Food Vancouver - Food Vancouver Select Guide: Cocktails in Vancouver

There are numerous stories that claim to have given rise to the word ‘cocktail’. Whether a combination of spirits stirred with the tail feather of a rooster or the dregs of old booze barrels mixed with a combination of sugar and fruit juices, one thing is for sure. Cocktails have come to signify an important prelude to fine dining. For Vancouverites looking to mingle with the hippest, high-energy crowds and sip some of the best cocktails, Food Vancouver’s Select Guide surveyed the city and has these recommendations for the cocktail connoisseur.

This multi-sectioned room not only accommodates larger crowds; it is also divided in such a way that the space provides intimate corners for private conversations and romantic encounters. Mixologist Chris Brown won the international bartending title at the 2007 International Giffard competition in Angers, France with his ‘Kiwi on the Green’. (View recipe here)

Located in the heart of Gastown, mixologists Mark Brand, Steve Da Cruz and Justin Tisdall have created cocktails whose flavour and potency are guaranteed to knock you off your bar stool. Hit Boneta for weekday lunches and time and mood permitting, stay on to sip after-work cocktails such as Justin Tisdall’s the ‘RX'. (View recipe here)

Bar star Nick Devine takes guests back to “the golden age of the cocktail”. Devine lists his creations in categories with titles such as ‘Market Fresh’ where he gives drinkers the option of adding fresh fruit puree to classics such as margaritas, daiquiris and Tom Collins. Make sure you taste Devine’s bourbon-based signature ‘Cascade Room Cocktail'. (View recipe here)

Renowned for its Belgian style cuisine, this award winning restaurant is located near top entertainment venues in Vancouver. But don’t just limit yourself to the great food. Chambar also serves amazing cocktails such as the ‘Remember Vesper Lynd’. (View recipe here)

Fine dining here translates to a wonderful array of various styles of cuisine splashed with a Pacific Northwest flavour, topped off by amazing service. Diva is also popular for its cocktails. Be sure to check out that famous movie star sitting next to you as you sip on your ‘Metropolitan Cocktail’. (View recipe here)

Feel like heading down to Yaletown for some bar hopping? Be sure to include a stop at the Opus Hotel’s Elixir Lounge. Don’t forget to sample their house cocktail – the OPUS 97 – which gets its name from the number of rooms at the Vancouver Opus hotel. (View recipe here)

Located on Cambie and 12th in the Plaza 500 Hotel, FigMint combines a contemporary design and gourmet cuisine using the best local ingredients. If you’re looking for that perfect spot for an après-work cocktail this is the place to visit. Check out the crab-apple martini. (View recipe here)

Located in Yaletown and connected to Brix Restaurant, George has the right ambience for today’s in-crowd, topped off with great cocktails. Try the award winning ‘London Vine’. (View recipe here)

Part of the Glowbal Group of restaurants, Glowbal is located in trendy Yaletown and is well-known for its fine dining. Check out their cocktails as well. Mixologist Michael Moore has donated his ‘Black Cherry Mojito’ cocktail for you to make at home. (View recipe here)

Cocktail culture rules here as they whip up the established classics along with more contemporary creations. There’s always two ounces in every drink, so sip or shoot accordingly. Bartender Trevor Kallies’ ‘Satin Doll’ is always worth ordering. (View recipe here)

Chad Gaskell is the superstar bartender at the ever-so-scenic NU in False Creek. Sit bar-side and watch the boats go by as you sip on some hand-crafted libations. The ‘Momo’ is a favourite; made with gin, elderflower, black currant and cucumber, or go local with the ‘Sake One’ mixed with Granville Island sake. (View recipe here)

The Cascades Lounge located in the Pan Pacific Hotel isn’t just one of the nicest hotels in Vancouver – it also has an excellent view of Stanley Park and the mountains. Relax with friends as you sip on cocktails. Make sure you try the ‘Cascades Martini Cocktail'. (View recipe here)

With its unique Middle Eastern décor, Sanafir exemplifies the Arabic word for “meeting place”. Located on Granville Street in Downtown Vancouver, Sanafir is known for its cuisine and its interesting cocktails. The ‘Mumbai Champagne’ cocktail is definitely worth sampling. (View recipe here)

Sit right up at the bar with a view of the kitchen and you’ll have a show you won’t forget. Cocktails can be made to order, or selected from their list. Why not be daring and go for one of their handcrafted suggestions such as the Bombay gin-based ‘Negroni Raffredatto’. (View recipe here)

The bartenders at this Four Seasons Hotel gem are on their game here whipping up nouveau creations with fresh and local ingredients. Try Justin Taylor’s ‘Blueberry Hill’ or ask Brian Grant (last year’s winner of Vancouver’s Giffard cocktail challenge) to customize your own sipper. (View recipe here)

David Wolowidnyk tends bar at South Granville’s West and he’s won too many cocktail competitions to count. He’s passionate about his bar art and is a stickler for details. If you spend a night in front of him you’ll have witnessed cocktail theatre. Head in after work for a ‘Four O’clock’ Cocktail. (View recipe here)

Food Vancouver’s Select Guide has enjoyed taking you on this cocktail journey. We hope you enjoy sampling new and intriguing concoctions at all your favourite spots. Do remember: Please be responsible and never drink and drive. Cheers!

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Food Vancouver Select Guide: Cocktails in Vancouver