A Break with Tradition
Traditions can be comforting—a sentimental way to reconnect with family and friends. They ground us, evoke nostalgia, and feel wonderfully familiar but a dash of discovery can liven up your holidays. This Season, consider making room for Ontario Craft Cider at your dinner table, on your gift list, and even part of those cherished friend and family get togethers.
Where do I start?
Ontario craft cider is not just mulled cider with cinnamon sticks although that can be deliciously warm and comforting. Think dry, crisp and refreshing, and infinitely interesting or semi-sweet cider — lightly sweet and easy to drink. At its core, craft cider is an expression of Ontario’s apple growers and cider makers. With over 50 producers across the province, our small, independently owned cideries employ traditional methods that emphasize flavour, quality and diversity. The Ontario craft cider market is on the rise and many unique and innovative varieties can be found in your local LCBO.
Cocktail Time
Ontario Craft cider makes for some delicious cocktails like this one from Spy Cider And Distillery
Spy Cranberry Conspiracy
- 4 oz Spy Conspiracy Theory Cider
- 1 oz cranberry juice (100% unsweetened)
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz rosemary simple syrup
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary for garnish
Fill a glass with ice. Add cranberry juice, lime juice and rosemary syrup. Top with chilled Conspiracy Theory and gently stir. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig.
Thornbury Craft produces a rich and complex Vanilla Bourbon Craft Cider. Made with Madagascar vanilla and infused with bourbon barrel chips, this cider is redolent with vanilla, apple and toasty oak flavours. With or without ice, this cider makes a perfect aperitif.
Pair with Baked Brie with Cranberry & Pecans. The creamy richness of baked Brie, tart cranberries and toasted pecans beautifully complement the warm spices and crisp apple flavours of the cider.
On the Table
Consider Honey-Glazed Ham with a dry sparkling cider such as Vieni’s Gala Sparkling. Available by the bottle or can, this cider’s natural Gala apple sweetness beautifully mirrors the honey glaze, while its bright carbonation perfectly cuts through the rich, salty holiday meat.
Or, for the turkey lovers, try D’Ont Poke the Bear Original Apple Cider, a medium-sweet cider with fresh apple aromas and flavours that lead to a crisp finish.
Save Room for Dessert!
How does Sweet Talker Espresso Brûlée Cider sound? A small-batch bottled offering from Shiny Apples. Pair with this delicious Tiramisu –100% Ontario Apples, 0% Boring.
Gingerbread Tiramisu
- Strong brewed coffee, cooled
- Molasses
- Ginger + cinnamon
- Mascarpone
- Whipping cream
- Icing sugar
- Vanilla
- Ladyfingers
- Cocoa powder
- Crushed gingerbread cookies
Mix the coffee with molasses and spices. Whip the cream with icing sugar and vanilla, then fold in mascarpone.
Dip ladyfingers in the coffee mixture, layer with mascarpone cream, and repeat. Chill for at least 2 hours, then finish with cocoa and crushed gingerbread cookies.
We didn’t forget the Mulled Cider 😉
From Thornbury Craft – Warm Spiced Apple Cider – A Holiday Favourite
Bring a little warmth to the holiday season with Thornbury Craft Co. Spiced Apple Cider! Gently heated, this festive cider is perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings and après-ski celebrations.
How to Serve Warm:
1. Pour Spiced Apple Cider into a saucepan.
2. Warm gently over low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
3. For an extra festive touch, add a cinnamon stick, orange slices and a few whole cloves while warming.
4. Pour into heat-safe mugs and garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or orange slice.
This Season, Shop local, gift local and share a taste of Ontario! Look for the Ontario Craft Cider at the LCBO, your local Holiday Markets or buy online for convenient home or office delivery.
