January 17, 2026

True North Strong

True North Strong, created by Randy Walker (Abbotsford, BC), is a bold Canadian whisky cocktail that doesn’t mess around. Built on Rupert’s Whisky, it leans into deep, dark flavours with a profile that feels rugged, herbal, and unmistakably northern.
Crème de cassis adds rich blackcurrant sweetness and a jammy fruit depth, while Fernet-Branca brings a sharp, mentholated bitterness that keeps everything structured and complex. A measured hit of maple syrup ties the whole drink together, adding warmth and a distinctly Canadian sweetness without tipping it into dessert territory.
Finished with a spruce sprig, True North Strong is earthy, intense, and unapologetically flavour-forward.

Recipe: Randy Walker (Abbotsford, BC)
Photo: Reece Sims

Cocktail Flavor Camps

The inspiration behind this cocktail as explained by creator Randy Walker, “I wanted to highlight not just the Canadian whisky, but the spirit of Canada. Growing up in Saskatchewan I was inspired by the late summer Saskatoon berries and I felt the Creme de Cassis brought out similar rich flavours. The evergreen notes of Fernet-Branca and the smoking bring out the aromas of camping in the northern boreal forest. And a touch of maple syrup just makes everything better, eh?“
True North Strong
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True North Strong

Recipe by Randy Walker (Abbotsford, BC)Difficulty: Easy

Flavor Camps: Fruity, Herbal, Rich

Ingredients

  • 2.0 oz Rupert's Exceptional Canadian Whisky

  • 0.5 oz Creme de Cassis

  • 0.5 oz Fernet-Branca

  • ⅓ oz Maple Syrup

  • Garnish: Spruce Sprig

Directions

  • Add all ingredients into a mixing glass and stir with ice.
  • Strain into a coupe.
  • Use a cocktail smoker with applewood chips to smoke the cocktail.
  • Garnish.

Notes

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