When the sun is scorching, there’s nothing better than a cool cocktail to beat the summer heat. 24 hours caught up with five local bartenders to find out what icy concoctions they’ll be sipping on over the remainder of the warm weather:
Nick Devine, Bar manager
CASCADE ROOM
2616 Main St.
The Pick: A Pimm’s cocktail
Consists of: Pimm’s liqueur, Sprite or ginger ale, fresh mint and an assorted mix of either sliced cucumber, apple, orange, or lemon
For this British bartender, serving up the traditional UK beverage brings up happy memories of his homeland.
“It’s an English summer’s drink…it’s massive back home,” Devine said.
He’s pleased the Cascade Room offers the cocktail in the “traditional way,” that is, in a pitcher with lots of ice and a wooden spoon.
For those trying the mix at home, Devine suggests letting the sliced fruit and beverage sit together for a while before serving.
“It’s really nice when it’s kind of saturated over time and all the fruit gets that alcohol in it.”
Neil Hailey, Beverage manager
SANAFIR
1026 Granville St.
The pick: A blueberry mojito
Consists of: pureed blueberries, citrus juice, fresh mint and rum
Part of Sanafir’s new summer cocktail list, this blend has quickly become a favourite of Hailey’s and is one he often recommends to customers.
“It’s healthy. You’ve got the blueberries in there, so you’ve got your antioxidants…and it’s cold and sweet which is something you’re looking for in that summer drink,” he said. “It’s the best of all worlds.”
Kelly Carbery, Bartender
Chill Winston
3 Alexander St.
The pick: The Brother Moses cocktail
Consists of: Beefeater gin, crème de peche liqueur, squeezed lime, a sprig of fresh thyme, apricot juice, soda, ice
Carbery and fellow bartender Jamie Mah concocted this bold mix in honour of a loyal customer.
“Top it all off with a sour cherry and these flavours together could part the red sea,” Carbery said.
Duncan Stewart, Bar manager
THE WHIP Restaurant and Gallery
209 E. Sixth Ave.
The pick: The Kubrick cocktail
Consists of: Buffalo Trace bourbon, crème de cacao, Galiano, freshly squeezed orange juice, soda
This joint’s specialty cocktail, named after famed director Stanley Kubrick, has quickly become a popular choice amongst patrons.
“The combination of freshly squeezed orange juice and the essence of Galiano and the kick of Buffalo Trace combine for an intoxicatingly refreshing beverage,” Stewart said.
Dario Bon, Bartender
CARDERO’S Restaurant and Marine Pub
1583 Coal Harbour Quay
The pick: Dario’s own blend
Consists of: Raspberry Stolichnaya vodka, tonic, soda and a splash of cranberry juice
This invigorating creation, which Bon suggests to customers in search of a summer sip, is one he discovered through trial and error.
“I wanted something refreshing but not too sweet,” he said. “I don’t want something that’s going to give me a sugar hangover.”
Thus this fruity potion, which has yet to be christened any specific name, was born.
“It’s just a really well balanced drink.”
