is that it’s a win.
After spending all summer searching for a quick alternative to my homemade mint syrup, I’ve finally found a satisfying option. The mix has an authentic lime and fresh mint flavor, making it a convenient and tasty solution for whipping up mojitos on the fly. Cheers!
Credit : monsieur-cocktail.com
Spirit Gift Sets
These aren’t new products but rather new formats, making them perfect gift ideas for the holiday season. Here are some standout options:
- Distillerie du Fjord – Discovery Set
Includes 5 x 100 mL bottles (total: 500 mL) for $63.25. - Iberville Boire à l’Italienne – Discovery Box
Features 4 x 330 mL cans (total: 1.32 L) for $64. - Cherry River – Flavored Gin Gift Set
Contains 3 x 375 mL bottles (total: 1.125 L) for $87.25.
These thoughtfully curated sets highlight local craftsmanship and are ideal for introducing someone to a variety of spirits from Quebec’s innovative producers. Perfect for gift-giving or hosting festive tastings!
Credit : saq.com
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OTHER NEWS
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Tasting the Comont Rhum
In my October column, I mentioned Comont Rhum as one of the new products making waves in Quebec’s aperitif scene. Back then, I hadn’t had the chance to try it. But this month, I finally tasted it, and here are my thoughts.
On the nose, it’s distinctly woody with pronounced sugarcane aromas.
On the palate, the first impression is a beautiful blend—a spirit straddling the line between rum and whiskey. The sugarcane and molasses are unmistakable, but the 18 months of aging in oak barrels add a dominant woody character, giving it a complex profile.
Imagining it in a cocktail, my mind went straight to tropical flavors like pineapple or passion fruit for something exotic and refreshing. While pairing rum with tropical fruits might seem typical, I assure you this spirit’s complexity offers a twist. It’s not just about blending flavors but creating a cocktail that truly complements the rum’s depth.
Whether you sip it neat, on the rocks, or take your time crafting a sophisticated cocktail, Comont Rhum is versatile and worth savoring.
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New Apéro Beanies
You might have seen it on my social media: I’ve recently launched my very first official merch! My beautiful Apéro beanies are locally made in Montreal and available in nine different colors: black, sage, gray, orange, magenta, forest green, taupe, oatmeal, and blueberry.
The design features my logo—a delicate martini glass—displayed on a sleek label. These beanies were created in collaboration with C’est Beau, a carbon-negative Quebec-based company that I admire greatly.
It’s the perfect winter accessory for anyone who loves to support local and stay cozy in style. Whether it’s a gift or a treat for yourself, these beanies are a great way to celebrate the season with flair!
NOVEMBER EVENT
La Grande Dégustation de Montréal 2024
Dates: November 28 to 30, 2024
Location: Grand Quai du Port de Montréal
This unmissable event celebrates wines, beers, and spirits, with a special focus on five key wine regions: California, the Loire, Ontario, Vin de France, and D.O. Rueda from Spain. Visitors can sample over 1,700 products from around the world and directly interact with producers. Several tasting workshops will also be offered throughout the event.
A standout feature of this year’s edition is the second floor, dedicated entirely to Québec spirits. This section highlights the diversity and innovation of local producers, allowing visitors to sample a range of terroir-driven products and new releases. It’s the perfect spot for hands-on learning and for exploring distinctive offerings from Québec artisans.
Admission: From $19.13
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TRICKS & TIPS
- Menu
When planning your cocktail menu, go for drinks like punches, Negronis, and Mojitos. These are great choices since they don’t require fresh ingredients that can spoil quickly, like egg whites or freshly squeezed juices. I also recommend offering a variety of spirits so your guests can choose what they prefer.
- Storage, Cold & Dilution
Prepare your cocktails in glass bottles or jars with airtight lids to maintain their flavors and prevent oxidation. Keep them chilled to ensure freshness. Avoid adding ice to your pre-made cocktails to prevent them from becoming watered down. When it’s time to serve your guests, having an ice bucket nearby is essential—ice is, in my opinion, one of the most important ingredients in a well-made cocktail.
- Bubbles
For cocktails that include sparkling water, tonic, or sparkling wine, add these ingredients just before serving to preserve the bubbles.
- Garnishes
Fresh herbs, fruit slices, and zest should be added right before serving to maximize both their visual appeal and their impact on the flavor.
RECIPE
Autumn is the perfect season to reinvent classic cocktails with rich, comforting flavors, and my current favorite is undoubtedly the Autumn Spritz. This cocktail puts a twist on the classic Italian spritz by adding a seasonal warmth with notes of cinnamon, apple, and orange, creating a vibrant harmony that mirrors the golden hues of fall leaves. It’s as visually charming as it is flavorful, making it the ideal choice to impress guests or enjoy a cozy solo aperitif. Simple to prepare and incredibly versatile, it works wonderfully as a pre-dinner drink or alongside autumnal appetizers.
