These educational events feature a combination of sessions for industry and consumers.
There is serious education and training that goes into every cocktail. Learn about spirits, their history, cocktail techniques and more from some of Canada’s greatest experts in the field.
Check back often as more seminars will be added in the coming weeks.
Sunday, March 1
Raising the Bar: A D/6 Cocktail Masterclass
D/6 Bar & Lounge
39 Smithe Street
3-5 pm
Spend a sophisticated Sunday afternoon at D/6 mastering the essential pillars of mixology.
Your journey begins with a welcome cocktail designed to awaken the palate before diving into an interactive afternoon of hands-on discovery.
This masterclass pulls back the curtain on the three fundamental methods of cocktail creation: built, shaken and stirred. Led by general manager Miles Francoise, you’ll learn exactly when and why to use each method, discovering how balance, temperature, and dilution transform a simple pour into an exceptional serve.
While you refine your technique with signature cocktails like the Mrs. Rose, Fireside Smash, and Elysian Vesper, enjoy a selection of premium bar snacks provided by the D/6 culinary team. Whether you’re a dedicated home bartender looking to sharpen your skills or a curious enthusiast seeking a high-energy, educational experience, you’ll leave with the insider tips and confidence to recreate luxury cocktails at home.
Industry seminar: The Classic Martini
L’Abattoir
217 Carrall Street
6 pm
Join us for a trade-focused deep dive into one of cocktail culture’s most enduring icons, the Martini.
Originally from London, England and now based in Toronto, H brings a career that bridges two of Canada’s most influential cocktail cities. His Vancouver résumé includes Jules Bistro, The Diamond, and Revel Room, and he was named Vancouver Magazine Bartender of the Year (2013). H also runs @baddrinkstv and the long-standing Sunday Bar School, an industry-leading educational series with national reach.
Hosted alongside Alexa Gervais, bar manager at L’Abattoir, this session is a reiteration of Vancouver Sunday School, focusing on the structure, balance, and technique behind the Classic Martini, with a spotlight on Ford’s Gin. Expect practical discussion, historical context, and behind-the-bar insights designed specifically for working professionals.
Attendees are welcome to stay on for happy hour at the bar following the seminar.
Please note: This seminar is intended for hospitality and beverage industry professionals.
Tuesday, March 3
Industry Seminar: Introducing Condesa Gin – Tasting & Cocktail Reception
Lavantine Restaurant & Skybar
833 West Pender Street
1-3 pm
Experience the Vancouver debut of Condesa Gin, the spirit embraced by Mexico’s culinary royalty. Join us at Lavantine Rooftop for an exclusive masterclass led by Carlos “Berry” Mora—Mexico’s 2026 Mixologist of the Year, Condesa Brand Ambassador, and the creative force behind the world-renowned bar program at ARCA Tulum.
In this session, Carlos will pull back the curtain on the creative philosophy and botanical origins of Condesa Gin, which was recently crowned Mexico’s Spirit of the Year 2025. Attendees will gain first-hand insight into the techniques and recipes that have made ARCA a global destination for cocktail enthusiasts. This session includes a guided spirits tasting, followed by a cocktail reception with small bites. This is a rare opportunity to engage with one of the industry’s brightest stars; space is limited.
Please note: This seminar is intended for hospitality and beverage industry professionals.
Fenjiu: The art of light aroma baijiu
Good Thief
3336 Main Street
1:30-3 pm
Discover the spirit that has shaped 6,000 years of history. While Baijiu is the world’s most-consumed spirit, its nuanced “Light Aroma” category is the industry’s best-kept secret—until now. Often compared to mezcal for its deep cultural significance and its versatility behind the bar, Fenjiu is stepping into the spotlight as the next essential spirit for the modern cocktail enthusiast.
Join us at Good Thief for a deep-dive seminar designed for curious consumers and hospitality pros alike. We’ll journey through the craftsmanship and ancient production techniques that make Fenjiu a global icon, exploring how this storied spirit is being reinterpreted for today’s palates through a guided tasting of several distinct Fenjiu expressions. Guests will discover how Fenjiu bridges the gap between ancient tradition and contemporary mixology through a selection of featured cocktails, all accompanied by curated snacks specifically selected to complement the spirit’s unique flavor profile. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast looking to expand your knowledge or a spirits professional seeking your next star ingredient, this session offers a complete sensory education in the art of Fenjiu.
Johnnie Walker Seminar
Ventura Room
695 Cambie Street
4-6:30 pm
Join us at the Ventura Room for an interactive afternoon exploring the Johnnie Walker family, hosted by Diageo Brand Ambassador Rob Renda. This is a great chance to learn about the different expressions and how they’re made, all while tasting your way through the famous color spectrum.
We’ll start with a Black Label welcome cocktail followed by a guided tasting of four premium whiskies, each paired with chocolates to highlight their unique profiles:
• Gold Label: Smooth, creamy, and full of honey notes.
• Green Label: Fresh and bright with a bit of a forest vibe.
• 18 Year Old: Deep, rich, and seriously smooth.
• Blue Label: The rare one—velvety, complex, and a true classic.
This seminar offers a hands-on way to get to know the world’s most famous Scotch, whether you’re just starting your whisky journey or looking to compare these iconic labels side-by-side.
Wednesday, March 4
Understanding Umeshu
Miku
200 Granville Street
3-5 pm
One of the greatest thrills of Vancouver Cocktail Week is the chance to master a new ingredient, and this afternoon at Miku offers a deep dive into one of the most versatile spirits in the world: Umeshu. Often called a Japanese plum but actually more closely related to the apricot, the ume fruit is the heart of a 100-year tradition.
Join us for an immersive journey led by CHOYA Brand Ambassador Shinji Inaba, as he reveals how Japan’s premier producer crafts their renowned liqueur using only three natural ingredients: ume fruit, sugar, and distilled spirits. This exclusive masterclass allows you to discover the history and production of the spirit while sipping on a refreshing CHOYA cocktail. To complement the experience, you’ll enjoy a selection of Miku’s signature appetizers as you explore the unique flavors of CHOYA’s iconic blends.
Amaro Masterclass
Carlino
1115 Alberni Street
4-5:30 pm
Join us at Carlino for an immersive exploration into the bittersweet world of Italian Amari. This masterclass dives deep into the heritage, botanical complexity, and modern resurgence of Italy’s most iconic herbal liqueurs.
The session will navigate the rich history and meticulous production methods of our featured distilleries. Once regarded primarily as a medicinal tonic, Amaro has transitioned into a cornerstone of modern cocktail culture; this tasting highlights the versatility and depth that define the category today.
The Tasting Flight
The afternoon features a curated selection of six expressions, showcasing a diverse range of flavor profiles—from elegant and citrusy to bold and spicy:
• Distilleria Nonino: Amaro Quintessentia & the prestigious Amaro Riserva
• Caffo: Amaro del Capo & the fiery Amaro del Capo Peperoncino
• Borsci: The legendary San Marzano Elixir
• Santa Maria al Monte: A classic, robust alpine-style Amaro
To complement the tasting, guests will enjoy a shared selection of Italian olives, house-made focaccia, crisp breadsticks, and artisanal cheeses.
Thursday, March 5
Patrón Tasting Lab at Pourhouse
Pourhouse
162 Water Street
6 pm
Discover Patrón tequila with a Prohibition-era twist at this guided tasting lab at Pourhouse. Hosted by tequila expert Mike Norbury, the seminar dives into Patrón’s production, flavour profiles, and cocktail potential, with historical context on tequila’s role during Prohibition and the influence of border towns like Tijuana along the way. Expect a relaxed, educational tasting with a lineup of Patrón cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. After the lab, stick around for a special guest shift from Taylor Kare of H Tasting Lounge. Prohibition-inspired costumes welcome!
Sunday, March 8
Flavor Camp Single Malt Masterclass
Suite Genius
Suite 300 – 225 West 8th Avenue
2 sessions:
2:30-4 pm
5-6:30 pm
If you are already a fan of whiskey, or curious about how to taste whiskey in a whole new way, this Flavor Camp tasting is for you!
In this class, you will have a multisensory experience where you learn from Flavor Camp expert, writer, and consultant Reece Sims about the complex profiles of 8 single malt whiskies, how they compare based on the different flavor camps that they fall into, and how you can apply this knowledge practically for future tastings. While you may think ‘single malt’ means we’re tasting Scotches, we will also feature single malts from around the world too to compare and contrast.
Come for a uniquely crafted, fun, educational, and whisky-forward experience where you will leave with a new understanding of whisky and enhance your overall enjoyment of spirits!
See all Vancouver Cocktail Week events
