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 2
Copperpenny Distilling Co. Presents: The History of the Martini
Copperpenny Distilling Co.
103–288 East Esplanade, North Vancouver
4-5:30 pm
Sip Martini variations while imbibing Martini lore and more! Cocktailians Tarquin Melynk and Robyn Gray explore the storied world of the Martini From the Martinez to the Tuxedo all the way through to the Kangaroo. Four cocktails and light snacks are included with this seminar.
Enter the Basbas
Ama Raw Bar
3980 Fraser Street
5-6 pm
Come join us for a unique tasting of the world’s most awarded hierbas, Basbas.
“Bas” means “wild” in the Basque language, Euskera, and is a nod to the wild foraged herbs that shape its elegance and complexity. The recipe has been protected by Ibicenco families for generations, but dates back to 16th century monks living in the Isles Balearia.
Dive deep into this wonder of Ibiza through an in-depth seminar that showcases this sensational libation through a flight of three cocktails and three food pairing bites as we explore the versatility of Basbas.
Attending will also provide you early access to the “Basbas Soirée” happening right after where we’ll be kicking off a true Ibiza-style party with DJs, snacks, and an eclectic one-night-only cocktail menu.
Monday, March 3
Mexico’s Best-Kept Secret
Chambar
568 Beatty Street
5-7 pm
Meet Master Distiller Tony Salles, grandson of Don Jorge Salles Cuervo, who founded El Tequileño in 1959. Named Gran Tequilero by the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry in 2018 and Agave Producer of the Year 2023 and 2024 at the International Spirits Competition, Salles is one of the most respected people in the industry. Taste through all of El Tequileño’s nine expressions and learn all about this storied spirit and brand.
Tickets include a feature El Tequileño cocktail and a snack.
Tuesday, March 4
Discover the Vibrant Flavours of Mexico with Don Julio Tequila
Prophecy
801 West Georgia Street
12-2 pm
Join Rob Renda, Luxury Portfolio Ambassador as he takes you on a journey of Mexican flavours paired with Don Julio Tequila. We will take you through the tequila making process, from agriculture through to bottling, while sampling the Don Julio family of tequilas. Guests will sample: Don Julio Blanco, Don Julio Reposado, Don Julio Anejo, Don Julio 70 and Don Julio 1942.
Opposites Attract: The Story of Sip & Guzzle
Good Thief
3336 Main Street
1:30-3 pm
Join partner and head bartender Ben Yabrow as he talks about NYC’s Sip & Guzzle, an intimate Japanese-style speakeasy that serves bespoke, innovative libations for both cocktail connoisseurs and novices alike.
Wednesday, March 5
Agave Afternoon at The Watson
The Watson
3080 Main Street
11:30 am-2 pm
Get acquainted with the Beverage Collection portfolio—an agave-forward lineup with some gems from Central and South America. The story begins with some of the best mezcal and tequila on the market, and ends on a sweet note with a collection of aperitivos and amaros. Your tasting will be accompanied by thoughtfully prepared small bites that pair perfectly with the narrative of the tasting.
How To: Creative Cocktail Development
Mount Pleasant Vintage
67 West 6th Avenue
2 pm
Soren Schepkowski from Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions will teach you the art of crafting exceptional drinks in this essential seminar. He will cover the core principles of cocktail evaluation, the six base cocktails and how to modify and personalize recipes. You will learn the importance of product knowledge, the components of a cocktail (core, balance and seasoning) and how to push creative boundaries with unique ingredients and ideas. Additionally, we’ll dive into final presentation and the art of naming your creations to increase brand appeal. Join us for an engaging experience that will inspire you to innovate and perfect your cocktail skills.
Understanding Umeshu
Zarak
2102 Main Street
3-5 pm
Meet umeshu, a Japanese liqueur made from ume, a fruit closely related to the apricot. While many store-bought umeshu varieties rely on artificial additives, CHOYA’s umeshu is crafted using only natural ingredients: ume fruit, sugar, and distilled spirits. With over 100 years of history, CHOYA is Japan’s largest and most renowned umeshu producer.
Join CHOYA Brand Ambassador Shinji Inaba and the President of the Sake Association of British Columbia (SABC) Yuki Konishi for an immersive flavour journey. Explore the fascinating story of umeshu, its versatility in cocktails, and the art of pairing it with food.
A CHOYA cocktail created by Winnie Sun paired with a small plate will be included in the seminar.
Pacific North-Best
Pax Romana
1670 Commercial Drive
5-6 pm
Join us for a deep dive into the wonderful world of Sheringham Distillery and all of its west coast colours. Sheringham, self-described as “a small distillery with big dreams,” has certainly lived up to its goal. Having already won the world’s biggest gin competition, it is now pushing the boundaries of what Pacific Northwest spirits can be. This seminar will give you a peek behind the curtain into what makes these spirits so magical as you taste your way through their wonderful line up. Attending will also give you early access to the Pacific Northwest Party we will be throwing immediately after. Throw on your tiniest toque and finest plaid and experience west coast Canadiana through music, food, and cocktails created by Sheringham brand ambassador Gareth Jones and beverage director Dylan Riches.
Thursday, March 6
The Road to the Globals!
Prophecy
801 West Georgia Street
12-2 pm
This industry-only seminar, presented by the Canadian World Class winning team, looks at Canadian hospitality—a journey from coast to coast creating globally recognized bartenders. You will enjoy their stories and cocktails, but also learn how to create your own award-worthy drinks in one of the city’s most exciting new venues.
Amaro Masterclass with Amaro del Capo
Carlino
1115 Alberni Street
4-5:30 pm
Explore the world of amaro! We will begin with a welcome cocktail showcasing amaro’s versatility in cocktails, followed by a masterclass that will dive deep into the history, production, tasting notes of various amaros and its role in cocktail culture. A guided tasting will take you through the depth and complexity of amaro featuring:
• Amaro del Capo
• Borschi S. Marzano
• Amaro Santa Maria al Monte
• Amaro del Capo Reserva
Saturday, March 8
The History of Bitters: From Treating Snakebites to Aperitivo Hour
Ventura Room
695 Cambie Street
2:30 pm
Join us for this guided tasting seminar through the history of bitters and the plants associated with them. Guests will receive a greeting cocktail and snack during a meet and greet, and 3 cheeky (1.5oz) sized cocktails and bitter samples during the seminar. Hosted by Tarquin Melnyk & Dylan Williams of Ms. Better’s, an international bitters brand conceived and made in Vancouver.
Sunday, March 9
The History of the Hangover
Copperpenny Distilling Co.
103–288 East Esplanade, North Vancouver
4-5:30 pm
Alcohol is fun until it isn’t, and that’s usually the morning after. Learn how alcohol affects your body, how to guard yourself against its damaging effects and how to revive yourself if you happen to over-indulge. Many anecdotes and antidotes abound! Three cocktails, a glass of water and a Tylenol will be included with the seminar.
See all Vancouver Cocktail Week events
