On a recent visit to Spirit in Niagara Distillery (or SiN, as the locals call it), we found ourselves completely enchanted. Nestled among fruit trees with a breezy patio and a bold cocktail menu, SiN is equal parts farm-to-glass distillery, artisan kitchen, and laid-back hangout.

It’s a place that’s redefining what Niagara is known for. Think local spirits made from stone fruit, a 30-deep cocktail list worthy of a luxury hotel bar, and a copper still on-site producing everything from eau-de-vie to bourbon and absinthe.

The Vision Behind the Spirits

At the heart of it all is Arnie Lepp, a longtime tender fruit farmer who turns bruised plums, cherries, apricots, and pears into sharp, expressive eaux de vie. His distillates are strong enough to make even the most stoic Eastern Europeans tear up with nostalgia.

SiN produces over 20 spirits—including fruit-fermented vodka and gin, absinthe, and even US-style bourbon (cheekily dubbed Brrrbon). They also make their own Italian bitters, used in many of their cocktails.

What to Drink

You can order a classic tasting flight, but the real show is the cocktail list—housemade syrups, cordials, and infusions crafted from ingredients grown just steps away. Nearly everything is distilled on-site in a copper pot still, giving each drink a true sense of place.

Here are some standout cocktails we tried:

• Saffron from Success: pear, saffron cordial, gin, orange liqueur, cinnamon syrup, lemon, sage
  
• Hickory Old Fashioned: smoky, classic, unforgettable
  
• Bees Knees: gin, honey, lemon, lavender jasmine syrup
  

The Confessional Lounge

Tucked in the back is The Confessional Lounge, a sexy, dim-lit space with à la carte dining and tasting menus. The food leans elevated comfort—with a twist. Some favorites:

• Deviled eggs with duck pâté, truffle oil, and maple syrup
  
• Venison tartare with pickled shiitake
  
• Duck on cheesy polenta (a full half-pound of cheese)
  
• Short rib with hasselback potato and a chunk of pork belly
  
• Carrot cake with ginger, sumac, black pepper icing, and thyme donut crumble
  

The Extras

If you’re lucky, you’ll get a tour of the copper still or sneak into the barrel room, where they host Friday night mixology classes. Extra lucky? You might catch a night of live jazz or blues.

Final Thoughts

Spirit in Niagara isn’t just a distillery. It’s a full-on destination for those seeking something a little unexpected in wine country. Niagara isn’t just about grapes—it’s fruit country. Don’t sleep on SiN.