Call us Old Fashioned, but we’re pretty big fans of supporting local, even down to the liquor in our cocktails… Right now we’re seeing such a big movement to Buy BC thanks to our southern neighbours, and luckily, when it comes to a selection of craft, small batch distilleries, we’re spoiled for choice because the Okanagan loves its liqueur as much as its wine!

So hop into your Sidecar like you’re on your way to a Manhattan soiree like the Cosmopolitan queen you are, and stop by the following Okanagan businesses. Time to sip on your Martini with a selection of locally distilled vodka or gin, or just go full out with those French 75 vibes. 

Whatever you’re drinking, let’s raise a glass to the local distilleries all across our valley!

Vernon: Okanagan Spirits Craft Distiller

One of Western Canada’s original craft distilleries, Okanagan Spirits dates all the way back to 2004 with its grand opening. They specialize is 100% locally grown fruits and grains to make their premium spirits, making them a tried-and-true representation of our valley’s excellence with the saying, “Farm to flask.” You can shop their wide collection of whiskies, vodkas, gins, brandies, fruit liqueurs, and even Canada’s first genuine absinthe!

When visiting Vernon, don’t forget to book a unique distillery experience and tour the art of craft distilling. You can also unleash your own creative mixology with their list of delicious cocktail recipes on their website! Either way, you’ll soon learn it’s no surprise they’ve won a great many awards for both their distillery and their spirits.

Kelowna: Urban Distilleries

For over a decade, Urban Distilleries has been crafting some extraordinary small batch spirits in downtown Kelowna. Their name is a soft nod to the idea of distilling in an urban landscape, offering a spot for enthusiasts and community to gather and share their love of good food and good spirits!

Their location houses its distillery operations, perfect for a tour, as well as a retail store and relaxed setting to sample their spirits with house made artisan dishes. You can order a traditional spirit tasting flight with mix supplied, or sip on some handcrafted cocktails expertly made by their bartender. This spring, we highly suggest a relaxed evening sipping on some single malt, or dare we say… dill pickle vodka?!

Summerland: Controlled Entropy Distilling

Oh hey Okanagan, Controlled Entropy is calling and they’re daring you to level up your spirits game! Made with 100% BC grown grain, this is the perfect stop for those who want to support local. All fermentations take place on site in traditional methods, with no additives, preservatives, or artificial flavours, and are done in small batches to produce less than 100,000 litres per year—making each bottle something special.

Born from the desire to create unique and approachable craft spirits that transform every glass, they are a truly artisan distillery in Summerland. Only in operation since 2022, they’re new to the area but already making a big impact. Be sure to check out their website for the perfect recipes to try out this spring!

Penticton: Wildflower Distilling Co.

New to the area, Wildflower Distilling Co. opened its doors in 2024 and have fast turned into a local fan-favourite! Located in a beautifully idyllic building close to downtown, this South Okanagan distillery is serving up premium cocktails at their lounge, perfect for sampling their craft spirits. 

Next time you’re in the area, stop in for a taste of their handcrafted vodka, gin, and other delectable liqueurs—just check out their Instagram for an example of some of their drool-worthy drinks! And if you end up leaving with a bottle or five, don’t blame us…

Oliver: Dubh Glas Distillery

In the heart of wine country, you can find some extraordinary award-winning whisky, gin, and spirits all thanks to Budh Glas. Pronounced dugh-luhs, this Gaelic word means “from the dark water” and reflects the source they use to make their feature spirits: a well linked to ‘dark’ water fed by an underground aquifer.

What in the Outlander?!?! 

Apparently that source is from the ‘dark depths’ filtered throughout the entire Okanagan Valley, meaning it’s free of pollutants and surface contamination. The result? High quality, crafted spirits. You can learn more at your next visit! Just don’t touch an old stone and get transported to the Scottish Highlands… Or do!

Osoyoos: Tumbleweed Spirits Craft Distillery

Boldly sourced, distilled, and bottled in Osoyoos, Tumbleweed Spirits has an impressive collection of whisky, rye, vodka, gin, and even moonshine. Their lounge and bar is the perfect place to stop by and try their signature cocktails like a Tumbleweed Caesar or Night Owl Espresso Martini. 

Book a tour with them and you’ll even get to sample straight from a barrel…  as well as taste four of their unique spirits! They’ll even instruct you on proper tasting techniques so you get the most out of your experience.

So what’ll it be tonight: a classic Negroni or maybe a cheeky Whisky Sour? Whatever you’re in the mood for, these local Okanagan distilleries not only have the key spirits but also a delicious selection of cocktails for you to sip and savour with family and friends on your next Friday evening out. 

Cheers to locally sourced, Okanagan spirits! 

XX,

Your Okanagan Curators