What’s New for Happy Hour – January & February 2025

Welcome to my first apéro column of 2025! 🎉🍹

The holidays are behind us, but winter is here to stay! With chilly days and snowy nights, it’s the perfect time to warm up with a great drink, try some alcohol-free alternatives, or explore new local flavors.

Whether you’re cozying up under a big blanket or braving the cold for festive nights out, I’ve gathered everything you need for a pleasure-filled start to the year: new bottles to try, must-attend events, and a mixology tip that will take your cocktails to the next level!

So, pour yourself a glass (with or without alcohol—your call 😉), and dive into all the apéro news kicking off 2025. Cheers! 🥂❄️

NEW PRODUCTS

New Alcohol-Free Ready-to-Drink Options from Comont

Since the beginning of 2025, we’ve been treated to two exciting new releases from Comont: Paloma Sans Alcool and Fizz Citron Framboises Sans Alcool. Already known for its high-quality spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails, the distillery is now venturing into the world of alcohol-free cocktails with refreshing and well-balanced recipes. A great alternative for alcohol-free apéros—without compromising on flavor! You can grab both new releases on Comont’s online shop: Paloma & Rasberry Fizz

• Paloma Alcohol-free : Inspired by the classic Mexican cocktail, this ready-to-drink option combines citrus with a hint of bitterness for a fresh and zesty result.
• Fizz Rasberry citrus Alcohol-free : A lightly sparkling cocktail with raspberries, perfect for a fruity and refreshing option.

I had the chance to receive these products in advance, and here’s my take: The Paloma is absolutely delicious and really resembles the alcoholic version Comont developed. You get strong notes of grapefruit, blood orange, and lime. By the way, you can check out my impressions on my TikTok account. As for the Rasberry Fizz, it’s a different experience. While the Paloma is all about freshness, the Fizz is sweeter and more invigorating. It reminds me of a lemonade with raspberry candy, with a little hint of blueberries or cherries.

Grapefruit-Flavored Vodka

This new vodka (SAQ) has been crafted by a brand-new distillery: Entropie Distillerie.

Entropy is a concept used in thermodynamics to measure the level of disorder in a chemical system. The Grapefruit Vodka is part of the distillery’s “Série Ordre”. We can expect more new releases soon, as the “Série Désordre” section on their website is still empty.

Liqueurs de bonbons Stadaconé

🍊Sour grapefruit (SAQ), 🍑Sour peach (SAQ), 🍌 Banana Marshmallow & ❤️ Cinnamon Heart

New Ready-to-Drink Options from Cherry River

Amaretto Sour, Red Sangria, and new cases from the “Fruity & Light Collection” and “Apéro Collection” are now available at IGA and Metro.

New Alcohol-Free Ready-to-Drink from 3 Lacs

3 Lacs Gin Limonade Rose 0% (SAQ) & 3 Lacs Gin Limonade Framboise Bleue 0% (SAQ)

EVENTS YOU CAN’T MISS

• 28-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge: Every February, this challenge encourages reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption for 28 days. It’s a great opportunity to try alcohol-free alternatives like Comont’s offerings and rediscover apéros in a new way! By the way, if you’re participating in the challenge, don’t give up—you’re reaching the end! This event is organized by the Fondation Jean Lapointe, which focuses on addiction prevention, especially among youth. Participants are encouraged to donate or raise funds to support educational programs about alcohol and drug consumption.

1. Montréal en Lumière: From February 27 to March 9. The gastronomic programming kicks off on February 20. For the apéro scene, Montréal en Lumière has several activities on the menu.
   1. Montréal en Lumière Apéros: Tasting workshops featuring 5 organic and sustainable wines, presented by Authentic Vins et Spiritueux – Famille Perrin. February 28, March 6, 7, and 8.
   2. Paint & Sip Workshops: While painting, you can taste NO COMPROMISE wines, crafted with a philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for nature. Art & apéro? Sounds great! The workshops will take place on March 1 at the Maison du Festival.

TIPS & TRICKS

Fat Washing: A Gourmet Twist for Your Cocktails

Recently, the algorithm on my social media decided to teach me fat washing, and I just had to share my findings with you. It’s a mixology technique where you infuse alcohol with a fat to add flavor and a silky texture. Perfect for cozy winter cocktails!

How it works:

1. Choose the fat: butter, olive oil, sesame oil, bacon fat, peanut butter… depending on the profile you’re looking for.
2. Mix with the alcohol: Add the melted fat to an alcohol like bourbon, gin, or vodka.
3. Let it infuse: 1 hour at room temperature should be enough.
4. Chill it: Place it in the freezer for 1 hour.
5. Filter: Remove the solidified fat by straining through a sieve or coffee filter.
6. Use in cocktails: Try a bacon Old Fashioned or an olive oil Martini for a unique experience!

By the way, stay tuned—I’ll be sharing several cocktail recipes made with fat-washed spirits on my Instagram in the coming weeks.

A great tip to add richness and depth to your winter apéros! 🍸🔥

RECIPE

Whether you’re taking on the 28-day alcohol-free challenge or simply craving a light and refreshing apéro, mocktails are here to prove that you can toast in style—without a drop of alcohol!

This month, I’m sharing three original recipes, inspired by the flavors of different seasons and easy to prepare at home. Whether you love invigorating citrus, indulgent notes, or festive bubbles, there’s something for everyone.

Grab your prettiest glasses, bring out the ice, and have fun shaking up these alcohol-free creations that have nothing to envy from classic cocktails! 🥂

And that’s a wrap for this edition of What’s New for Apéro! Whether you’re in the mood for festive cocktails, refreshing mocktails, or simply daydreaming about your next foodie event, I hope I’ve sparked some ideas to spice up your evenings.

Until the next column, keep your glass full (alcoholic or not, no judgment here 😜), try out new flavors, and most importantly, enjoy every apéro!

Cheers and see you soon! 🥂✨