5 DOWNTOWN JOINTS FOR TOP DRAWER COCKTAILS

If you are keen on finely crafted cocktails you’ll want to check out these five downtown hot spots that are changing the way people think about bartending. The folks behind the bars in these joints usually go by the name mixologist and it is pretty much guaranteed that you won’t find beverage like these anywhere else. I’ve chosen two cocktails for each place that I feel really represent how awesome and creative their cocktail menus are. Bottoms up!

KLEIN // HARRIS: Newly opened this month, Klein/Harris is a collaborative effort by cocktail curator, Christina Mah and Chef James Water. Together they’ve created a new drinking and dining concept inspired by Canada itself. True North Cuisine is how they describe their menus - including their cocktail menus. The two standout cocktails I have chosen come from the True North section and the Not So True North Section - both great choices! 110 - 8 Ave SW

GARDEN AFFAIR: Leek and lettuce syrup is shaken up with Eau Claire Vodka, a dash of citric acid and cloudy apple juice. Served straight up, this cocktail is sure to delight.

SAGE & GINGER FIZZ: Fresh meringue, sage and lime juice are shaken with Appleton’s V/X Rum. Poured over the rocks, this cocktail is then lengthened with ginger beer.

The Derrick: Another fairly new addition to the downtown food and beverage scene, The Derrick will become your regular hangout if you love incredible cocktails. Their spirit menu has a wonderful emphasis on gin, so if that is your spirit of choice you’ll probably love their whole menu. These two cocktails feature some groundbreaking combinations - hello absinthe rinse?! 620 8th Ave SW

LIQUORICE NEGRONI: gin, campari, cocchi amaro, absinthe rinse, bitters.

SPRING BREAKUP: gin, elderflower, lime juice, vanilla syrup, cucumber, basil leaves, sparkling water

Ki Japanese: If you love sushi and sake, you’ll want to pop into Ki Japanese. They have a wonderful happy hour with great cocktails and appetizers. They make some truly experimental cocktails - I haven’t seen any other menus in town that feature sake-infused cocktails. Enjoy these two cocktails with a plate of fresh sashimi or oysters - perfect after-work spot. 308 4^th Avenue SW

KOHITINI: Jim Bean + Galliano + Kahlua + Egg White

SAKETINI: Junmai Sake + Belvedere Vodka + Cucumber

Fairmont Palliser’s Oak Room Lounge: Cocktails at any Fairmont property are guaranteed to be amazing. The Oak Room Lounge has that perfect old school vibe that is fantastic for a night out with friends. These two cocktails are modern spins on old classics from their new cocktail menu Cocktails, Perfected. Pop fizz clink! 133 9 Ave SW

POMEGRANATE PALOMA: 1 OZ POM WONDERFUL POMEGRANATE JUICE, 3/4 OZ FRESH GRAPEFRUIT JUICE, 1/4 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE, 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS, 1 OZ CASAMIGOS REPOSADO TEQUILA, 1 OZ COINTREAU

VSOP BOULEVARDIER: 1 OZ GENTLEMAN JACK RARE TENNESSEE WHISKEY, 1/2 OZ RÉMY MARTIN VSOP FINE CHAMPAGNE COGNAC, 3/4 OZ CAMPARI, 3/4 OZ SWEET RED VERMOUTH + WIDE LEMON WHEEL

Sugarwater Bar at Workshop Kitchen: Lastly, Sugarwater.Bar is a new pop-up concept at Workshop Kitchen. Their in-house residency is nearing the end of its helm so you’ll want to pop in soon and try one of their inventive cocktails. They don’t have a set cocktail menu as the list is always rotating and guest bartenders make regular appearances! 608 1 St SW

Tagged as: KI japanese, klein / harris, oak room lounge, sugarwater bar, The Derrick, workshop kitchen