A Modern Canadian Cocktail Journey

Sharp Staff September 9, 2024

Range Rover & SHARP

From the vibrant Atlantic ocean port of Halifax to the rugged coast of British Columbia, Canada’s burgeoning cocktail culture is as diverse and captivating as its landscapes. As the craft cocktail movement continues to gain momentum, mixologists and bartenders across the nation are shaking up unique creations that are gaining them, and their sips, global recognition for excellence. From East to West, here’s where you’ll find the best of the best.

Halifax: Keegan McGregor, Highwayman Restaurant Bar

Shire Social Tanqueray 10 gin Shiitake and porcini mushroom infused Ketel One Strawberry cordial Umami bitters Egg white

When he’s not travelling the world making drinks, you can find 2024 World Class Canada National Winner Keegan McGregor behind the stick at Halifax’s Highwayman, an intimate, Spanish inspired taverna-style affair that adds colour and flair to bustling Barrington Street. With fresh Atlantic seafood in abundance, McGregor’s menu of zippy, fresh and fruity sips can be enjoyed alongside flavourful fare or nursed as a stand alone libation. We recommend pulling up a high chair at the glossy bar and ordering the Shire Social, a signature sweet and earthy creation of McGregor’s that he is bringing to the World Champion title race at the World Class Global finals in Shanghai.

Montreal: Kate Boushel, Atwater Cocktail Club

40 Thieves Canadian Club 100% Rye Lemon Pineapple Tahini Sesame Oil

What’s cooler than being cool? A sought-after spot at Montreal’s Atwater Cocktail Club, that’s what. A grungy graffitied door marks the entrance to this bustling Little Burgundy speakeasy, where the bartenders are, unequivocally, the best in the biz. Think dim light, mirrored ceilings and metallic leather banquets backdropping a night that tastes distinctly of silken chaos. If you’re lucky, you might glimpse Queen of the Canadian Cocktail, Kate Boushel, behind the stick. Glittering with accolades, Boushel makes a mean drink, our favourite of which is the 40 Thieves. Sweet meets savory with toasted sesame, pineapple and the spice of Canadian Rye, served in a genie lamp, obviously.

Toronto: Rob Granicolo, Le Tigre

Lychee Martini Blanco Tequila Calvados Lychee Liqueur Lychee Agave

Miami Vice meets White Lotus, Le Tigre is known for its hot pink hues, a sexy marble bar and flawlessly crafted cocktails. The latest concept from the team behind Toronto’s award-winning Cry Baby Gallery, veteran bartender Rob Granicolo is raising eyebrows in Rosedale with his playfully audacious menu. Order the Lychee Martini from the extensive martini list, a drink that transcends through kitsch to wholly refined. Replacing vodka with tequila as the perfect coupling to a calvados split base, Granicolo elevates his serve with a house-made lychee agave. Poured ice cold over a skeleton leaf encased in a king cube, Granicolo is fast becoming the Damien Hirst of the bar world.

Calgary: Carrie-Anne Stepan, Proof

(Sin is a Thing) Written Across The Face Singleton 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Pedro Ximénez Four spice blend Pistichio concentrate Cream of Earl Grey Raw sugar syrup

Vintage cocktail lounge charm meets intriguing liquor library at this upscale Calgarian watering hole, which places its striking back bar front and centre to the guest experience. Lore-inspired menu sketches, polished wood and green leather stools give off bibliophile vibes at the best of times, but bartender Carrie-Anne Stepan punctuates the point with her charming Sunday Book Club menu, filled with inventive creations inspired by literary greats. Who could be a worthier ambassador of words AND drinking than famed bon vivant, Oscar Wilde? From Stepan’s chronicle of inspirited swills, we bask in the bergamot and pistachio opulence of (Sin is a Thing) Written Across the Face, inspired by Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Vancouver: Grant Sceney, Botanist

Marine Martini Dry gin blend House vermouth Kombu Chive oil Sea asparagus

Weaving through the ultra chic lobby of the minimalist Fairmont Pacific Rim, it’s easy to fancy yourself a modern day Bond villain. So one may as well seal the deal with a Marine Martini upon entry to Botanist, one of Canada’s most celebrated culinary spaces. Widely praised for its stellar bar program, Grant Sceney is the man you’ll want to tip your hat to (Bond villains still wear hats, right?) as you place an order for the most flawless gin martini you’ll likely ever imbibe. Sceney summons a taste of place with sea asparagus and dried kelp, with chive oil (a polite nod to the Gibson) creating a decadent mouthfeel to match the sleek ambience.