Get Crafty this Week
After a morning spent outside exploring the local hiking trails, birdwatching, or waterfalls, there’s nothing better than heading for an afternoon out in the sun. Add in a delicious pint of your favourite local micro-brew or fruity spritzer and you have the perfect bevvy to celebrate the warm summer days.
We’ve compiled a list of the best brews to enjoy patio season with. From fruity sparkling spirits to mojito IPA’s, there’s a brew for everyone. And the best part? All of these brews are offered by local microbreweries and offer online shopping and delivery options, meaning you can support local businesses AND enjoy quality beer and/or wine, all from the comfort of your own deck!
Read on to learn more about 5 local breweries and wineries in Muskoka.
Clear Lake Brewing Co.
Looking to try something new? Check out Clear Lake Brewing Co., Muskoka’s newest brewery, and relax in the sun with one of their fresh, naturally-crafted pints. Located in the scenic Torrance area, just off of Southwood Road, Clear Lake Brewing Co. is a must-stop detour after a day spent exploring the Torrance Barrens.
Try their Clear Lake Cranberry Radler, a thirst-quenching combination blend of beer and locally-sourced cranberry juice, with hints of blood orange.
Pick up your brews from the Clear Lake Brewing bottle shop, open 9 am-9 pm. Call the brewery at 705-571-1814 for more information.
Sawdust City Brewing Company
397 Muskoka Rd. North, Gravenhurst
Named for Gravenhurst’s historical legacy as a lumber-mill town, Sawdust City Brewing Company produces exceptional craft beers. And while they may be named after one of Gravenhurst’s traditional industries, there’s nothing traditional about their innovative brews and quality of flavours.
The sunny summer days mean it’s time for refreshing brews, and fortunately, Sawdust City Brewing offers a number of delicious iPAs, Lagers and Ales that will be sure to quench those crafty taste buds. For the perfect patio pint, try Patio Nights Sangria Hibiscus Pale Ale – spicy and juicy, this summer drink is perfect for late nights on the patio with friends.
Shop the online Sawdust City Brewing store. Shipping via courier is available Ontario-wide. Or, call the brewery at 705-681-1100 to place an order for curbside pick-up at their Gravenhurst storefront.
Lake of Bays Brewing Co.
Nestled in Baysville just a stone’s throw from the South Muskoka River, the Lake of Bays Brewing Company has been producing state-of-the-art craft beer brews for over 10 years. Their beers are proudly brewed using only the most natural ingredients and are characterized by balanced flavours and outstanding quality.
Want to try a celebration of flavours? Try their Northern Glow, a sparkling IPA that has a distinct effervescent character and a dry finish with hints of dried orange and grapefruit peel.
Ever wished that you could enjoy the mouthwatering flavours of a microbrew – without the alcohol? If so, Lake of Bay’s Near Zero classical pale ale is a must-try. This non-alcoholic ale is both light and refreshing, and boasts mild lemon and grapefruit flavours.
Purchase these brews online from the Lake of Bays online storefront. Choose from free shipping to any Ontario address (on orders over $50), or pick-up these brews at their Baysville location.
Muskoka Brewery
1964 Muskoka Beach Rd, Bracebridge
Venture off the beaten path to Muskoka Beach Road and pick up some handcrafted, premium micro-brews from Muskoka Brewery. The team at Muskoka Brewery prides itself on creating unique, refreshing brews, and its sustainable, authentic practices.
For a drink that was made for these sunny days on the patio, check out their selection of refreshing sparkling waters. The four unique flavour combos include Cranberry & Blood Orange, Lemon & Field Berry, Grapefruit & Ginger, and Coconut & Lime. These vodka beverages have subtle flavouring and are wildly refreshing.
Another refreshing patio pick is Muskoka Brewery’s Squeeze the Day, the ultimate brunch beer. This Ale comes from their Moonlight Kettle series, offering bright notes of grapefruit and a taste of spring.
Order online from Muskoka Brewery and then pick up your brews curbside at their Bracebridge location. Free shipping is also available to Ontario addresses, on orders over $100.
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery
1074 Cranberry Road, Bala
Don’t worry wine lovers and Muskoka chair sommeliers, we haven’t forgotten about you! While the Muskoka Lakes Farm is well-known for its fall cranberry harvest and winter ice trail, it also boasts a top-notch winery. Their craft wines are made in small batches by hand using the cranberries and blueberries grown on the farm.
Sit on the deck with a glass of Cranberry Blueberry Wine. This wine balances the lively tartness of cranberries with the delicate sweetness of blueberries. Prefer something spritzy? The Cranberry Splash Wine Spritzer is a delectable blend of carbonated water and cranberry wine that is refreshingly crisp.
Order from the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery online store and have your chosen items shipped directly to your front door. Or, order online and then pick-up your items curbside at the farm in Bala.
COVID-19 Modifications
The Muskoka region, including the restaurants and local businesses discussed above, have taken several precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing procedures must be followed. Masks are required for entry into all buildings and when social distancing is not possible. Frequent hand-washing is encouraged and everyone must self-isolate if experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. For more information regarding COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 Updates page.
Stay and Play
Make the most of your Muskoka experience and check out our top recommendations for places to stay and perfect getaway packages.
