As the holiday season wraps the Fraser Valley in a cozy embrace, it's time to indulge in the most festive and flavorful beverages that this picturesque region has to offer. From craft beers to specialty cocktails and artisanal coffee creations, there's a drink for every taste bud. Let's embark on a merry journey through the Fraser Valley's most delightful libations.
Crafty Christmas Cocktail Magic
Whimsical cocktails await at both Old Yale Brewing Craft Brewery + Kitchens through to December 31. Here’s what holly jolly magic is on the menu:
Christmaspolitan: vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, lime, rosemary and absinthe mist
Snowball Old Fashioned: rye whiskey, gingerbread, aromatic & wormwood bitters and orange essence
Carol Barrel: irish whiskey, banana, liqueur, jamaican navy strength rum, guinness punch, lime aromatic & chocolate bitters and nutmeg
Koala Cooler: applejack, blanc vermouth, aquavit, spiced apple, lime, celery shrub, eucalyptus bitters, mint and soda
Marshmallows & Unicorns: gin, vanilla liqueur, velvet falernum, cherry liqueur, caradamom, black pepper, marshmallow, lemon, egg white, tiki bitters and soda
Christmas Cricket: blanco tequila, vanilla liqueur, minty amaro, coco pandan, cream and mole bitters
Elfing Around #2: cognac, mulled wine reduction, champagne, lemon, aromatic bitters and absinthe
Yippee Ki Yay Mother F****r!: Barbados rum, rhum agricole, trinidad overproof rum, ube & coconut orgeat, acid-adjusted pineapple juice
Jingle Balls Nog: cognac, cream, sherry, almond milk, cream, egg, vanilla and nutmeg
Rudolph’s Replacement: vodka, coffee liqueur, white creme de cacao, orange curacao, chai, almond milk and aromatic bitters
The Krampus: resposado, tequila, oloroso sherry, allspice dram, mezcal, ginger, hibiscus, lime and hellfire bitters
Hot Buttered Rum: aged jamaican rum, velvet falernum, mixed spiced butter, oat milk and nutmeg
Mulled Wine: mulled red wine, tawny port, orange liqueur and Christmas spices
All of these tasty cocktails and more can be found at Old Yale Brewing through to December 31!
The Festive Brews Patiently Waiting for You
“All I want for Christmas is Brew” - if that’s you, than look no further. We’ve got the craft beer magic waiting for you to sip, explore, repeat at both Old Yale Brewing locations! Available until they run out!
Cranberry White IPA: Bold and complex with Citrus that intermingles with a tart and bright Cranberry flavour and a touch of Witbier yeast-like spice
Brown Sugar Oat Stout: Inspired by espresso, our Brown Sugar Oat Stout offers a decadently rich experience. With Graham Cracker and Dark Chocolate flavours, the roasted malts with the addition of Brown Sugar, Lactose and a dash of Cinnamon in this Stout, create a smooth and subtly spiced finish
Himalayan Salted Caramel Porter: Rich, dark and delicious, our Porter is brewed with a variety of specialty malts lending smoothness and depth to its body. Additions of Himalayan Salt, Lactose and Vanilla add a sweet Caramel finish creating a lingering saltiness on the palate.
Irish Cream Amber Ale: Rich and deep toffee flavours are at the forefront of this Amber Ale, offering a comforting and creamy mouthfeel. The roasted malts blend effortlessly with that classic warming character of Irish Cream. A robust, full bodied Amber Ale with a hint of Whiskey, Cocoa and Spices. taste. This Trailblazer is a truly decadent tiptoe into the realm of darker beer....
English Toffee Amber Ale: Rich and deep toffee flavours are at the forefront of this Amber Ale, offering a comforting and creamy mouthfeel. The roasted malts create a taste of dried Fig and Pie Crust that is further accentuated with just a touch of Vanilla. This Trailblazer is a truly decadent tiptoe into the realm of darker beer....
Yuzu Citrus Fruit Lager: The crisp undertones of our Rice Lager base provide the perfect canvas for the vibrant Yuzu Citrus infusion offering a refreshingly tangy and smooth taste. Elevate your palate with each sip as the bright Yuzu notes intertwine effortlessly with the Lager's clean and smooth profile. This Yuzu Lager is truly a revitalizing flavor sensation...
Sweet Cream Session Stout: Reminiscent of Tiramisu, a silky Espresso note intertwines with a sublte touch of Vanilla to round out a malt-forward profile. At only 4.0%, a rich dreamy body helps balance the Dark Chocolate and Roast character, making this Milk Stout a sessionable, smooth and full flavoured experience…
Pear Belgian Golden Ale (Coming Soon!): This Pear Belgian Golden Ale balances a subtle spiciness with fruity esters and the luscious essence of a ripe and juicy Pear. With each sip of this Trailblazer, the perfect pairing of the intricate yeast and Pear unfold, offering a nuanced, yet refreshing brew. …
Find 4-packs of these delicious brews at both Old Yale locations and in your go-to Private Liquor Stores!
Coffee Concoctions to Warm Your Soul
We’ve compiled a list of our current favourite holiday coffees from the best local coffee shops around town! Here’s what we recommend:
Smoking Gun Coffee in Chilliwack: Eggnog Latte - rich and creamy eggnog perfectly complement the robust espresso, creating a warm and comforting beverage that embodies the essence of the holidays!
Anita’s Bread & Coffee in Chilliwack: Peppermint Mocha - strikes the balance between sweet and minty. It’s a delightful pick-me-up as you explore the festive offerings in the Fraser Valley
Old Hand Coffee in Abbotsford: House-made Eggnog - A touch of tradition, savor the velvety smoothness of this classic holiday drink, crafted with care and brimming with festive spices.
Pastry Portal in Abbotsford: Iced Peppermint Mocha - for a chilly treat - the combo of chocolate, coffee and invirgorating peppermint is a refreshing sip of holiday magic!
Blue Moose Cafe in Hope: Gingerbread Latte - warming concoction of espresso and gingerbread spices is a festive treat that captures the essence of the season.
As you embark on this festive beverage journey through the Fraser Valley, let each sip be a celebration of the season. Whether you’re toasting with a Cranberry White IPA, a Christmapolitan or an Eggnog Latte, we hope that the bevvy you choose makes your holiday spirit bright!