Aperol is THE drink of summer. Whether it’s patio season, backyard entertaining, or long weekends at the cottage, the Aperol Spritz has become a go-to summer staple: refreshing, vibrant, and effortlessly social. While it’s a cocktail that can be enjoyed year-round, there’s something about this season that makes it truly synonymous with Aperol.

Aperol Spritz

Recipe

Ingredients

• · 3 parts of Prosecco D.O.C. (3oz)
• · 2 parts of Aperol (2oz)
• · 1 splash of soda (1oz)
• · 1 slice of orange

Preparation

1. Place ice cubes in a stemmed wine glass.
2. Pour 3 parts of Prosecco D.O.C. (3oz).
3. Follow by pouring 2 parts of Aperol (2oz), and 1 ounce of soda (1oz).
4. Garnish with a slice of orange and stir.

Summer festival season is in full effect, and there’s one cocktail taking centre stage at every must-sip moment, from pre-show patios to post-set hangs: the Aperol Spritz.

Light, refreshing, and effortlessly social, it’s become a staple for music lovers and sunset chasers alike, a go-to that fits seamlessly into everything from festival coverage to seasonal drinks roundups.

Toronto – Breaking through the traditional spirits scene, willöe gin is a bold new arrival with a fresh perspective. Founded by Canadian Jordann Glasberg, willöe brings female leadership to the forefront with a premium gin that’s smooth, layered, and made to inspire connection.

“willöe is inspired by the foundation of our most memorable times,” says Glasberg. “We set out to make a gin of the highest quality to celebrate those moments. willöe is more than just a gin, it’s about creating space to connect with the people you love.”

From those early inspirations, willöe gin was born: a premium craft gin distilled in small batches at a distillery located in Montreal, Quebec. The result is a smooth, refined spirit with a distinctive blend of botanicals, blackberry, and hibiscus. Though it leans aromatic, willöe is remarkably versatile, ideal for everything from a classic gin and tonic to more adventurous cocktails or simply served on the rocks.

Since launching in 2024, willöe has steadily grown. It’s now available at 150+ LCBOs across Ontario as well as in Quebec (SAQ).

Beyond the bottle, willöe stands for something more. Glasberg is helping reshape the spirits industry by bringing a fresh perspective to a space that’s long been male dominated. Her mission? To create a gin that’s not only exceptional, but genuinely inclusive.

“We’re not just here to make great gin, we’re here to make it approachable, purposeful, and memorable.” says Glasberg.

ST. ELIZABETH, Jamaica, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ -- Appleton Estate, the oldest continuously operating rum distillery in Jamaica and among the oldest rum distilleries in the world, proudly announces the global debut of The Source 51-Year-Old, its rarest and longest aged expression to date. This historic release of just 25 decanters marks a significant milestone for the 275-year-old distillery and sets a new standard of excellence for the category.

Aged exclusively in Jamaica's tropical climate for over five decades, The Source is a singular masterpiece of provenance and patience. This one-of-a-kind, single marque rum was meticulously crafted from Appleton Estate's own single estate sugar cane, using open fermentation and distilled exclusively in the estate's traditional copper pot stills. Laid down in a single American oak cask on July 30, 1973 in the Estate's most iconic aging warehouse, it was originally overseen by Master Blender Owen Tulloch, and then later entrusted to his protégé and successor, Dr. Joy Spence, the first female Master Blender in the spirits industry.

As the longest tropically aged rum ever released, The Source exemplifies the extraordinary complexity and depth that only time in such a climate can deliver. Unlike spirits aged in cooler environments, tropical maturation accelerates the interaction between spirit and wood, estimated at 2-3 times as quickly, yielding an exceptional intensity of flavour and deep, natural colour. Aging in this environment also demands immense skill, as higher evaporation rates – sometimes called the "devil's share" - require rigorous cask management to preserve the rum's integrity over decades. The result is a spirit of profound character, complexity, and rarity.

Drawn from the cask in January 2025 under Dr. Spence's expert care, this single marque rum is a piece of Appleton Estate history:

"Tasting this beautiful expression with Owen over 40 years ago sparked my lifelong passion for the possibilities of aged rum," said Dr. Spence. "This release is a tribute to the artistry, dedication, and spirit of our people; from the hand-harvested cane and traditional distillation to the stewardship of our barrels across generations. Jamaica and rum are inseparable, much like the heart and soul captured in The Source."

Named for the iconic aquifer at the heart of Appleton Estate, The Source pays homage to the crystal-clear spring that flows through limestone-filtered riverbeds, and is at the center of every drop of rum aged at Appleton. This unique geography, deep in the lush Nassau valley of Jamaica, has long been a source of inspiration for Dr. Joy Spence and is fundamental to the distinct flavour of Appleton's expressions.

Each of the 25 exquisite decanters pays homage to Jamaican excellence and Appleton Estate's 275-year legacy. The heart-shaped decanters showcase the rum's rich mahogany colour, transitioning into a crystalline aquamarine base that reflects the purity of the limestone spring. The decanter is crowned with a handcrafted copper rendition of Jamaica's national bird, the Doctor Bird, set against a navy backdrop. It is housed in a striking turquoise case adorned with a radial straw marquetry pattern inspired by pressed cane.

This milestone release underscores the brand's long-term commitment to elevating the position of premium aged Jamaican rum globally. Appleton Estate is uniquely positioned to help accelerate the growth in the category. With one of the world's largest inventories of aging rum, comprising over 150,000 barrels, and some of the most exacting quality standards in spirits, the Estate continues to define the future of luxury rum through exceptional offerings such as the Hearts Collection, the 17-Year-Old Legend, and now The Source.

In celebration of this milestone release, Appleton Estate will support the future of Jamaican art through a partnership in support of the Jamaica Art Society's 2026-2027 In Focus Fellowship cohort. This sponsorship will provide support and opportunities for Jamaican artists & curators, ensuring the continued growth and preservation of the nation's artistic heritage while recognizing five decades of Jamaican art through co-branded dinners, fellowship sponsorship and memorable experiences. This initiative will take place through 2026, underscoring Appleton Estate's commitment to celebrating and propelling Jamaican excellence in culture.

The Source will be available to select global markets starting July 2025 and priced at $70,000 USD. This milestone release represents the pinnacle of rum-making excellence and promises to further affirm Appleton Estate's renowned history of rare and timeless collectible releases.

WREXHAM, Wales, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ -- Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd, the oldest lager brand in the UK, has officially landed in Canada through new partnerships with British Columbia Liquor Store (BCLS) and Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LBCO), two of North America's largest alcohol retailers.

Since Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds took the reins as co-owners of Wrexham AFC and Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd, the town's spirit and its lager have gone global. The lager brand from Wales has seen a surge in popularity thanks to the renewed spotlight on the club and its hometown pride. Brewed using a traditional recipe that dates back to 1882, Wrexham Lager is subtly hopped, light, refreshing, and easy to drink. Now, with high demand, the lager is making its way into Canadian fridges for the first time, offering fans a taste of Wrexham wherever they cheer.

In British Columbia, Wrexham Lager is now available in 92 BCL Store locations, along with select Licensed Retail Stores (LRS) across the province. The BCLS locations will carry the 330ml six packs, while the LRS locations will carry both 330ml and 500ml single cans. In Ontario, Wrexham Lager's 500ml single can will be available through LCBO locations across the province.

The Canadian launch marks the latest milestone in Wrexham Lager's global growth, following successful expansion into the United States, Australia, Scandinavia, Northern Ireland, and additional markets.

"Bringing Wrexham Lager to Canada is another proud step in our journey and a great reminder to never underestimate something from Wrexham," said Jon Roberts, Board Director and Interim CEO of Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd. "With our products now available in British Columbia and Ontario, Canadian customers now get to experience a taste of our premium lager. Our global success reflects the appetite for genuine and authentic lager - something Wrexham Lager is proud to deliver."

Brewed in Wales since 1882, Wrexham Lager is brewed with the same time-honored Bavarian techniques that put it on the map over 140 years ago, using only the finest ingredients to deliver a crisp, refreshing taste that's stood the test of time.

For more information and where to buy, please visit