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True North Strong

January 17, 2026

Cocktails Modern Whisky
2 min reading time
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

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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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