It’s about time Vancouver had a proper cocktail week. And now, at last, the city is going to get one: The first Vancouver Cocktail Week, presented by The Alchemist magazine, will be held March 7 to 10, 2021.
The news was officially announced on Sunday, January 26, 2020, at the first annual Punch Brunch and, later that afternoon, the Barate Kid Throwdown.
Jeff Savage’s Morning Ritual. Tara Rafiq photo
Punch Brunch featured cocktails crafted by five of Vancouver’s top bartenders (Sean McGuigan, Sabrine Dhaliwal, Katie Ingram, Jeff Savage and Amber Bruce) and paired with chef Hector Laguna’s gourmet cuisine at the award-winning Botanist restaurant.
Meanwhile, the lively and action-packed Barate Kid Throwdown featured a speed-round classic cocktail competition at the Donnelly Group’s Granville Room. Congratulations to the winner, The Keefer Bar’s Dylan Zrobek!
These two marquee events will make a return appearance at VCW 2021, along with a full slate of events including: spirited dinners, cinq à sept happy hours, industry seminars, a trade showcase and a glamorous closing party. Many of these events will be held in the city’s best bars and restaurants, showcasing Vancouver’s dynamic cocktail scene the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
Dylan Zrobek wins Barate Kid. Supplied photo
VCW 2021’s charitable partner is the BC Hospitality Foundation, which supports workers both by offering funds to those facing financial crisis due to a medical condition and scholarships to those building their careers. Already, Punch Brunch 2020 raised an estimated $2,000 for the BCHF, while the Barate Kid Throwdown raised an estimated $7,400 CDN for Australian bush fire relief.
Those interested in learning more should sign up for the VCW newsletter at vancocktailweek.com. Industry partners who wish to propose event ideas or sign up for one of the scheduled events should contact publisher Gail Nugent at gnugent@glaciermedia.ca.
