You've all heard about the "eat local" movement, but we here at Happy Hour believe in drinking local as well.

Next time you're at the neighbourhood LCBO, keep an eye out for a new vodka from Still Waters Distillery, Ontario's first and only micro-distillery. From its Concord facility, Still Waters produces a single malt vodka using artisan distilling techniques.

Yes, that's right, single malts aren't just for scotches any more. Most vodkas are made in industrial settings from a mix of grains (not potatoes, as is the misconception), says Still Waters co-founder Barry Bernstein. Instead, at Still Waters, Canadian malted barley is triple-distilled in small batches using a pot still. "Not only does it have a unique taste and exceptional smoothness that makes it very appealing, but we are finding that consumers are drawn toward it since it is a locally produced product," Bernstein says. Sipped neat, the vodka does go down smoothly and has a clean finish.

Not yet a year old (it opened last March), the distillery is also planning the launch of single malt whisky and rye products, to be available in several years once the liquor has matured in oak casks – casks that were built locally, of course.

In the meantime, Still Waters Single Malt Vodka ($36.95 for 750 mL) is available at many LCBO outlets in the premium section.

Vodka is one of my favourite spirits to mix – it's almost impossible to make a bad-tasting drink with it. Add the sweet flavours of brown sugar and chocolate, as the folks at Still Waters have done, and you've got this week's recipe.

Still Waters S'mortini

S'mortini:

2 graham cracker squares, finely crushed

2 oz vodka (recipe calls for Still Waters Single Malt Vodka)

1 oz crème de cacao

2 tsp Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup

Handful mini marshmallows for garnish

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup:

2 tbsp brown sugar

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tbsp water

For Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup, combine sugar, cinnamon and water in small glass bowl. Microwave 30 seconds. Let cool. (Makes 4 servings. Save extra for encores.)

For S'mortini, moisten rim of martini glass and dip into plate covered in graham cracker crumbs.

In cocktail shaker, shake alcohol and 2 teaspoons Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup with ice. Pour into martini glass. Garnish with marshmallows.

Makes 1 drink.

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Star-tested by Shauna Rempel.

srempel@thestar.ca