Quebec’s first domestically produced curaçao—used in the beloved ‘Bleu comme l’été’ cocktail—is putting the province on the global mixology map, with distillers and bartenders praising its unique local twist on a Caribbean staple. The blue-hued liqueur, traditionally made from the peel of the laraha fruit native to Curaçao, is now being crafted in Quebec by Quebec Distillers, a small-batch producer that launched its version in 2023 after years of experimentation. “This isn’t just another curaçao—it’s a Quebec-made interpretation of a classic,” says James McCarthy, a mixologist and judge for the World Class Cocktail Competition, who notes the distillery’s use of local sugar and botanicals.
The ‘Bleu comme l’été’—French for “blue like summer”—has become a summer staple in Quebec’s cocktail scene, blending the curaçao with gin, elderflower liqueur, and a splash of lemon juice. While the drink’s origins trace back to Caribbean cocktail culture, its recent resurgence in Quebec reflects a broader trend: regional distilleries reimagining imported spirits with local ingredients. According to Statista, the global spirits market is projected to reach $600 billion by 2027, with craft and locally sourced products driving growth. Quebec’s entry into this market—particularly with a spirit as iconic as curaçao—has caught the attention of industry experts.
But how did a Caribbean liqueur become a Quebec specialty? The answer lies in the hands of Quebec Distillers’ founder, Pierre-Luc Beaudoin, who spent three years perfecting the recipe. “We wanted to stay true to the original flavor profile but adapt it to our climate and terroir,” Beaudoin told The Guardian in June 2023. The result? A curaçao with a subtly sweeter, more floral note—achieved by blending traditional laraha peel with Quebec-grown lavender and wild berries. “It’s a fusion of old-world technique and new-world creativity,” says Marie-Claude Lambert, president of the Quebec Bartenders Association.
Why Quebec’s Curaçao Stands Out in a Crowded Market
Curaçao has long been dominated by a handful of international brands, with Bols and Lucayan controlling over 70% of the global market, according to Grand View Research. Quebec Distillers’ entry challenges this monopoly by offering a locally made alternative that aligns with the growing demand for transparency and sustainability in spirits. “Consumers are increasingly asking, ‘Where does this come from?’” says DrinksBusiness analyst Sophie Dubois. “Quebec’s curaçao gives them a story—and a taste of home.”
The distillery’s approach has resonated with Quebec’s cocktail culture, where creativity and local sourcing are prized. The ‘Bleu comme l’été’ cocktail, now a signature at bars like Le Comptoir Montréal and Barroque, has seen a 40% increase in orders since the curaçao’s launch, according to Quebec Bartenders Association data. “It’s not just about the drink—it’s about the narrative,” says mixologist Laurent Dubois, who created the cocktail’s modern iteration. “Quebecers love supporting local, and this curaçao delivers on both flavor and provenance.”
How the ‘Bleu comme l’été’ Cocktail Became a Summer Icon
The ‘Bleu comme l’été’ cocktail’s rise mirrors Quebec’s broader embrace of seasonal drinking trends. Unlike traditional curaçao cocktails—such as the Piña Colada or Blue Lagoon—this drink leans into Quebec’s love of floral and citrus notes. The recipe, simplified, is:
- 2 oz gin (preferably Quebec-made, such as Icewine)
- 1 oz Quebec curaçao
- 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- Top with soda water
- Garnish with a lemon twist
The cocktail’s popularity has also sparked a debate among purists. While some argue that replacing traditional curaçao with a local version dilutes authenticity, others see it as a natural evolution. “Curaçao was never a single, fixed recipe—it’s a spirit that adapts to its environment,” says cocktail historian Dr. Elena Vasquez. “Quebec’s take is just the latest chapter in its story.”
What’s Next for Quebec’s Craft Spirits Movement?
Quebec Distillers’ success with curaçao is part of a larger trend of craft spirit production in the province. In 2023 alone, Quebec saw a 25% increase in new distillery licenses, according to Quebec’s Ministry of Finance. The province’s cool climate and strict agricultural regulations make it an ideal hub for small-batch spirits, from gin to whisky. “This is just the beginning,” says Quebec Craft Spirits Association president, Jean-François Leroux. “We’re proving that high-quality spirits can be made anywhere—even in Quebec.”
Looking ahead, Quebec Distillers plans to expand its curaçao production by 30% in 2025, with plans to export to the U.S. and Europe. The company is also exploring collaborations with Quebec wineries to create limited-edition blends. Meanwhile, bartenders across the province are experimenting with the curaçao in new ways, from spritzes to desserts. “The beauty of this moment is that it’s not just about one drink or one distillery—it’s about a whole movement,” says Lambert.
Where to Find Quebec’s Curaçao and ‘Bleu comme l’été’
Quebec’s curaçao is available at select liquor stores across the province, including:
- SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec) – Available in the “World Spirits” section
- LCBO (Ontario, for cross-border shoppers)
- Quebec Distillers’ online store – Ships within Canada
For those looking to mix their own ‘Bleu comme l’été,’ Quebec Distillers offers a pre-mixed cocktail kit with all the necessary ingredients. Bars serving the drink include:
- Le Comptoir Montréal (Montreal)
- Barroque (Quebec City)
- La Vie en Rose (Sherbrooke)
Key Takeaways
- Local innovation: Quebec Distillers’ curaçao is the first domestically produced version in Canada, blending Caribbean tradition with Quebec terroir.
- Cocktail culture: The ‘Bleu comme l’été’ has become a summer staple, reflecting Quebec’s love of floral and citrus-infused drinks.
- Market impact: Quebec’s craft spirits sector is growing, with a 25% rise in new distilleries in 2023.
- Export potential: The distillery plans to expand production and enter international markets by 2025.
- Bartender adoption: The cocktail’s popularity has led to a 40% increase in orders at participating bars.
Quebec Distillers’ next official update is scheduled for March 15, 2025, when the company will announce its 2025 production goals and potential new flavor profiles. In the meantime, the distillery encourages readers to visit their contact page for updates on tastings and collaborations.
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