Travel may be a little tricky these days, but you can still traverse the globe with these delicious drink recipes to try at home.
Today's cocktail hails from Quebec, Canada – Caribou.
What is it?
A popular drink at Quebec City’s Winter Carnival, this boozy Canadian beverage is best enjoyed in the cooler climates thanks to its brawny blend of brandy, vodka, sherry, and port.
Origins
According to legend, French-Canadian voyageurs (fur traders) concocted this winter warmer from a mix of whiskey and caribou blood, naming the drink after the reindeer-like beast that lives in Canada’s north. These days sherry, port or sometimes red wine are the preferred mixers to blend with the harder alcohol. In Quebec province, you can buy Caribou premixed by the bottle. No caribou-hunting required.
You'll need (Serves 4-5)
1 ½ fl oz (45ml) brandy
1 ½ fl oz (45ml) vodka
4 fl oz (120ml) sherry
4 fl oz (120ml) port
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Method
To serve warm
Step 1: Gently heat the brandy, vodka, sherry, port, and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan.
Step 2: Remove the cinnamon stick, then pour the liquid into cups and serve.
To serve cold
Step 1: In a punch bowl, mix the brandy, vodka, sherry, and port.
Step 2: Fill four rocks glasses with ice, then divide the Caribou between the glasses, and serve.
Tasting notes
Quebec City’s annual Winter Carnival mocks the frigid weather every February with snow sculptures, parades, parties and other festivities – and of course, the traditional Caribou drink. Caribou can be served chilled or warmed like a mulled wine, spiced with cinnamon.
With its mix of booze and fortified wine, this alcoholic punch packs a punch, and warms you up. Many revellers pour their drinks into “Bonhomme canes”, hollow canes topped with the head of Bonhomme, the carnival’s snowman mascot. Simply unscrew the head when you want to take a drink!
For additional cocktail recipes, check out our Destination Drinks page.
This article was originally published in May 2020 and updated in December 2020.
