Whether it’s an icy cocktail, creative craft brew, or a tasty caffeine concoction, the bartenders, winemakers, brewmasters and baristas that call Hamilton Halton Brant home can’t wait for you to try their summer sippers. Join us as we work toward a very delicious goal to lift a glass of something new at least once a week this summer. Here are some of the thirst-quenchers on our must-try list!
COLLECTIVE ARTS’ new limited release Blood Orange and Cranberry Cider is a tart, sweet combination that’s dry and refreshing and a perfect patio partner.

Kaleidoscope, made by FLUX BREWING COMPANY in Scotland, is a tart blackberry kettle sour that just screams summer.
Burlington’s KIND GRINDS makes all-natural gourmet cold brews that every coffee lover needs in their life when southern Ontario humidity hits! Their Cinnabliss Cold Brew is ultra-smooth, sugar-free and has an exotic snap of cinnamon at the finish.
CATHY’S KOMBUCHA has been brewing up beautiful ‘booch in Oakville since 2011. While all Cathy’s flavours are delicious, the Ginger Peach sounds really refreshing for hot summer days. Look for Cathy’s Kombucha at summer farmer’s markets, including Dorval Crossing, Georgetown Farmer’s Market, and Milton Farmer’s Market, as well as a wide range of local shops.
Inspired by the original drink of grape farmers in France, LEANING POST WINES’ Piquette sounds incredibly interesting. The winery describes it as a baby Pet-Nat, meets heritage cider, meets hard seltzer. At 5.5% alcohol, this sounds like a perfect poolside sipper!
From Milton, Third Moon Brewing’s Fruited Slushie Sour – Imperial Epoch is a collaboration project where 6 different brewers all picked an ingredient resulting in a quencher with the highest fruit-to-beer ratio the brewery has ever created.
There’s a brand-new distillery on the scene in Brantford, and we can’t wait to try out MANN’S BOTANICAL SPIRIT’S Lavender Elderflower Gin. It’s steeped in dried lavender from Weir’s Lane Lavender & Apiary along with elderflower. Talk about adding some local flavours to your summer gin and tonic!
RIDGE ROAD ESTATE WINERY’S new Pinot Grigio is crisp and refreshing with flavours of peach, lemongrass and ginger and will taste great with grilled chicken and fish.
In Freelton, WEST AVENUE CIDER HOUSE’S lineup of ciders sounds so delicious we’re having trouble just selecting one! Fortunately, West Avenue offers a constantly revolving variety pack that showcases six of their signature ciders.
GRAIN & GRIT’S Sweet Dreams Wheat with white tea, peach, ginger and lemon zest is absolutely on our Thirsty Thursday must-sip list. The Hamilton brewery’s patio is the perfect place for enjoying a post-work pint this summer!
Whether you pour it for the kids or mix it into a Moscow Mule, Naughty Nick’s Ginger Beer from NICKEL BROOK BREWING CO. in Burlington takes pop to the next level. The only ingredients in this tasty soda are freshly chopped ginger, lemon juice and natural sugar.
BELL CITY BREWING CO’S Too Wound Down New England Session IPA is not too bitter with a blast of pine, mango and pineapple. If you can’t make the trip to Brantford, shipping across Ontario is available.
For more sipping suggestions, we’re marking Paris Drinks Fest on our calendars! Taking place from August 20 – 21 in Lion’s Park, the festival will be showcasing beer, wine, spirits and cider alongside great food and live music.
Touring and tasting your way along the Hamilton Halton Brant True Brew Path is another excellent option for those looking to try a variety of beverages from a diverse range of producers.
What other sipping suggestions should we add to our Thirsty Thursday list? Share your ideas with us by tagging your pictures on social media with #stayandplayinhhb.