Canadian Maple Spirits 101: Sortilège, Maple Cream & How to Serve Them for Dessert

There is something unmistakably magical about Canadian maple spirits—the way warmth, sweetness, and a hint of nostalgia unite in your glass. At Caravan Wines & Spirits, our passion for quality and craftsmanship led us to bring the truly unique Sortilège range to Australia. Maple spirits are a delight for adventurous drinkers and dessert lovers alike. In this 101 guide, we unravel Canadian maple spirits, showcase our Sortilège selection, and share the best ways to enjoy these liqueurs as a decadent after-dinner companion.

What Defines Canadian Maple Spirits?

Canadian maple spirits are rooted in the traditions of Québec, where the country’s finest maple syrup inspires artisanal creations. The blend of pure maple syrup and Canadian whisky forms the base for standout liqueurs like Sortilège. These aren’t just sweet spirits; they’re a sophisticated balance of whisky’s depth and maple’s complexity.

• Maple-infused whiskies bring a subtle, layered sweetness to the boldness of matured Canadian whisky.
• Maple cream liqueurs add silky richness, making them especially popular as a dessert drink or even as a cocktail ingredient.

The Sortilège Range: Our Curated Canadian Maple Selection

We carefully chose Sortilège for its pure, no-shortcuts approach. Every bottle combines authentic Canadian whisky with real maple syrup—nothing artificial, only tradition and expertise. If you’re new to maple spirits or simply curious, here’s a closer look at what we offer:

• Sortilège Maple Cream Whiskey Liqueur: This is the liquid dessert you’ve dreamed about. Sweet, lush, creamy, and packed with genuine maple syrup richness, it’s ideal served chilled or as a treat poured over vanilla ice cream.

• Sortilège Canadian Whisky and Maple Syrup: The signature option for purists—a blend of smooth Canadian whisky and the maple syrup that’s iconic to the region. Sip it neat to experience both character and subtlety.

• Sortilège Wild Blueberry Maple: An inspired take on tradition, infusing wild blueberries to amplify fruitiness and tartness alongside that signature maple sweetness. It's excellent for sipping or swirling into desserts.

How We Recommend Serving Canadian Maple Spirits for Dessert

Canadian maple spirits lend themselves beautifully to the dessert course. Their rich, rounded profiles mean you don’t need elaborate recipes—just a little imagination (and maybe a scoop of gelato).

1. Neat: The Classic Digestif

Pour 30–60ml of your chosen Sortilège into a tulip-shaped glass. Swirl gently to release the aromas—think toffee, maple, and a hint of spice from the whisky. Sip slowly after a hearty meal for a warming, satisfyingly sweet finish.

2. Chilled Maple Cream Liqueur

You can’t go past the simple pleasure of Sortilège Maple Cream served straight from the fridge. Pour 45ml into a cordial or small wine glass. For a festive touch, garnish with a cinnamon stick or shaving of chocolate. This is especially lovely on warm Aussie evenings or as a dairy-rich dessert swap.

3. Maple Old Fashioned

For those who enjoy a twist on a classic, try this:

• 60ml Sortilège Canadian Whisky and Maple Syrup
• 15ml pure maple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange twist

Add bitters and maple syrup to an Old Fashioned glass, muddle with the orange twist, then fill with ice and add the whisky. Stir gently. This cocktail doesn’t need sugar cubes—the liqueur’s maple does the work beautifully.

4. Maple Affogato

A decadent way to elevate your dessert. Place a scoop of quality vanilla gelato in a bowl, pour over a shot (about 30ml) of Sortilège Maple Cream Whiskey Liqueur, and top with a hot espresso. The maple, cream, coffee, and ice cream meld into something unforgettable—a must-try for tiramisu fans.

5. Warm Wild Blueberry Maple Toddy

When the weather cools, try 45ml Sortilège Wild Blueberry Maple, 150ml hot water, and a lemon wedge in a mug with two cloves. The subtle blueberry sharpness works wonders with the liqueur’s sweetness, making for a dessert that’s equal parts reviving and satisfying.

Pairing Tips

• Cheese Pairing: Try Sortilège Whisky with aged cheddar. The tang of cheddar balances the spirit’s deep sweetness and really lets the maple notes shine.
• Dessert Pairing: Maple cream liqueur is gorgeous poured over pecan pie or paired with roasted nuts, amplifying those naturally nutty flavours.

Why Explore Maple Spirits With Us?

Our approach at Caravan Wines & Spirits is always about quality and story. We work directly with producers and carefully select bottles that stand out—Sortilège included. We love surprising customers with finds that you won’t easily discover elsewhere in Australia, as you’ll see from our detailed feature about our curation process.

We deliver Australia-wide, and you’ll always find expert support if you have questions on pairings, recipes, or suggestions for your next special occasion. Feel free to browse our maple spirits selection and explore other boutique picks, or subscribe to our newsletter for more unique serving ideas and exclusive offers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Maple Spirits

What makes maple spirits different from other liqueurs?

Maple spirits blend authentic Canadian whisky with pure maple syrup, giving a uniquely complex sweetness that’s worlds apart from standard cream or fruit liqueurs. The depth and balance come directly from both the quality of the whisky and the maple.

Do maple cream liqueurs need to be refrigerated?

For best quality, especially once opened, store maple cream liqueurs in the fridge. This keeps the cream fresh and the texture velvety.

How long does an opened bottle of Sortilège last?

Sortilège cream liqueur keeps best in the fridge and is ideal within 6–12 months of opening. The whisky-based Sortilège will last longer—1 to 2 years in a cool, dark place.

Can I use maple spirits in dessert recipes?

Absolutely. Try swirling a shot into cake glazes or over ice cream. Maple whisky can also be reduced with butter for a sweet sauce on roasted fruit or even in baking recipes.

Are Canadian maple spirits gluten-free?

Distillation removes gluten, and most Canadian whiskies like those in the Sortilège range are generally considered gluten-free. Always check if severe allergies are a concern.

What is the best temperature to serve maple spirits?

Maple whisky is best around 10–15°C. Maple cream liqueur should be served chilled, but not ice-cold, to maintain texture.

Is Sortilège only for sipping?

No! While delicious neat, it shines in cocktails, with coffee, drizzled over desserts, or even as a creative ingredient in a fancy milkshake.

Interested in exploring the world of boutique liqueurs and rare spirits further? Check out our thoughtful guides like Absinthe 101 or discover more indulgent after-dinner pours in our spirits collection.

Ready for your own bottle of Canadian maple magic at home? Explore our Sortilège range—we’d love to introduce you to a new dessert tradition.