There has been a recent change behind the bar at L’Abattoir. Former Bar Manager Katie Ingram has moved on after 2.5 years in the role. While she may no longer be slinging drinks at the Gastown mainstay, many of her drinks remain, including the Little Sparrow. I’m told this cocktail is giving Shaun Layton’s (former L’Abattoir Bar Manager and current Scout contributor) Avocado Gimlet a run for its money as the most ordered libation on the menu.

In preparation for a recent cocktail competition, Ingram drew inspiration from the life and music of Edith Piaf, whose nickname was “Little Sparrow”. The drink brings tequila, strawberry, marigold, rooibos and ginger together in a beautiful symphony of flavour.

Ingram describes the cocktail and her creative process thusly:

“I was working on my cocktails for the Speed Round for World Class Regional Finals. I wanted to focus on the female voices in music that inspired me. Edith Piaf was one of them. Her petite figure packed a strong and powerful voice as she became an international star singing about love. Strawberry and marigold bring a delicate rhythm to the cocktail. They are brought together with the feisty melody of rooibos, ginger beer and reposado tequila that make for a beautiful harmony. The Bittered Sling Plum & Rootbeer bitters create balance within the cocktail by bringing out all the sweet and savoury harmonious notes of the drink.”

She also suggests sipping on this cocktail while listening to Piaf’s fast-paced l’Homme a la Moto:

L'Abattoir

Neighbourhood: Gastown

2178 Carrall St.

604-568-1701

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