Summer is in full swing – that means time to beat the heat with a cold drink! Even better; Local Food Week in Alberta coming up on August 13 to August 20, 2023. Which makes it all more meaningful to celebrate the local craft breweries, distilleries, wineries and meaderies in our special region. All are truly unique and focus on specialty recipes made with regionally sourced ingredients.
Read on for our top picks of places to Drink East of Edmonton & get sippin!
On your next road trip, be sure to check out these favourite local flavours…
Sip Northeast of Edmonton
Beaver River Brewing Co – Bonnyville
Bringing high quality, delicious craft beer to the table. Their classic brew, the Pilsner, is crafted to have a balanced flavour – perfect to be enjoyed with friends. Beaver River also offers seasonal ales including the NEAPA (North East Alberta Pale Ale), Citrus Haze and newly released (yet popular) Sour Beaver.
Journey North Cider Co – Bonnyville
Locally grown and fermented, Journey North offers two standard products – the Crisp and the Dry – with more coming later this year. Better yet, they are committed to developing signature draught and an unlimited variety of seasonal blends, no matter the climate. Of which pairs perfectly with food from the in-house kitchen. Hang out and play some games in the private cider suite or try your hand at some lawn games off the patio. They are family friendly! Read more about Journey North on our profile.
Cold Lake Brewing & Distilling Co. – Cold Lake
Check out the rooftop patio with a perfect view of the Cold Lake Marina! If you’re after variety, Cold Lake Brewing & Distilling Co. has plenty of options for you. A local favourite, clients receive a top-quality product while supporting their neighbours and using as many local resources as possible. Now offering 15 beer flavours on tap, 5 vodkas, 2 rums and 2 gins, along with tap room snacks…sounds like a great day! You can find more information from our Cold Lake Brewing & Distilling Co profile here.
Fat Unicorn Brewery Tap and Grill – Lac La Biche
Great flavours, taste, a clean crisp finish – Fat Unicorn has it’s beer formula down to a ‘t’. Better yet, you can order some grub and a growler to go! Their beers are available throughout Alberta; check your local liquor store or drop into their new Tap and Grill located along Beaverhill Road.
Orchard Fresh Fruit Winery
Taste the joy of all natural fruit wines. Located near Lac La Biche, Alberta. Enjoy some of the purest tasting wines, shines and syrup in Alberta. No Herbicides, No Pesticides and no chemicals are used in their orchard. It’s all natural, all fruit!
Lakeland Brewing – St. Paul
Small batches = tasty brews. That’s how St Paul’s Lakeland Brewing literally keeps it fresh for you! Their known for their Hard Iced Tea, which is perfect to enjoy on a hot, summer evening. Bands often play live, plus you can try your hand at some virtual golf!
See their website and Facebook page for updates.
Sip East of Edmonton
The Fort Distillery – Fort Saskatchewan
The Fort Distillery’s knack for using local ingredients made in small batches means you know you’re getting your money’s worth. Both products are handmade and distilled with care by head distiller and “mad scientist” Nathan Film. If you can’t make it out to Fort Saskatchewan, pick up a bottle from one of the many liquor stores they are available at across the province.
You can find more information from our Fort Distillery profile here.
Hawke Prohibition Distillery – Strathcona County
With a one-of-a-kind continuous distillation process, Hawke Prohibition Distillery prides themselves on a full range of premium alcohol spirits. Using organic, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, this Indigenous- and female-owned business based in Sherwood Park, has a remarkable line of spirits including: baby-X-vodka, their modern William’s London dry, a colour-changing gin, or if you like fruit, a Strawberry Hibiscus Gin, spiced rum, and their newest Thick & Dirty Cream Liquor.
Elk Island Spirits – Strathcona County
If beverages with more pizazz are more up your alley, Elk Island Distillery is the place for you! Committed to regional and sustainable practices, the distillery offers traditional hard liquor products, along with a unique Moose Milk. It’s to die for it’s so good. We’d say more, but you really should check it out yourself!
Grey Dog Distilling – Strathcona County
Have you heard of rhumb before? If not, you’ve been missing out! At Grey Dog they used regular ingredients and a classic technique to create a unique product category – rhumb! A veteran-owned business, Grey Dog Distilling values community, commitment, and craftsmanship. They generously donate a portion of every sale to the community through donations to charities promoting mental health resilience.
Stay up to date on their website.
Manual Labour Beer Co.
Manual Labour Beer Co is a microbrewery on the edge of suburban and rural life, in the heart of Strathcona County, Alberta. Producing a wide range of beer styles, from light lagers to dark stouts, every individual will find a beer they love. The taproom is a friendly neighbourhood gathering spot where locals can connect with each other and celebrate their daily victories.
Fox Hills Cidery – Strathcona County
Make the most of summer with their strong core of 5 ciders. This family-owned cidery carries out every part of their operations conveniently in the backyard cidery. All ciders are made with 100% natural flavours & pure apple juice. Stay tuned for more; there are plans to expand the lineup in the future!
Keep up to date on their website or Facebook page.
Barr Estate Winery – Strathcona County
Barr Estate Winery offers handcrafted and sustainably farmed wine available throughout central and east Alberta. Are you a fruit fan? Their unique and organic flavours include raspberry, rhubarb, strawberry and even sour cherry wine! Not sure which one to try? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of summer left to relax, enjoy, and drink responsibly!
You can find more information from our Barr Estate Winery profile here.
70 Acre – Sherwood Park
New to the Sherwood Park area, 70 Acre is already noted for their tasteful blend of heritage and modern atmosphere. With 8 options – from a lighter Berliner weisse and bold raspberry sour, to new takes on la lager or pale ale – this brewery is practically guaranteed to carry what you’re after. They even offer some gluten-free option – a cider and 3 high ball styles – along with classic pizzas and snacks to enjoy.
Doege’s – Strathcona County
Unique flavours that everyone will love! All products are made and aged right in the heart of Sherwood Park. Enjoy spirits that are flavourful with a smooth finish so you can sit down and enjoy them on the rocks or make some wicked cocktails.
Copper Cork Distillery – Vermilion
Passionate about their craft, the boys of the Copper Cork bring you the true taste of the prairies through their handcrafted products! Family and friendship are at the heart of operations, so much so, they’ve named the four stills after their grandmothers. Be sure to try the Cordial, it’s a favourite of ours and soon to be yours also. We’re sure some live music goes great with enjoying one of the Copper Cork’s classic cocktails, which is a summer feature every Thursday.
You can find more information from our Copper Cork Distillery profile here.
4th Meridian Brewing – Lloydminster
Starting out as three friends who enjoyed a brew has evolved into a place where everyone is welcome to come hang out! As Lloydminster’s FIRST and only craft brewery, they offer 10 taps of beer, a gluten-free honey seltzer and kombucha. Check out updates on their Facebook page.
Sip Southeast of Edmonton
Old Station Honey & Mead – New Serepta
Old Station Honey & Mead is situated in the Hamlet of New Sarepta, right off Hwy 21. They are the closest meadery to the City of Edmonton, and very easy to get to. Their mead-maker is a local honey producer who for years dreamed of making the “world’s oldest fermented adult beverage” new again. Their mead is made from only locally-sourced honey and fruit, creating a truly local business and bringing something new to the tiny hamlet of New Sarepta. The meads are crafted from exclusively multi-floral honey, which is very mild and adopts flavours very well. They have a range of meads, both still and sparkling, made from local berries and herbs.
Battle River Brewery – Camrose
Despite the name, there’s nothing common about the Kentucky Common from Battle River Brewery. Being the choice of beer in Louisville before prohibition, this beer brings back a little taste of history and a worthy, delicious tradition. It’s a good choice if you’re keen on diversifying your beer palate! The Jamboree may be simply made, but that works to its advantage. Why change up a good thing when it’s perfect as is? Try one of their five new beers. So, what are you waiting for? Stop by for some: Good. Simple. Beer.
Detention Brewing – Camrose
Detention Brewing built on the site of the former Rosalind School, they’ll craft beers using a small hatch system to retain a special, unique taste for all. Keep an eye out for the Coffee Cree Ale, it sounds delish!
Back 40 Distillery – Camrose
Have you tasted spirits made from locally grown sugar beets yet? You’ve got your lucky opportunity at Back40 Distillery! We hear it adds a unique taste to the spirits… All Back40 products are 100% gluten-free, so even if you have special dietary requirements, you’re in luck! Also, their products are varied from clear to dark liquors so you’re sure to find one that fits your taste. Make sure to check out their newly created spirits!
You can find more information from our Back40 Distillery profile here.
Norsemen Brewing – Camrose
You can’t go wrong with a classic brew from the Norsemen! Inspired from old Norse legends, the brewery embraces their values and community nature, crafting flavours to fit everyone’s palettes. Unfiltered, unpasteurized, and preservative-free, it’s the perfect place for the perfect beer. Conveniently located within the Norsemen Hotel, it’s a great spot for a pint & bite to eat!
True North Cider Co. – Camrose
A family-run small business, True North brews authentic cider made from 100% Canadian grown apples. With a 3 core line up of an original “classic” dry, kinda sweet (aka the perfect balance) and raspberry hopped for a combination taste. Newest on the docket is the watermelon mint. Apparently, drinks “like a mojito” a.k.a. the perfect summer sipper! Follow their updates on their Facebook page.
Old Prospector Distilling – Camrose
The ultimate destination for those who crave a premium spirit with unparalleled flavor. Straight up or in your favorite mixed drink, the combinations are endless. Each bottle of Old Prospector is laced with 24K gold flakes, hand-dipped in black wax and stamped on top. The gold flakes sparkle on ice or in your glass – it’s a work of art behind any bar!
Moonlight Bay Brewing Co. – Wainwright
Moonlight Bay Brewing Co. is a brewery located in Wainwright, Alberta. They brew delicious Alberta beer with exquisite Alberta ingredients. Stop by their taproom and choose your favourite from the bar menu.
Section 35 Distillery – Viking
You must try this unique honey liquor! At Section 35, they offer two award-winning vodka products made to either be enjoyed on their own or in a delicious cocktail. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either triple distilled product, whether it’s the Award-Winning Bad Teacher, imagine you’re tasing a liquid apple pie, and the Wildflower a floral-inspired honey delight. While you can buy both of their products in select stores across Alberta, you can also shop online and get them delivered right to your door.
You can find more information from our Section 35 Distillery profile here.
Need more Inspiration for your Trip? We’ve got you covered!
- Drink East of Edmonton – Let’s go sippin’!
- Find more breweries in the Camrose area to enjoy!
- Videos – Be inspired to travel East of Edmonton.