Spring has officially sprung, bringing with it a refreshing wave of vibrant drinks that perfectly complement the longer days and sunnier skies. Whether you’re sipping on a floral cocktail at brunch, cracking open a crisp canned spritz in the park, or exploring bright, zesty wines that pair perfectly with seasonal fare, this is the time to shake off the winter blues and raise a glass to new beginnings. Here’s what we’re loving in our glasses this spring.

Highland Park Scotch Whisky

Highland Park is a renowned single malt distillery located in Orkney, Scotland, with a history dating back to 1798. Founded by Magnus Eunson, a butcher and church officer by day and an illicit distiller by night, Highland Park is one of the oldest legally operating distilleries in Scotland. Its remote location on the windswept Orkney Islands lends a distinct character to its whiskies, shaped by the harsh climate and unique terroir.

What sets Highland Park apart is its commitment to traditional methods, such as floor malting a portion of its barley and using local peat cut from Hobbister Moor, which imparts a lightly smoky, aromatic character. The distillery also emphasizes long maturation in sherry-seasoned oak casks, which contributes to its signature balance of sweet, smoky, and complex flavors. Their core range includes expressions like the 12-Year-Old Viking Honour, 18-Year-Old Viking Pride, and more limited, higher-aged bottlings, each reflecting the brand’s deep roots in Norse heritage and craftsmanship. Browse their selections here.

Kiona Vineyards

Kiona Vineyards and Winery, established in 1975, was among the first vineyards planted in the renowned Red Mountain AVA and played a pivotal role in putting the wine region on the map as a top-tier wine-growing area. Kiona is family owned and specializes in a wide range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, and unique offerings like Chenin Blanc Ice Wine and Lemberger, which have become two of their signature wines. Kiona is known for their exceptional estate-grown wines, emphasizing balance, complexity, and the distinct characteristics of the Red Mountain terroir. They’re celebrating their 50th anniversary this year with a special release Cabernet Sauvignon blended from their estate vineyards on Red Mountain. Shop their wines here.

A Rosé with Impact: VITAL x Valdemar Estates 2024 Rosé

VITAL Wines, a non-profit winery dedicated to improving equity in healthcare access for vineyard workers and their families, proudly announces the release of VITAL x Valdemar Estates 2024 Rosé, crafted by Valdemar Estates Winemaker Devyani Gupta. This marks the third year of collaboration between VITAL and Valdemar Estates through VITAL’s Guest Winemaker Program, which launched in 2022.

At the heart of VITAL Wines lies a mission to support the vineyard workers who make every bottle of wine possible. Founded in 2016 by Ashley Trout, VITAL is dedicated to improving healthcare access for vineyard and winery workers through education, advocacy, and direct services. Through community-driven initiatives, VITAL ensures that these essential workers receive the healthcare and support they need, bringing the cycle of care full circle within the wine industry. Net profits from the Vital x Valdemar Estates 2024 Rosé directly fund this mission. Shop here.

Elysian’s Phaze Dust Hazy IPA 

Seattle’s beloved Elysian Brewing has expanded its renowned Space Dust IPA series with the launch of Phaze Dust, an 8.2% ABV Hazy Imperial IPA brewed with Luminosa hops, a rare hop variety from Oregon. This latest offering delivers the series’ signature citrus notes, enhanced by a soft bitterness and a pillowy mouthfeel, featuring sweet hints of candied peach, mango, and tangerine. It’s honestly hard to believe it’s 8.2%! Guests can enjoy Phaze Dust exclusively on tap at Elysian’s Capitol Hill Brewpub and Elysian Fields near the stadiums.

Liquid Light Brut and Brut Rosé

Launched in 2019 by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the rapidly growing Liquid Light wine brand has recently introduced a Brut and Brut Rosé to its popular line-up of flavourful, crisp and refreshing wines that are naturally lower in calories. With no added sugar and only 95 calories per 5oz glass, Liquid Light wines are crafted to fit into mindful lifestyles without compromising taste or enjoyment. The portfolio also includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosé, and Pinot Grigio. All Liquid Light wines are available nationally and can be found at liquidlightwine.com.

Marble Wines

Marble Wines is a female-founded wine label that is intentional about partnering with artists and winemakers who are aligned with the desire to bring beauty and belonging to the world of wine. Connection and community are at the heart of the brand. Marble Wines was born not only from a love of wine, but from a desire to foster a sense of belonging across cultures and communities. They have one wine currently, the Marble Red, which is a California red blend steeped in dark berry tones, accented with notes of fresh plum and raspberry compote. Shop Marble Wines and stay up to date on their future projects here.

Sheringham Distillery’s Seaside Gin

Sheringham Distillery, located on Vancouver Island, is celebrated for crafting world-class spirits that embody the essence of the Pacific Northwest. With a focus on quality ingredients and a chef’s approach to distillation, Sheringham creates products that are approachable, unique, and sustainable. Our favorite is Sheringham’s Seaside Gin, which is their flagship spirit that is inspired by the Vancouver Island coast. It’s made from botanicals such as juniper, rose, lavender, citrus, coriander, cardamom, and local, sustainably harvested winged kelp, which gives it a subtle taste of the ocean. The Seaside Gin has earned international recognition, solidifying its place among the top premium spirits globally. Shop all Sheringham spirits here.