Introducing the country’s first-ever coffee cocktail in a can
Many of us have spent the better part of the past two years becoming at-home cocktail connoisseurs, and rightfully so.
But it was 2021, especially, where we saw the revival of the beloved espresso martini — inevitably reverting us all back to the same overarching coffee cocktail fanaticism that claimed the ’90s.
So it’s with impeccable timing that Canada’s very own, ready-made, craft coffee cocktail has hit the market. Shaft is a uniquely-Canadian heritage cocktail made up of locally twice distilled vodka, coffee liqueur, and rich Brazilian espresso. Is your mouth watering yet?
The West Coast classic’s popularity seems rooted in its sophisticated, classed-up nature and versatility. It’s a drink that’s equally as fitting to brunch as it is to the end of the night.
Shaft cocktails historically contain milk or heavy cream, adding more density and volume to the drink than the martini style. However, this elevated take on the classic concoction is entirely dairy and gluten-free — without any loss of time-honoured flavour. Shaft uses no artificial flavours and has nothing to hide when it comes to ingredients.
Gabe Gatchalian, one of the founders and CEO of Shaft says that the debate over the drink’s origins didn’t change their vision for the beverage. “Bry and I have definitely had our fair share of shafts, but at the end of the day, prefer espresso martinis because they don’t have dairy,” he tells Daily Hive.
“Going dairy-free was number one for us, and even though it differed slightly from the traditional shaft, we wanted everybody to be able to try our drink — while also being mindful of the growing environment behind going dairy-free,” says Gatchalian.
Shaft has put all the sophisticated goodness of this era’s favourite libation into a sleek and convenient can. Did we mention the gluten-free vodka and naturally made coffee liqueur? The cocktail’s espresso is rich, real, and ethically sourced from Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil, and it’s dairy-free!
The product itself is named after the historic drink — the origins of which are widely debated by proud Canadians. Both British Columbians and Albertans fight to stake their claim as the cocktail’s birthplace.
Of the company’s four founders, the two from Alberta and two from Vancouver still argue over the drink’s conception. The main thing they agree upon, however, was that this is a dang good drink that needed to be on the shelves and not just reserved for restaurants and bars.
And Shaft has been busy accomplishing just that. The drink is currently available in 160 liquor stores across BC, and the new company has been actively participating in collaborations with brands like Porsche, Superbored Clothing, and Yard Athletics.
Maybe the most exciting thing Shaft has happening for coffee lovers, though, is their contest to win a free Nespresso machine.
By following Shaft on Instagram and tagging two friends in the indicated post, participants will be entered to win the Nespresso Essenza Mini. Extra contest entries can be earned by posting a story and following Shaft on Twitter.
To learn more about Shaft and enter their giveaway, follow @shaftbeverages on Instagram. For more information, visit their coffee-clad website here.
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