Every restaurant has a signature drink – it’s an age-old tradition! Gastown’s best restaurants are tipping their hats to cocktail culture featuring signature concoctions created by the city’s best bartenders. So, why not come down for a cocktail hop? Here’s a guide to discovering the signature cocktails served at Gastown’s finest.
Secret Location
Signature Drink: Mimosa
If you’re looking for a creative dining experience, Secret Location offers just that. Their evening format includes three, five and ten-course tasting menus created by Executive Chef, Jefferson Alvarez. Guests can choose from their menu or request a custom multi-course experience – it’s almost like having a personal chef. Wine and cocktail pairings are divine. Try their Champagne mimosas – a Secret Location specialty.
Kanaka
Signature Drink: Toquin Beach
A visit to Kanaka is like a fun time on the beach. Located under, Blacktail Florist, the new tiki bar has a cool vibe, furnished with cheeky tropical décor, including hula girls and orca shaped novelty mugs. The menu offers fun Hawaiian themed snacks and cocktails. Order their signature libation, Tonquin Beach, a refreshing balance of apricot-scented punch, apple and gin laced with Orgeat (almond-flavoured liquor). New creations are mixed regularly using fresh ingredients – another reason to come back and try their latest concoction!
Jules Bistro
Signature Drink: Kir
Dining at Jules Bistro is like escaping to Paris. The causal French bistro offers traditional French cooking with a West Coast Twist. Owner/Chef Emmanuel brings a piece of Paris to Gastown, taking inspiration from his Parisian restaurant. As for drinks, expect to find traditional French cocktails on the menu. Try their version of Kir, a popular French cocktail made with a measure of crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) topped up with white wine.
Cork & Fin
Signature Drink: Stormy Sour
Cork & Fin offers casual dining with fantastic seafood. Dine on the main level or semi-private mezzanine and enjoy fresh shucked oysters from their raw bar and multi-course dinners featuring reasonably priced market fresh seafood. For drinks, Cork & Fin has a full service bar and offers a seasonal cocktail menu with light and refreshing drinks that compliment their seafood items. Try their Stormy Sour, a delicious combination of the classic dark ‘n’ stormy and bourbon sour.
The Lamplighter Pub
Signature Drink: In Grapevine We Trust
Lamplighter is a favourite local watering hole serving hearty pub fare, local beer, and original cocktails. It’s easy to entertain yourself with their jukebox, pinball machine and pool table. Exposed brick walls and stained glass windows give it a cool throwback vibe. And when it comes to drinks, their cocktails are classic with a pinch of creative flair. Try their signature drink, In Grapevine We Trust, a blend of Absolut Grapevine, Kronenbourg 1664 lager, Cointreau, Giffard strawberry syrup, and lemon juice. You can also stop by on Sundays to build your own Caesar at Lamplighter’s Caesar bar.
Guu Otokomae
Image courtesy of phenu.com
Signature Drink: Sake Mojito
Guu is a fantastic spot for after-work drinks and hanging out with friends. The tavern-meets-restaurant focuses on Izakaya-style dining, serving Japanese fusion tapas, large mugs of Sapporo beer, and delicious cocktails. All of their original concoctions are playful, and easy to drink. Try their popular Sake Mojito, a refreshing blend of sake, lime, mint, and Guu branded ramune.
The Flying Pig
Signature Drink: T.F.P. Bacon Bourbon Caesar
Nouveau Canadian bistro, The Flying Pig, offers a simple, seasonally inspired menu that features fresh, local ingredients. Their open concept kitchen brings the Chef to your table, delivering a memorable and unique dining experience. To compliment their bistro fare, the Flying Pig offers five classic cocktails including the Barrel-aged Negroni, the Dark and Stormy and The Manhattan. Their signature T.F.P. Bacon Bourbon Caesar is a definite must-try with housemade bacon bourbon, olive brine, siriracha chili sauce and clamato juice.
Peckinpah
Signature Drink: Mint Julep
If you’re looking for a refreshing bourbon-based cocktail, check out Pekinpah, an authentic Eastern North Carolina BBQ spot with a Gastown twist. Their signature Mint Julep is a delicious mix of mint, simple syrup, bourbon, and whiskey – the perfect pairing for ribs, brisket and pulled pork!
Guilt & Company
Signature Drink: I Wanna Be Adored
Travel back in time at Guilt & Company, a vibrant underground tavern-lounge offering cocktails, late-night snacks, and live entertainment every night of the week. The drink list features a wide range of beers, but it’s definitely their original cocktails that steal the show. Each drink is divine and titled with playful names. Their signature cocktail, I Wanna Be Adored, is a perfect mix of sweet and sour, made with lychee liquor, triple sec, soda, and gin.
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