Bathtub Gin
A whisky lovers’ road trip
New transnational trail showcases world-class single malts from the Pacific Northwest
Whisky enthusiasts have a new reason to raise a glass with the launch of the Northwest Whiskey Trail. The trail, which takes visitors on a journey to some of the best single malt distilleries in the Pacific Northwest, is set to become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Bar Bravo: New seafood and cocktail bar set to open in Vancouver
Well shucks! Vancouver is getting a new spot for oysters and drinks soon
After a few short months of being dark, the Fraser Street address that was home to the beloved Ubuntu Canteen has seen a flurry of activity recently, as new operators have taken over the business and are prepping to open a seafood and oyster bar with cocktails in the space.
Eye openers: 4 great brunch cocktail pairings
There’s just something about bringing people together for brunch that captures hearts and palates. Perhaps it’s the enticing blend of savoury and sweet flavours, endless beverage options, and a leisurely atmosphere that creates undeniable allure.
I was especially inspired by the brunches I enjoyed on a recent visit to Scottsdale, Arizona, for a bachelorette party weekend. Mostly I was inspired by one particular brunch at the W Scottsdale’s Cottontail Lounge. The hotel is situated in the heart of the city, with the Fashion District a few minutes west, Old Town a few minutes south, and the Entertainment District at its doorstep.
Best of all? The brunch cocktail pairings. Here are four to try.
Yummy umami: Global savoury spirits to try
Look for these savoury spirits on your travels
If you like seaweed-kissed Sheringham Seaside and Isle of Harris gins, try maritime-inspired U.K. bottles like Bullard’s Coastal Gin, Fishers Gin, Da Mhile Organic Seaweed Gin and Mermaid Salt Vodka, as well as North Vancouver’s Copperpenny Gin No. 006 Oyster Shell (a collaboration with Fanny Bay Oysters).
Funky town
Savoury notes are nudging fruit and flowers over on the craft spirits bar, in favour of umami flavours like mushrooms, seaweed, smoke—and even sheep dung
Mushrooms first lit up my brain in 2017, when I tried Candy Cap Magic, a Botanist Bar cocktail that matched the fungi’s maple syrup and spice notes perfectly with rye. Then, in 2019, Sheringham Seaside was named the world’s best contemporary gin on the wings of its sustainable kelp note. After sipping 72 Tomates-kissed Tomato Martinis last summer at hip New York bars, it hit me: the savoury spirits revolution has arrived.
‘After 14 years of last calls’ this iconic Gastown cocktail bar is closing
The bar has welcomed over 2 million guests since opening.
In a heartfelt and reflective Instagram post, The Diamond, one of Vancouver’s most well-loved cocktail bars, announced that it is closing.
“After 14 years of last calls, we’ve finally reached ours,” reads the post.
Where to drink right now in Portland
One of the Pacific Northwest’s great drinking cities is popping with new bars and wild cocktails, from the mustard-licked to slushified—plus … disco balls!
Old Portland favourites and on-point new bars are rocking some Canadian-friendly values, and prices (drinks from USD$12-16 are typical, but no tax!). Because Oregon bars must serve food, delicious bites from bar snacks to elevated meals complement your cocktails. Always on the cutting edge of alternative, plenty of Portland places feature mocktails as refreshing and inventive as their boozy siblings, too.
She’s a Spicy Peach
• 1.5 oz white rum
• 1 oz Homemade Chili Liqueur
• 2.5 oz peach nectar
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Optional: Plain or peach-flavoured sparkling water
• Garnish: Sliced jalapeño peppers
Spicy Margarita
• 1.5 oz blanco tequila (Hornitos used)
• 1 oz Homemade Chili Liqueur
• 1 oz lime juice
• Garnish: Salt for rim of glass, pepper, lime wheel