Okanagan Spirits Cocktails Review: 4 Canadian Cocktails to Try This Summer
Looking for a fun way to switch up your usual bourbon or whisky pour? We tried four Okanagan Spirits cocktails this summer, including The Flying Fortress Old Fashion, The Orchard Smash, the Paper Biplane and The Manhattan Project. These Canadian bottled cocktails were a refreshing change from our regular sips and a fun way to enjoy something different.
As bourbon and whisky lovers, we're usually pretty predictable when it comes to what ends up in our glasses.
Pour a bourbon.
Add some ice.
Maybe reach for an Old Fashion.
Repeat.
And honestly, we're perfectly happy with that.
But every once in a while, it's fun to switch things up.
That's exactly what we did when we got the opportunity to try several cocktails from Okanagan Spirits, a Canadian craft distillery based in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley.
Instead of sticking with our usual bourbon and whisky pours, we decided to explore some different styles of cocktails — and it turned out to be the perfect summer change of pace.
We tried:
The Flying Fortress Old Fashion
The Orchard Smash
The Paper Biplane Cocktail
The Trinity Sour
We also tried Okanagan Spirits Amaro Classico, which is used in the Paper Biplane and brings a completely different flavour profile to the experience.
Our personal order that day happened to be:
The Flying Fortress Old Fashion
The Orchard Smash
The Paper Biplane Cocktail
The Trinity Sour
But honestly?
They were all good.
Our preferences simply came down to what we were in the mood for that day.
So let's take a look at these Canadian craft cocktails and why they made such a fun addition to our summer sipping lineup.
👉 Use code WAYLON10 for $10 off staff favourites at Okanagan Spirits.
What Are Okanagan Spirits Cocktails?
Okanagan Spirits is a Canadian craft distillery located in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. The distillery produces a wide range of Canadian spirits, including whisky, bourbon-style whisky, gin, brandy, liqueurs, amaro and ready-to-drink cocktails.
Its cocktail lineup takes classic cocktail styles and turns them into convenient bottled drinks that can be served at home without having to build the cocktail yourself.
That's particularly appealing during the summer.
Sometimes you don't want to spend 10 minutes measuring ingredients, grabbing bottles and mixing drinks.
Sometimes you just want to:
Open → pour → add ice → enjoy.
And that's exactly the type of experience we were looking for.
👉 We've also spent some time tasting Okanagan Spirits' BRBN bourbon-style whisky, so if you're curious about the spirit behind some of these cocktails, check out our full review.
The Okanagan Spirits Cocktails We Tried
The cocktails we tried included:
The Flying Fortress
A bottled take on the classic Old Fashion — naturally one of the most familiar cocktail styles for bourbon and whiskey drinkers.
The Orchard Smash
A fun, refreshing cocktail that was a great change from our normal whiskey pours.
The Paper Biplane
A more adventurous cocktail featuring Okanagan Spirits Amaro Classico.
The Trinity Sour
Okanagan Spirits' take on the classic Manhattan, bringing together bourbon-style whisky and fruit-forward ingredients.
Each one offered something different, which was exactly what we wanted.
The Flying Fortress
A Bold Okanagan Spirits Whiskey Cocktail
The Flying Fortress is a spirit-forward cocktail made with Okanagan Spirits BRBN Whiskey, Amaro Classico and bitters. We also added a burnt orange garnish for extra citrus aroma and flavour.
Flying Fortress Cocktail Recipe
2 oz Okanagan Spirits BRBN Whiskey
1 oz Okanagan Spirits Amaro Classico
1 dash bitters
Burnt orange garnish
Combine the BRBN Whiskey, Amaro Classico and bitters with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a glass over fresh ice and garnish with a burnt orange.
Why We Enjoyed the Flying Fortress
We really enjoyed the Flying Fortress because it brings together whiskey and Amaro Classico for a cocktail that's bold, complex and full of character.
The Amaro Classico adds additional depth to the BRBN Whiskey, while our burnt orange garnish brought a nice citrus element to the drink.
It was a great way to enjoy Okanagan Spirits' whiskey in a cocktail rather than our usual neat or on-the-rocks pour.
Who Should Try the Flying Fortress?
The Flying Fortress is worth trying if you enjoy:
Whiskey cocktails
Bourbon-style cocktails
Amaro cocktails
Spirit-forward drinks
Old Fashioned-style cocktails
Canadian craft spirits
If you're a bourbon or whiskey drinker looking for a bold Canadian cocktail to switch up your usual pour, the Flying Fortress is a fun one to try.
The Orchard Smash
A Refreshing Okanagan Spirits Summer Cocktail
The Orchard Smash is a refreshing cocktail made with Okanagan Spirits Orchard Negroni, Sour Syrup, ginger beer or soda water, and fresh mint. It's a bright and easy-drinking option that was a fun change from our usual bourbon and whisky pours.
Orchard Smash Recipe
3 oz Okanagan Spirits Orchard Negroni
1 oz Calamansi Sour Syrup
Ginger beer or soda water
Fresh mint
Muddle fresh mint in a shaker, add ice and the Orchard Negroni and Calamansi Sour Syrup. Shake, strain into a glass, and top with ginger beer or soda water. Garnish with fresh mint.
Why We Enjoyed the Orchard Smash
We enjoyed the Orchard Smash because it was refreshing, bright and perfect for summer. The fresh mint and ginger beer or soda water give this cocktail a lighter feel, making it a great option when you want something different from a traditional whiskey pour.
For us, it was one of the highlights of trying these Okanagan Spirits cocktails because it was so different from our regular bourbon and whisky routine.
Who Should Try the Orchard Smash?
The Orchard Smash is worth trying if you enjoy:
Refreshing summer cocktails
Okanagan Spirits cocktails
Fruit-forward cocktails
Mint cocktails
Ginger beer cocktails
Canadian craft spirits
If you're looking for a refreshing Canadian cocktail to enjoy on a warm summer day, the Orchard Smash is definitely worth trying.
The Paper Biplane
A Bourbon-Based Twist on the Paper Plane
The Paper Biplane is Okanagan Spirits' bold, bourbon-based twist on the classic Paper Plane cocktail. It uses the Flying Fortress Old Fashioned as its base, combined with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white.
Paper Biplane Recipe
2 oz Okanagan Spirits Flying Fortress Old Fashioned
1 oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
½ egg white or cocktail foamer
Shake with ice and serve in a coupe glass.
The result is a bright, refreshing bourbon cocktail that's perfect for summer and a fun change from a traditional Old Fashion.
Why We Enjoyed the Paper Biplane
We enjoyed the Paper Biplane because it takes a familiar bourbon cocktail and gives it a fresh, citrus-forward twist. The lemon adds brightness, while the simple syrup and egg white create a smooth, balanced drink.
For bourbon lovers, it's a fun way to enjoy Flying Fortress Old Fashioned in a completely different style.
Who Should Try the Paper Biplane?
The Paper Biplane is worth trying if you enjoy:
Bourbon cocktails
Paper Plane cocktails
Old Fashions
Citrus-forward cocktails
Refreshing summer cocktails
Canadian craft spirits
If you're looking for an easy way to switch up your regular bourbon pour this summer, the Okanagan Spirits Paper Biplane is a fun cocktail to try.
The Trinity Sour
A Refreshing Twist Using The Manhattan Project
The Trinity Sour is a refreshing cocktail made with Okanagan Spirits' Manhattan Project, fresh lemon juice, ginger syrup and egg white. It's a bright, citrus-forward way to enjoy the Manhattan Project in a completely different style.
Trinity Sour Recipe
3 oz Okanagan Spirits Manhattan Project
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz ginger syrup
½ egg white
Okanagan Spirits Drunken Cherries
Orange peel twist
Add the Manhattan Project, fresh lemon juice, ginger syrup and egg white to an ice-filled shaker. Shake well, then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with Okanagan Spirits Drunken Cherries and an orange peel twist.
Why We Enjoyed the Trinity Sour
We enjoyed the Trinity Sour because it takes the Manhattan Project and transforms it into something completely different. The fresh lemon adds brightness, while the ginger syrup brings a warm, spicy sweetness to the cocktail.
The Drunken Cherries and orange peel twist also make it a fun, flavourful summer drink.
For us, it was another great example of how Okanagan Spirits cocktails can be enjoyed in different ways instead of simply pouring and serving them as-is.
Who Should Try the Trinity Sour?
The Trinity Sour is worth trying if you enjoy:
Whisky cocktails
Sour cocktails
Manhattan cocktails
Citrus-forward drinks
Ginger cocktails
Refreshing summer cocktails
Canadian craft spirits
If you're looking for a creative way to switch up a Manhattan cocktail or your regular whisky pour, the Trinity Sour is a fun one to try.
What Is Amaro Classico?
If you've never tried an amaro before, you're not alone.
Amaro is generally associated with bitter, herbal and bittersweet liqueurs, often enjoyed on their own or used as cocktail ingredients.
Okanagan Spirits puts a distinctly Canadian spin on the category.
Its Amaro Classico is made using Okanagan Spirits' grappa and a blend of botanicals, fruits and spices.
The result is a complex ingredient that can be used in several different cocktails.
And that's one of the things we enjoyed most about trying these cocktails together.
Every bottle brought something different to the table.
👉 If you're still learning the differences between bourbon, whiskey and other spirits, our guide to Bourbon vs Whiskey vs Scotch breaks down the basics.
Our Favourite Okanagan Spirits Cocktails That Day
We're intentionally not calling this a "best to worst" ranking.
All four cocktails were good, and we enjoyed trying each of them.
But if we had to put them in the order we personally preferred that day, we'd go:
The Flying Fortress
Our favourite of the four and the most natural fit for our bourbon-loving palates.
The Orchard Smash
A refreshing change of pace and a great summer cocktail.
The Paper Biplane Cocktail
Complex, interesting and a fun way to experience Amaro Classico.
The Trinity Sour
A great bottled Manhattan that simply landed fourth based on our mood that day.
Would we drink any of them again? Absolutely.
Why These Were Perfect Summer Cocktails
There's something about summer that makes you want to experiment with your drinks.
During the colder months, we're perfectly happy reaching for a bourbon and settling in.
But summer feels different.
You want something cold.
You want ice.
You want something refreshing.
And sometimes you want to sit outside with a cocktail that you didn't have to spend half an hour making.
That's where these Okanagan Spirits cocktails came in.
They gave us an excuse to step outside our normal bourbon routine and try something completely different.
And that's probably our biggest takeaway from this experience.
You don't have to stop loving bourbon to enjoy something else.
👉 And if you're a bourbon lover who usually reaches for an Old Fashion, switching things up with cocktails like these doesn't mean leaving your favourite style behind. If you're looking for inspiration for your next pour, check out our guide to The Best Bourbons for an Old Fashion.
Ready-to-Drink Cocktails vs Making Your Own
One of the biggest advantages of bottled cocktails is obviously convenience.
Take a Manhattan.
If you're making one yourself, you need:
Whisky
Vermouth
Bitters
Ice
Mixing equipment
A garnish
With a bottled cocktail, the process is dramatically simpler.
Pour it over ice and enjoy.
The same concept applies to the other cocktails.
That doesn't necessarily mean bottled cocktails are better than making one yourself.
If you're a cocktail enthusiast, making your own gives you control over:
Sweetness
Dilution
Strength
Ingredients
Garnish
But sometimes you don't want to play bartender.
Sometimes you want to spend your summer evening actually enjoying the evening.
That's where ready-to-drink cocktails make a lot of sense.
👉 If convenience and value are important when choosing a bottle, check out our list of 5 Bourbons That Overdeliver.
Are Okanagan Spirits Cocktails Actually Canadian?
Yes.
Okanagan Spirits is a Canadian craft distillery based in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, and its cocktail lineup incorporates spirits and ingredients connected to its BC production.
The Manhattan Project, for example, uses Okanagan Spirits' own BRBN bourbon-style whisky, while the Orchard Negroni uses Family Reserve Gin and BC fruit.
That makes these cocktails an interesting option for Canadians who want to explore Canadian craft spirits and Canadian bottled cocktails.
👉 If you're wondering what actually qualifies as bourbon in Canada, we've covered that question in our guide Canadian Bourbon Explained: Is There Bourbon Made in Canada?
Okanagan Spirits Cocktail Awards
There's also some impressive recognition behind these products.
At the 2023 Canadian Artisan Spirits Awards, the Okanagan Spirits cocktail lineup received multiple medals.
The Orchard Negroni
🥇 Gold - Best in Class
The Manhattan Project
🥈 Silver
The Flying Fortress
🥈 Silver
Amaro Classico
🥇 Gold - Best in Class
Those awards don't necessarily mean one cocktail is going to be everyone's favourite.
Taste is personal.
But they do show that these products have received recognition beyond simply being convenient ready-to-drink cocktails.
Why We Think Bourbon Drinkers Should Try Canadian Cocktails
If you spend most of your time drinking bourbon, it can be easy to get stuck in a routine.
And we're guilty of it too.
There's always another bourbon to review.
Another bottle to compare.
Another pour to taste.
But trying something different can actually make you appreciate your regular drinks even more.
The Flying Fortress gave us a cocktail that felt familiar.
The Orchard Smash took us somewhere completely different.
The Paper Biplane introduced us to a Canadian amaro.
And The Trinity Sour brought us back toward whisky.
That's a pretty fun lineup for a summer tasting.
👉 And if you're ready to explore Canadian alternatives to traditional Kentucky bourbon, start with our guide to the Best Canadian Bourbon-Style Whiskies.
Okanagan Spirits Cocktails: Which One Should You Try?
Rather than saying one is objectively better than another, we'd choose based on the type of drink you enjoy.
Love bourbon and Old Fashioneds?
Try The Flying Fortress.
Want something refreshing and summery?
Try The Orchard Smash.
Want something more adventurous?
Try the Paper Biplane.
Love whisky cocktails and Manhattans?
Try The Trinity Sour.
And if you're feeling adventurous?
Try all four.
That's honestly what we'd recommend.
👉 If you're enjoying the idea of finding great drinks without spending a fortune, you can also check out our guide to the Best Bourbons in Canada Under $100.
Final Thoughts: A Fun Change From Our Regular Sips
At the end of the day, this wasn't about finding the single "best" Okanagan Spirits cocktail.
It was about trying something different.
As bourbon and whisky fans, we spend a lot of time tasting straight spirits.
And we love that.
But the Okanagan Spirits cocktail lineup reminded us that sometimes the best drink is simply the one that gives you a break from your normal routine.
The Flying Fortress, Orchard Smash, Paper Biplane Cocktail and Manhattan Project were all enjoyable in their own ways.
Our personal order that day was:
Flying Fortress → Orchard Smash → Paper Biplane → The Trinity Sour
But tomorrow, that order could be completely different.
That's the fun of cocktails.
And honestly, these were the perfect summer drinks to help us change things up from our regular bourbon and whisky sips.
If you're a bourbon drinker who wants to experiment without completely leaving the world of spirits behind, we'd definitely recommend giving Canadian craft cocktails a try.
You might just find your next favourite summer pour.
🚨 New to Bourbon or Looking for Your Next Bottle?
Explore our complete Best Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide) — a dedicated resource featuring the top bourbons Canadians can actually find, buy, and enjoy.
🥃 Recommended Bottles to Try
Based on this guide, here are some great Bourbon options currently available in Canada:
Maverick Barn Burner Prohibition Bourbon - One of the closest Canadian options to American bourbon, distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky using a traditional bourbon-style mash bill and bottled in Ontario
Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Whisky - Malt-forward notes give it a personality of its own
Okanagan Spirits BLK BRBN Cask Strength – A richer, higher-proof version with deeper caramel, oak, and spice
🔗 Keep Exploring Bourbon
If you enjoyed this guide, check out more of our top posts:
Best Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide): Top Bottles You Can Actually Find – Discover top bottles like Blanton’s, Weller, and Buffalo Trace—plus where to buy bourbon online in Ontario right now
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Bourbon Accessories in Canada (Amazon Finds) - Discover top whiskey glasses, smoker kits, ice molds, and more—plus Amazon Canada buying links.
Where to Buy Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide for Ontario Bourbon Lovers) - If you're trying to figure out where to buy bourbon in Canada right now, this guide will help.
❓ Bourbon & Whiskey FAQs
What are Okanagan Spirits cocktails?
Okanagan Spirits cocktails are Canadian craft cocktails made by Okanagan Spirits in British Columbia, including the Flying Fortress, Orchard Smash, Paper Biplane and Trinity Sour.
Are Okanagan Spirits cocktails good for summer?
Yes. We found them to be a refreshing and fun way to switch up our regular bourbon and whisky routine during the summer.
Are Okanagan Spirits cocktails ready to drink?
Yes. Okanagan Spirits' Ready to Indulge cocktails are designed to be poured and enjoyed without mixers or fuss.
Can bourbon lovers enjoy Okanagan Spirits cocktails?
Absolutely. Several of these cocktails use Okanagan Spirits BRBN Whiskey or Flying Fortress Old Fashioned, making them a natural choice for bourbon and whiskey drinkers looking to try something different.
What makes Okanagan Spirits cocktails different?
Okanagan Spirits combines its Farm-to-Flask spirits and cocktail expertise to create ready-to-enjoy drinks inspired by classic cocktails while adding its own Canadian twist.
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