Patio season is now upon us (it’s about time), and what better way to enjoy the sun and some quality time with friends or family than to invite them over for a patio session?
After all, it can get crazy out there trying to grab a spot on an overcrowded patio downtown. Such a vibe killer.
So why not make your own patio vibes? It’s easier than you think, and we’ll show you how, starting with the most important elements — patio drinks and snacks.
We’ve teamed up with the experts at BC Liquor Stores to provide you with a list of the hottest beverages and some cocktail recipes from TASTE Magazine that are perfect for the patio, whether it’s happy hour, drinks with your crew, date night, or a summer barbeque. We’ve got you covered.
Our favourite drinks for the patio
Château Barbebelle Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Fleuri Rosé
Adorned with a label playing on the Château name (which directly translates to “beautiful beard” in French), this light, silky, and fresh rosé is an excellent value. Enjoy with spot prawns, sushi, ceviche, salads, or vegetarian fare. Only available at BC Liquor Stores.
Poplar Grove Pinot Gris
This delicious Pinot Gris is one of the most popular in the province. It delivers plenty of juicy peaches, nectarine, lemon zest, and honeysuckle notes with zippy acidity and a smooth finish. Sip it with grilled salmon, beer can chicken, Caesar salad, or Chinese takeout.
Bridge Brewing PrimeTime
PrimeTime is BC’s first low-calorie and low-carb craft beer and it is juicy, refreshing, and full-flavoured, with just 110 calories and 1.5 carbs. Try with fried chicken, fish and chips, tacos, or Thai takeout.
Nude Gin Soda Lemon
Handcrafted in BC, this refreshing gin soda contains only 100 calories per can and is made with crisp sparkling water and all-natural lemon extract. Its unique floral and botanical notes still retain the features of the drink Vancouverites love, making it the perfect summer drink!
Our favourite cocktails for the patio
Classic Margarita Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 lime wedge and kosher salt, to rim glass
- 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) Cazadores Blanco Tequila
- 1 oz (30 ml) Cointreau
- 1 oz (30 ml) lime juice
- lime wheel, to garnish
Method:
Moisten outer rim of a rocks glass with a lime wedge and rim glass with kosher salt. In a cocktail shaker with some cubed ice, combine tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. Shake vigorously and pour into a prepared rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Chabacano Margarita Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 lime wedge and kosher salt, to rim glass
- 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) Espolòn Blanco Tequila
- 1 oz (30 ml) Bols Apricot Brandy
- 1 oz (30 ml) lime juice
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- dried or fresh apricot, to garnish
Method:
Moisten half of the outer rim of a coupe glass with a lime wedge and rim glass with kosher salt. Chill until ready to use. In a cocktail shaker with cubed ice, combine tequila, apricot brandy, lime juice, and bitters. Shake vigorously until chilled and strain into a prepared chilled coupe glass. Garnish with apricot.
Our favourite snacks for the patio
Fig and Prosciutto Roll-ups
Watermelon Salsa Salad
Spot Prawn Ceviche
Pulled Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
Be sure to check out more summer cocktail and food recipes on BC Liquor Stores’ TASTE Magazine. Happy entertaining, and of course, happy patio season!
Please enjoy responsibly.