Kick back, relax and bask in the heat with these five refreshing summer beverages from Quebec’s Eastern Townships.
Mishka Fruity Herbal Teas – Summer Heat / Tisanes Fruitées – Chaleur d’été
Mishka’s herbal infusions add a delicious medley of fresh fruits to sparkling water, mocktails, cocktails or wine (sangria, anyone?). Made in Sherbrooke, each infusion is lightly sweetened with just a touch of organic cane sugar. Our favourite flavour is Summer Heat: Apples, mangoes, pineapples, ginger and fresh-squeezed lemon impart a zesty, tropically inspired flavour. For an instant, caffeine-free iced tea, add a couple of ice cubes and 2-3 tablespoons of this fruit tisane to a glass of cold water, and enjoy!
$14.95 per 250 mL, mishkatisanes.com
Boba-Linda’s Iced Matcha / Matcha Glacé
Boba-Linda‘s creamy Iced Matcha bubble tea combines boba (tapioca) pearls, plant-based milk and Japanese matcha for a refreshing summer beverage. If you’re craving a sweeter summer sip, there’s the option to mix in a delectable syrup (such as maple, rose, chocolate or mango). Located in Sherbrooke, Boba-Linda offers a number of other beverages to quench your thirst, including smoothies, milkshakes and traditional iced teas.
$6.75-$15 (depending on size), 1086 Rue King O, Sherbrooke, QC
Cherry River Cosmo
Featuring scents of orange liqueur, lime, vodka and cranberry, this alcohol-free bevvy tastes just like the real thing. Distilled in Magog, Cherry River Cosmo is the perfect leisurely mocktail for summer. Pair it with a relaxing beach read at the cottage or enjoy it poolside at a backyard barbecue.
$9.99 per 4-pk, cherryriver.ca
Bedford Cie Black Tea and Lemon Sparkling Water / Eau Gazéifiée Thé Noir et Citron
Bedford Cie’s sugar-free sparkling waters can be found at many cafés and restaurants across the Townships. We especially love the Black Tea and Lemon water – it’s made from simple ingredients yet offers nuanced flavour, providing the perfect kick of fizzy citrus and aromatic black tea to sip and savour on a hot summer’s day.
For a list of local retailers, visit bedfordcie.com.
Heritage 77 Apple, Strawberry and Raspberry Juice / Jus de Pomme, Fraise et Framboise
While this apple-and-berry juice contains no-added sugar, it’s still naturally sweet thanks to the fragrant bouquet of strawberry and raspberry notes. Housed in bottles made from 100% recyclable materials, Heritage 77 sources its fresh-squeezed juice from 1,900 acres of apple orchards across Frelighsburg and other local farms.
For a list of local retailers, visit heritage77.com.
