You Need To Try This is a running archive of all the awesome drinks and dishes we’ve come across over the course of our professional and private lives — or at least the ones that we have the presence of mind and patience to photograph before they get in our bellies.

Squamish has been stepping up its game when it comes to things like craft beer, quality coffee and interesting dining options. When that happens in a town it usually means craft cocktails are around the corner. The Salted Vine was well ahead of the curve when they opened just over a year ago. Bar Manager Dave Warren has built a solid, extensive, ambitious list of over 40 drinks that wouldn’t be out of place in any top tier bar in Gastown or Chinatown.

You need to try the White Bronco. With the weather getting damp and cold, one wants to indulge in more comforting beverages, and this is one of those. I thought it was named after a certain ex-NFL running back who attempted to escape the law on live TV. It was inspired instead by a Squamish bike trail of the same name, as are many of the drinks on the list. (Squamish locals keep a lot of these trails secret, so a read of the list might give some things away. Keeners could also take the names to nearby Backcountry Brewery and cross reference the trails on the local maps that are epoxied into the dining tables.)

The White Bronco has Chai tea-infused Goslings Rum, Creme de Cacao, heavy cream and a winter spice syrup. If you’ve ever had a Brandy Alexander, this is in the same wheelhouse. Dave makes the winter syrup in house with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, vanilla, nutmeg, golden brown sugar and Angostura bitters. The drink in shaken and served in a sexy vintage coupe, then dusted with cinnamon and nutmeg. So I guess something good has come from the Sweet Chai Latte craze!

If you think this drink sounds a little sweet, you would be right, but in a good way. The Angostura balances out and compliments the aromatic winter spices, and the choice of Demerara rum is brilliant. The best way to enjoy the White Bronco would be after dinner with some Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Mr. Warren personally staffs the bar for every service (or so it seems), so pay your respects if you pass through. Any small bar that can bang out so many cocktails with consistency and precision deserves it.

The Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar

Region: Sea-to-Sky

37991 2 Ave, Squamish, BC

604-390-1910

WEBSITE