Is the wet weather literally putting a damper on your spirits?
A foray into the world of amateur mixology can be a creative way to get your kicks, and one that doesn’t involve leaving the comfort of your own home. Not only will mixing your own cocktails impress your guests, but it can also take some of the pressure off your wallet.
To get you started, here are three classic cocktail recipes that every aspiring home bartender should have in their entertaining arsenal.
1. ‘The Boulevardier’
While the Boulevardier (pictured above) is originally an American cocktail, this version features a Canadian twist with beautifully crafted whisky from Pike Creek. Matured in Ontario in port barrels, this whisky balances beautifully with the light-yet-complex Amaro Montenegro.
A dash of Campari adds sweetness, and a few drops of Fee Brothers Black Walnut bitters contributes a subtle hint of roasted nuts. If you prefer to leave this one to your neighbourhood mixologist (i.e., me!), this cocktail is served as the house specialty at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Pike Creek Double Barrel Canadian Whisky
- 0.75 oz Campari
- 0.75 oz Amaro Montenegro
- 3 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass
- Stir cocktail with ice for 30 seconds
- Pour into a glass with fresh ice cubes
Garnish
- Freshly peeled orange zest
2. ‘The Vancouver’
The Vancouver cocktail is our city’s most celebrated drink, and was invented in 1955 at the historic Sylvia Hotel on the shores of English Bay. Both delicious and easy to execute, this cocktail offers up a taste of history. Although very much a ‘Vancouver’ drink, it would easily satisfy the Manhattan or Negroni drinker.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Long Table Distillery Gin
- 0.75 oz Punt e Mes Vermouth
- 0.25 oz Bénédictine Liqueur
- 3 dashes Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass
- Stir cocktail with ice for 30 seconds
- Strain to a chilled cocktail glass, and serve straight up
Garnish
- Freshly peeled orange zest
3. ‘L’Habitant’
Widely recognized as a classic cocktail in eastern Canada, L’Habitant is Quebec’s drink and was invented at the Seigniory Club at the log-château. This taste of classic Canadiana makes for a delicious after-dinner treat. Be sure to use a premium Canadian maple syrup – you won’t regret it!
Ingredients
- 2.0 oz Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve Whisky
- 1.0 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 0.75 oz 100% pure Canadian maple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a Boston shaker
- Add ice and shake cocktail for 20 seconds
- Fine strain to a pre-chilled cocktail glass
Garnish
- Preserved Canadian cherry
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