A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

Drinker

Five Vancouver Cocktails That Will Keep You Warm Over The Long Dark Of Winter

Portrait
18164286335_02d1a7052d_b

by Talia Kleinplatz | If our recent snowfall is any indication, winter is here and with it comes the holiday season. Luckily for us, local bartenders are mixing and shaking up some delightful cocktails to warm us up for it all. Here are some of our current favourites for your ranking consideration…

Northwinds | Yew At The Four Seasons | 791 West Georgia St. | www.yewseafood.com
As always, you can depend on Yew to be serving up their Cog Nog in a classic moose mug, but if you’re looking to change things up, why not give Northwinds a try? A cross between a classic Manhattan and an Old Fashioned, this sipper incorporates whiskey, Haskap liqueur and spiced black tea.

Keyser Soze | Crowbar | 649 Kingsway | www.crowbareastvan.com
Named for the infamous and illusive Usual Suspects nemesis, this seasonal cocktail brings together smoked whiskey, apple and sherry. The flavours marry to create a unique and complex cocktail that certainly lives up to its namesake. And just like that…poof…it’s gone!

True North | Reflections Pop-Up | 801 West Georgia St. | www.rosewoodhotels.com
While usually a spring/summer hot-spot, this year Reflections Garden Terrace at the Hotel Georgia is hosting a winter wonderland pop-up with a menu to match. Try the True North, a grown-up hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings to satisfy the kid in you.

Morning Milk Punch | The Keefer Bar | 135 Keefer St. | www.thekeeferbar.com
If you’re a fan of eggnog but find the eggs and cream to be a bit rich, why not pop into the Keefer and try the milk punch. Their variation on a classic southern holiday drink brings together the flavours of whiskey, almond milk and Amaro Montenegro.

Beginners Luck | Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific Rim | 1038 Canada Pl. | www.lobbyloungerawbar.com
No holiday celebration is complete without a glass of bubbles and the Beginners Luck at The Lobby Lounge is sure to scratch that itch. Their modern take on a classic French 75 incorporates sherry to bring new depth to an otherwise light and festive cocktail.

 

Which winter cocktail would you go for first?

View Results

There is 1 comment

  1. Keefer is really the only option because Crowbar is still way to new to get into and the other three are overpriced hotel bars.

Drinker

See more from Drinker
Drinker Downtown

Canada Lands Eight Spots Again as Vancouver Hosts North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026

Vancouver shows up strong this year, with four bars on the list and The Keefer Bar climbing to No.7 to lead the country. Newcomer June makes an immediate entry, adding to a lineup that reflects the depth and graft behind the city’s bar scene.
Drinker

Scout’s 2026 Mapped Guide to ‘North America’s 50 Best Bars’ Pop-ups, Takeovers & Exclusive Cocktail Events in Vancouver

North America's best bartenders are landing in Vancouver. Prepare accordingly. This is your no-nonsense guide to the pop-ups, takeovers, and one-night-only happenings April 19-23, 2026
Drinker Main Street

Burdock & Co’s Wine Director on Storytelling and Cutting the Stiffness Out of Service

Spend a few minutes with Maisie Ryan and it becomes clear she’s not interested in putting wine on a pedestal. The Burdock & Co wine director knows the details, but her approach skips the script and goes straight to story, curiosity, and making sure the room is having a good time.
Drinker

Kalisha Glover Wins El Tequileño Cocktail Competition with “Freedom of Colour” — See the Highlights

Glover’s winning cocktail, ‘Freedom of Colour’, pulled inspiration from Frida Kahlo’s 'Still Life with Parrot and Fruit' by using the painting’s bold colours and vibrant arrangement of fruit, including watermelon, orange, passionfruit and lime to translate her idea of what Mexico means into the glass.

The Scout Community

Become a member