Cheers to Home: Holiday Drinks Inspired by Mooney’s Bay

There’s something magical about gathering with friends and family during the winter months.

The crisp air outside, the soft glow of lights inside, and the warmth of good company all around. A perfectly crafted drink can make any moment feel festive, whether it’s a holiday toast, a casual evening by the fire, or a quiet night in. Inspired by the charm of riverside living at Mooney’s Bay, we’ve curated five simple yet stylish drinks, including two alcohol-free options, that bring warmth, flavour, and a touch of elegance to every winter gathering.

Mooney’s Bay Sunset Spritz

Light, bubbly, and effortlessly refreshing, perfect for a pre-dinner toast or easygoing get-together.

• 2 oz Aperol

• 3 oz Prosecco

• 1 oz sparkling water

• Orange slice

• Ice

Directions: Fill a stemmed glass with ice. Add Aperol, then top with Prosecco and sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice for a pop of colour.

Dockside Garden Gin Smash

Fresh, herbaceous, and perfectly balanced — ideal cocktail for a slow and relaxing evening at home.  

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• ¾ oz simple syrup

• 4–5 fresh basil leaves

• Ice

Directions: In a shaker, muddle basil with lemon juice and simple syrup. Add gin and ice, shake well, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a basil leaf.

Riverside Maple Old Fashioned

Smooth and sophisticated, finished with a subtle Canadian twist — perfect for a cozy nightcap.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye

• ½ oz pure maple syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange peel

• Ice

Directions: Add bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express an orange peel over the glass and drop it in.

Waterview Peach Fizz

Light and refreshing with a hint of sweetness — an easy, alcohol-free option for any gathering.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup peach nectar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Sparkling water

• Sliced peach or lemon

• Ice

Directions: Add peach nectar and lemon juice to a tall glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with a peach slice or lemon wheel.

Wake Cranberry Cooler

Bright, fruity, and lightly sweet— this sweet alcohol-free option is perfect for daytime hosting or family-friendly gatherings.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup cranberry juice

• ¼ cup mixed berry purée (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

• ½ oz lime juice

• ½ oz honey or simple syrup

• Sparkling water

• Ice

Directions: Combine cranberry juice, berry purée, honey, and lime juice in a glass. Fill with ice, top with sparkling water, and stir until chilled. Garnish with fresh cranberries or berries.

This holiday season is all about the moments you share with loved ones. Whether you’re raising a toast at a festive gathering, enjoying a quiet night by the fire, or hosting an intimate celebration, these curated Docks-inspired drinks bring warmth, flavour, and a touch of winter magic to every occasion. From all of us at The Docks, happy holidays — here’s to home, togetherness, and memories that last a lifetime.

Ready to chat about life in Mooney's Bay? 

Email: jon@thedocksmb.ca

Call: 613-612-4273