Cheers to Kingston: a guide to the city’s cocktail, mocktail, and brewery scene

Union Kitchen is known for its specialty cocktails, which transform each season. From Candy Cane White Russians and Legends of the Fall (rosemary-infused bourbon, sortilège, sweet vermouth, sweet apple cider, lemon juice, orange bitters, apple slices, and fresh rosemary) to iconic mojitos made with local mint from Forman Farms, Union Kitchen offers a unique variety of beverages.

Musiikki Café is a music hub and go-to spot for a daytime coffee or a late-night cocktail. They offer locally roasted coffee and handcrafted espresso beverages along with high-end whiskey-based cocktails and local craft beer. Relax at a shady spot in their back courtyard and indulge in an old favourite or try something new from their huge fine whiskey selection. They specialize in Irish and Scotch whiskies, Canadian rye, and American bourbon.

Hard Way Cider Co. started with the idea of producing a cider from the ground to the glass, using age-old artisan techniques, a unique selection of apples, and oak barrels from some of the best distilleries and wineries across North America. Hard Way offers exceptionally dry, wonderfully flavourful ciders unlike anything else on the market. Ramboozle, a ruby-red cider made with Caribbean rum and raspberry juice, is a true crowd-pleaser! Try it yourself and find out why.

Days on Front, a refined Canadian cuisine restaurant, can elevate an evening with one of their cocktails. Sip one of their seasonal offerings or request your favourite classic cocktail or martini. Their cocktail list includes a refreshing Irish Buck (Irish whiskey, lemon juice, honey syrup, and ginger beer) and a unique Banana Rum Old-Fashioned (bourbon, light rum, crème de banane, bitters, and orange peel).

Housed in a 1800s telegraph office, this place is packed to the rafters with assorted beer memorabilia. It’s best known for its beer, its laid-back vibe, and the gorgeous, private patio in the old carriageway beside the pub. Established in 1986, the Kingston Brewing Company is Ontario’s oldest brewpub. A must-try is The Whitetail Cream Ale; golden in colour, it uses malts and hops to make a clean, crisp, full-bodied ale. Looking for a non-alcoholic beverage? Try a root beer or cream soda, also made on premises.

Home of Kingston’s first wine club, CASE 168 Wine Club, Heist offers a sophisticated place to gather for dinner and drinks. Their spring drink menu features The Teller (a mocktail with 0.0 sparkling wine and non-alcoholic aperitivo carpano), and the Liquid Asset (gin, honey syrup, Lustau amontillado sherry, lemon, egg white, angostura, and bee pollen). 

Skeleton Park Brewery pays homage to Kingston’s rich brewing history, which goes back to the 1700s. The Skeleton Park brewmaster has recreated old local recipes using traditional ingredients and leveraging Kingston’s mineral-rich water to make great beers. Besides their Heritage series, the brewery also seasonal and limited-edition brews in its taproom.

Tango Nuevo is loved by locals for their huge selection of tapas, charcuterie (all locally sourced), and international wine list. The hidden gem here is their fantastic cocktail list, which ranges from the classic martini (with premium gin and vodka options available) to delicious signature creations like the Campfire Manhattan (lapsang souchong-infused rye, sweet vermouth, bitters, maple syrup, cinnamon, and orange zest) and their Strawberry Balsamic Negroni Sour. 

As the name states, Whiskey & Rosé has a variety of signature whiskeys and rosés that pair perfectly with their menu of comfort food. Their mocktail menu is a serious showstopper as well. From Puttin’ on the Spritz (lyres aperitvo, botegga 0, and soda) to Rebel Wild (house-made 0% cane spirit, lime, and ginger beer), there is a drink for everyone to enjoy at Whiskey & Rosé.

The winner of New Brewery of Year for 2022 from The Canadian Brewers Choice Awards, Something in the Water thrives on curiosity, creating drinks that are as inviting and delicious as they are unexpected. Try the best-selling Painted Lake Peach Crisp Berliner Weisse or Pancake Bay Sweet Brunch Stout. Non-alcoholic offerings include sparkling hopped water and sparkling iced tea. Something in the Water also offers a selection of cocktails and mocktails made with their brewed beers and beverages.  

Take a seat at The Everly’s sleek bar and try out the Earl Grey MarTEAni, which has quickly become a favourite. This neo-classical cocktail was first introduced to owners Amber and Jamie while working at Uva Wine Bar and Cibo Trattoria in Vancouver over 10 years ago. Another great pick is The Bee’s Knees; Tanqueray gin, local Hogan’s honey syrup, lemon juice, and a spritz of Kinsip Lavender bitters. Pop next door to The Everly Wine & Provisions – a shop dedicated to a carefully curated selection of wines not available at the LCBO, plus snacks that pair perfectly with them.

The brews available at Riverhead walk the line between traditional and adventurous, with varieties that offer something for everyone’s palate, from a classic craft lager to a fruit punch sour, loaded with pomegranate, blood orange, and cherry. Seasonal brews round out Riverhead’s offerings, often echoing the local climate and the time of the year. The restaurant side is as thoughtfully curated as their beer selections, with every aspect of the eatery reflecting the company slogan, “Adventurously Brewed.”