On the occasion of International Women's Rights Day, we decided to raise a glass to 4 inspiring women who stand out in the cocktail industry for their audacity and determination.
History lesson
Women and alcohol in Quebec
IMAGE : SAQ
Until the beginning of the 20th century, the consumption of alcohol by women was extremely frowned upon, even demonized. In 1921, in a context of prohibitionist waves, the Liquor Commission was created. It was the first time that the presence of women in this sphere of consumption was accepted. They went there to buy bottles for their busy husbands. Until the 70's, women's consumption remained quite taboo and it was at the end of this decade that tavern owners were finally given the choice to serve women or not. Finally, in 1986, the exclusion of women in taverns was forbidden!
Source : SAQ
Today, a little over 35 years later (only!!!), we have the pleasure of being around women who are go-getters, determined and talented and deserve to be celebrated!
Emmanuelle Ricard (Madame Gin)
A reference for spirits lovers.
PHOTO : ALINE DUBOIS
Emmanuelle is a lover of gin and of all that is good and beautiful. Her mission: to help people discover gins (and other distilled products) from Quebec. After working in jewelry and fashion, she launched her jewelry collection and a blog about her favorites. One day, she decided to share her passion for gin in a blog post that quickly became the most popular on her site. From that moment on, she decided to share the great products of local distilleries through her fabulous blog! Her curiosity and love of local products is a great inspiration to us.
Rose Simard (1 or 2 Cocktails)
A fan of the aperitif and an adept of the art of the table.
PHOTO: MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
Rose is a bon vivant who enjoys quality time with family and friends. Her mission: to inspire people to make cocktails at home and enjoy them in good company. In 2014, after working in communications, Rose founded 1 ou 2 Cocktails, a media that aims to demystify the world of spirits and the art of cocktails and to bring Quebecers together around a glass. Whether it's through the creation of video clips, the writing of blog articles or the publication of cocktail recipes, Rose succeeds in inspiring us with her artistic eye (all of her cocktails are magnificent) and her desire to promote local products.
Rose is the co-author of the best-selling book L'Apéro au Québec (2019) and the author of Boire le Québec (2021).
Fanny Gauthier (Ateliers & saveurs)
Mixologist and exceptional entrepreneur.
Fanny is passionate about cocktails. Her mission: to democratize cocktails and make mixology accessible to everyone. Sparkling, she knows better than anyone how to transmit her passion for cocktails and spirits. These qualities led her to write columns on television and radio and to start her blog: L'envers du bar. After leaving France, with the title of youngest bartender in her pocket, she co-founded Ateliers & Saveurs in 2008, the first school in North America to offer cooking classes, cocktails and wine tasting in the same space! Fanny has always supported our initiatives and local producers. She inspires us with her creativity and positive impact on the cocktail scene in Quebec.
Fanny is the author of the book Fanny - À chaque Jour son cocktail (2017).
Adaina Smyth (Bar Les Cousins)
Bar chef of Bar Les Cousins and passionate about local products.
PHOTO : TASTET
Adaina is a lover of her work and passionate about the art of mixology. Her mission: to introduce Quebec products to people from here and abroad and, in the process, support the local economy and celebrate the culture here. Since 2018, she has been bar chef at Bar Les Cousins, a reference in terms of cocktail bars on the South Shore of Montreal. What we particularly appreciate about this place is that they serve even the most classic cocktails with local products. In fact, they have an impressive collection of over 100 Quebec gins! Adaina inspires us with her generosity, the importance she places on transmitting her knowledge and her talent.