Alright parents, it’s time. Having the kids around all summer has been great! You’ve made some amazing memories camping, swimming at the beach, exploring playgrounds and hitting up all the local attractions, but now… everyone can join in a collective cheer because school is back in session, baby!
Goodbye endless summer laundry (did anyone even wear this shirt?!), popsicle drips all over your house and siblings fighting. all. the. time.
But wait, with back-to-school comes clothes shopping with cranky kids who don’t WANT to try on new shoes. And finding that specific name brand crayon set that they will just DIE without. And signing up for endless…and we mean endless…after school activities. Anyone else tired just thinking about it?
Never fear - we have just the medicine. In true DTO fashion it starts with a flute of mimosa and ends with… a jug of mimosas. And wine. And cocktails. And beer. We’ve got the best Okanagan-made adult drinks that will make you say “I’m packing lunchables” (F that PTA Mom who says they’re not nutritious).
We got you parents, we got you.
WARDS MIMOSA CIDER
Key word here parents… Mimosa. You’ll find mimosas in the Canadian Food Guide under ‘Fruits and Vegetables,’ also ‘Breakfast’ (none of this is true, do not verify). But since it’s a breakfast drink, you can crack that can by the time your kids get to the front steps of the school bus. Don’t worry, you can drink it out of a mug so the neighbours think it’s coffee. And yes you are getting your dose of Vitamin C and Fiber, so technically it’s a health food. Horah! Now go change out of your pajamas.
Made in Kelowna. Zesty Orange Pippin and tart Bramley cider apples are co-fermented with aromatic white grapes in our Wards style Mimosa Cider.
Buy Online or from any well stocked liquor store.
FORBIDDEN SPIRITS REBEL VODKA
Welp, your kid was late for their first day of school. You have two choices here: 1) freak out, eat your feelings (code for ice cream) and wallow in guilt -OR- 2) channel your inner badass, you Rebel you (and then don’t be late tomorrow…but if you are, don’t worry, the vodka comes in a bigger size). It’s ok! Kick back, throw your feet up on top of that pile of clean laundry and enjoy a cold, crisp glass of vodka… errrr I mean cocktail with a shot of vodka.
Made in Kelowna. Rebel Vodka is created from 100% BC Apples.
Buy Online or from any well stocked liquor store.
MARTEN BREWING CO. KALAMALKA GOLD IPA
Ooommmm. Ooommmm. Imagine you’re on Kalamalka Beach with a crisp, cold beer in hand. Feel that breeze? Nope, it’s not the breeze from your children coming home and leaving the door wide open. Focus, we’re meditating here. That’s the gentle breeze off the water. And that sand under your feet? Not the macerated crumbs from this mornings knocked over Corn Flakes box, that’s the silky soft sand of one of the Okanagan’s most beautiful spots.
Feeling good? Do a few deep lunges while you sweep up that mess and we will let you call it Yoga.
Notes of Mandarin Orange and Okanagan Peach accompany this pale fruity IPA. Flavours of our local orchards such as nectarine and sour peach stand out with a slight bitterness in the finish.
INTRIGUE I DO SPARKLING WINE
Yea YOU DO love those sweet little spawn of yours! They’re pretty fantastic and never cease to amaze you… man, they’re learning so much… such good kids and practically little geniuses! We recommend celebrating your love for parenthood with this bubbly masterpiece because also, you’re probably staying up til midnight next Tuesday finishing their “About My Family” collage, vowing that this is the last time you do your kid’s work for them.
Made in Lake Country. This frizzante style wine offers aromas of grapefruit and raspberry while nectarine and ambrosia apple are present on the palate. The crisp acidity of Riesling elevates the berry character of Merlot and the tropical aromas of Gewurztraminer.
Buy Online or from any well stocked liquor store.
HESTER CREEK CAB MERLOT
The Cardboardeaux of your life! For real, if you’re in the market for a nice 3 liter, you won’t be disappointed. We find that this juicy grape nectar really helps to get grass stains out of brand-new jeans, hot-glue-gun Girl Guide/Boy Scout badges on sashes and write your kids’ names into every article of everything they’ve ever owned.
Made in Oliver. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot is combined before aging to ensure full integration of flavours. Rounded by full malolactic fermentation and aged to perfection, it is treated with an equal split of American and French oak.
Check out Hester Creek Online. Available at select liquor stores - we’ve found it at East Side in Vernon and Metro Liquor in Kelowna.