by Shaun Layton | Though we have an incredible cocktail culture in Vancouver, it nevertheless looks up to the more booze-seasoned cities of the world. Happy Hour – the recently made legal practice of selling discounted food and drink items during off-peak hours (usually early) – just might be the kick in the ass we need. And now that it’s legit, it’s time to detail what’s out there. Today we visit Pourhouse in Gastown.

Saddle up to the long bar at this heavyweight every weekday from 2pm to 6pm and sip light and refreshing aperitivo or strong and stirred cocktails. On my last visit, mine was a simple, $4 Campari & Soda to celebrate the end of The Great Campari Drought of 2015. Also tempting: a properly made Tequila Old Fashioned for just $8.

Pourhouse’s full Happy Hour food and drink mix is as follows…

Snacks $5-$8 | grilled asparagus + fried egg; Oysters Rockefeller; Pourhouse Hot Dog
Aperitivo $4 | Cocchi Rosa (2oz), Fernet Branca (1oz), Campari & Soda (1oz)
Cocktails $8 | Daiquiri | Old Fashioned (any spirit), Negroni

Bonus: Bar Manager Rhett Williams is now serving punch for groups of two or more. Rhett has procured vintage punch bowls and cups. He’s only making one batch (from classic punch recipes) per day, so get in early!

Pourhouse | 162 Water Street | 604-568-7022 | Gastown | www.pourhousevancouver.com

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