Baby, It’s Cold Outside—But Are We Still Drinking? 🥂

Carmen Ulled
Dec 19, 2025
2 min read

If you’ve walked through downtown Toronto lately, you know the vibe: heavy coats, and bright lights. But what’s actually happening around the holiday celebrations? What is Toronto drinking this time of the year?

Here is the breakdown of how Canada is sipping this winter.

📊 The Stats: Are We Actually Drinking More?

You might be surprised to learn that we aren't all professional mixologists. In fact, a recent StatsCan report shows that over half of Canadian adults (54.5%) didn't have a single drink in the week before they were surveyed.

However, don't let the quiet weeks fool you. About 77% of us still enjoy a drink at least once a year—and when the holidays hit, the "occasional" drinkers come out to play. About 38% of Canadians admit they’ll be saying "cheers" a lot more often during the festive season than they do the rest of the year.

🔄 The Great Seasonal Swap

When the temperature drops, our taste buds change. According to data from CGA by NIQ, 56% of us change our drink orders based on the season.

The Category Jumpers (30%): These folks switch it up entirely—swapping their summer beer for a winter red or a stiff spirit.
The Refiners (26%): They stay in their lane but change the style (like moving from a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to a buttery Chardonnay).

While whiskey and rum usually take the crown in the winter (nothing beats that "warming" feeling!), there is a surprising twist this year.

🍊 The Winter Citrus Comeback

You might think citrus is just for poolside Margaritas, but "bright and zesty" is making a winter comeback. Because the holidays are packed with parties and social gatherings, we aren't just sipping heavy scotch by a fireplace. We want festive, shareable, and 'Instagrammable' drinks.

Why citrus is still "in" during a blizzard:

The Contrast: A bright, acidic citrus cocktail cuts right through heavy holiday comfort foods.
The "Festive" Factor: Think spiced orange garnishes, blood orange mimosas, or mulled drinks with a lemon twist.
Experimentation: Since we're drinking "more than usual," we're also more likely to try that creative, neon-coloured cocktail on the menu.

🎄 Here is C3X to stay

Winter doesn't kill the cocktail—it just gives it a wardrobe change. We might be trading the patio for a cozy booth, but Toronto's love for a well-made drink is still very much alive.

Whether you’re mixing cocktails or serving up sophisticated non-alc creations, C3X has done the hard work for you. We’ve built a library of fresh, bold recipes so you can focus on the celebration, not the prep.

Elevate your holiday menu and join the 'Citrics Revolution'. It’s time to show your guests (and your tastebuds) what real flavor looks like.