Canadian food DYK: Canadian ice cider unique to Québec's Eastern Townships

Ice wine isn't Canada's only celebrated "ice" beverage

Image for Canadian food DYK: Canadian ice cider unique to Québec's Eastern Townships

Ice cider, also known as cidre de glace, was originally created in Québec and is the cider equivalent to ice wine. Christian Barthomeuf first made ice cider in the winter of 1990, thus marking the first vintage of the drink made from fermented apple juice.

The beverage can be still or sparkling, and is protected by a strict designation that states it can be made only from late harvest apples grown in Québec, producers can use only natural cold to ferment the flavours, and all products must be processed and bottled within Québec. Visitors can taste Barthomeuf’s ice ciders and learn about the process at Clos Saragnat in the Eastern Townships region.