This Holiday Trail Will Take You On The Ultimate Cocktail Adventure Through Durham Region

From now until January 12, explore local favourites, collect stamps, and earn rewards, all while supporting small businesses across the region. It’s free and easy to join—visit a participating location, enjoy the featured cocktail made with Durham Distillery spirits and scan the QR code on-site to collect a stamp on your trail card. Once you’ve completed six stamps, you’ll earn a $25 gift card to Durham Distillery and entry into a $400 Distiller’s Experience draw. Plus, $1 from every cocktail supports Feed the Need in Durham.

Once you've collected your stamps, use our guide below to recreate some of the region’s most creative cocktails at home! Bonus: These recipes can also be tailored to create holiday mocktails for your next festive feast.

Santa's Little Helper

Enjoy memories of Christmas past with the smell of clove and hints of winter at each sip. This twist on the classic gin sour—made with Durham Distillery’s London Calling Gin—is lovingly sourced from the Springwood owner’s favorite television show, The Simpsons. Named for their family dog who is the family's Christmas gift in the very first episode of the long running series—“Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire”. Order your very own Santa's Little Helper cocktail at The Springwood in Whitby and use the recipe below to recreate this drink at home.

Apple Pie A Lá Mode Martini

This delicious cocktail is a one-of-a-kind drink you won’t find anywhere else—made with Durham Distillery’s Apple Pie Moonshine, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and garnished with a slice of dehydrated apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Try the Apple Pie A Lá Mode Martini at The Port Social (Marwan’s Global Bistro) in Port Perry to earn a badge on the Durham Holiday Cocktail Trail and save this recipe to recreate it at home.

Doughnut Sugar Espresso Martini

Indulgence with a playful twist—this bold espresso and silky cream martini is shaken with Durham Distillery Patio Lantern Vodka, lifted by the Distillery’s rich Coffee Liqueur and Treblecock’s Cold Brew, and topped with a tasty doughnut sugar rim! Order the Doughnut Sugar Espresso Martini when you visit Nest in Uxbridge and save this recipe to recreate it at home.

Gin-Gle All The Way

Try the ‘Gin-Gle All The Way’ cocktail at OneTen Kitchen + Bar in Whitby to earn a badge on the Durham Holiday Cocktail Trail and save this recipe to recreate it at home. This bright, festive blend of botanical gin, fresh pomegranate juice, and a squeeze of lemon is lightly tart, subtly sweet, and sparkling with holiday cheer! Perfect for toasting this season.

Frosted Cranberry Gin Sour

Made with Durham Distillery Purple Rain Gin and topped with a skewer of sugar-coated cranberries and a dried orange slice, this delicious cocktail is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Add the Frosted Cranberry Gin Sour to your next date night at Three Six Kitchen in Bowmanville and save this recipe to recreate it at home.

Merry Mojito

This very merry cocktail is a play on a classic mojito—altered to add a little Christmas spirit! Made with Durham Distillery’s Cherry White Blackstrap, the use of clarified lime and peppermint oil allows the glitter to shine brightly just like a snow globe. Order the Merry Mojito at Chuuk in Pickering to earn a badge on the Durham Holiday Cocktail Trail and save this recipe to recreate it at home.

The Nogtini

Head to The Brewer’s Pantry in downtown Bowmanville and order the Nogtini to earn a badge on the Durham Holiday Cocktail Trail. This rich, holiday treat tastes like Christmas in a glass, where Durham Distillery’s Apple Pie Moonshine meets creamy eggnog, topped with whipped cream, nutmeg, and a candy cane. Use this recipe to recreate it at home.

Santa's Secret Stash

Legend has it that Santa never skips this cocktail at The Torchbearer Taproom in Oshawa! This apple crumble inspired holiday martini features Durham Distillery's Apple Pie Moonshine. You will find notes of butterscotch, spiced apple, vanilla, and subtle nuttiness. Served with a cinnamon-sugar rim, and a lit cinnamon stick for added aroma. Use the recipe below to recreate this drink at home.

Lost Our Way to the Izakaya

Inspired by Japanese culture, Lost Our Way to the Izakaya, blends elements from Japanese cuisine, utilizing lemongrass, nori and Japanese chilies, sweetened by passionfruit with a hint of umami, and softened all around with creamy egg white. Order the the “Lost Our Way to the Izakaya” cocktail and enjoy refined dining at The Yardbird in Bowmanville to earn a badge on the Durham Holiday Cocktail Trail and save this recipe to recreate it at home.

Partridge in a Pear Tree

While in Port Perry, don’t miss this delicious cocktail at Jester’s Court! This sparkling pear and ginger cocktail tastes like the holidays in a glass—bright, fruity, and lightly spiced. Perfect for festive sipping, order the ‘Partridge in a Pear Tree’ to earn a badge on the Durham Holiday Cocktail Trail and save this recipe to recreate it at home.

Where to get your ingredients