These ticketed events range from master classes to cocktail-paired dinners to
drag shows, and represent the wide world of cocktail culture
in Vancouver and beyond.
Many feature global brand ambassadors and the city’s top bar stars—and
all of them offer exciting tastes for those thirsty for new experiences.
Sunday, March 5
Oysters & Scotchtails
Bar Susu
209 East 6th Avenue
2 seatings:
1-3 pm – Tickets still available
3-5 pm – SOLD OUT
Enjoy freshly shucked oysters expertly paired with three handcrafted Scotchtails (featuring Talisker, The Singleton and Johnnie Walker) at Bar Susu, featured in the Michelin guide to Vancouver.
Monday, March 6
Campari Negroni Hour
Homer St. Café and Bar
898 Homer Street
2:30-5:30 pm
Join us for Negroni Hour, featuring a Negroni fountain, DJ and Campari Negroni cocktail list. Ticket includes one complimentary Negroni.
Scotch & Charcuterie Pairing
Bartholomew
1026 Mainland Street
4 to 6 pm
Explore the different whisky regions of Scotland, tasting iconic single malts (Lagavulin, Talisker, Glenkinchie and The Singleton) with the perfect charcuterie and cheese pairing.
West Coast BBQ Dinner
Whiskey Six BBQ
826 Renfrew Street
6 pm
Whiskey Six hosts a five-course BBQ dinner, each course paired with a cocktail made with spirits from one of our fine B.C. distilleries. Whiskey Six BBQ brings together traditional barbecue and organic ingredients from local farmers and suppliers to challenge the traditional view of barbecue without compromising on ingredients, reinventing what can be created on the grill and smoker. This is West Coast BBQ.
Tuesday, March 7
Campari Boulevardier Party x International Women’s Day
The Chickadee Room in Juke Fried Chicken
182 Keefer Street
3-7pm – More tickets just added!
Enjoy a complimentary Boulevardier and snacks provided by Juke Fried Chicken. All proceeds going towards Vancouver Eastside Women’s Centre.
West Coast BBQ Dinner
Whiskey Six BBQ
826 Renfrew Street
6 pm
Whiskey Six hosts a five-course BBQ dinner, each course paired with a cocktail made with spirits from one of our fine B.C. distilleries. Whiskey Six BBQ brings together traditional barbecue and organic ingredients from local farmers and suppliers to challenge the traditional view of barbecue without compromising on ingredients, reinventing what can be created on the grill and smoker. This is West Coast BBQ.
Old School Cool with Fords Gin
Brass Fish Tavern
385 Burrard Street
7 to 10 pm – This event is almost SOLD OUT
A celebration of gin. The iconic gin classics are about as cool as cocktails get. Join us at Brass as we welcome Fords Gin for a night of gin cocktails, Gin & Tonics and, of course, gin Martinis. Explore the botanicals of gin through an aromatic demonstration table, experiment with flavours with a DIY G&T menu and enjoy a selection of classic and modern gin Martini variations. Tickets Include two cocktails (one Gin & Tonic and one Martini) and two West Coast oysters served with accompaniments. Full kitchen menu available as well as a feature oyster menu.
Late Night Bites & Tropical Gin Cocktails *NEW*
Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions
67 West 6th Avenue
10 pm
Experience the lesser-known parts of gin & tropical culture with a very special menu curated by 2020 Tales of the Cocktails International Bartender of the Year Kelsey Ramage. Joining us throughout the night to chat all things gin will also be the creator of Fords Gin, Simon Ford!
Wednesday, March 8
Giffard Hour: Five Generations of Savoir Faire through Cocktails and Fun Bites
Tableau Bar Bistro
1181 Melville Street
3 to 7 pm
Since 1885, when pharmacist Èmile Giffard created the digestif Menthe Pastille, Giffard has been making premium liqueurs and syrups in Angers, France. Today this family-owned business still transforms top-quality botanicals into products used by the world’s top bartenders—from apricot liqueur and almond syrup to Violette and the new Triple Sec. Sample what they do best at this cocktail soirée where guests can enjoy three craft cocktails along with creative canapés.
Vij’s Private Dinner & Cocktail Pairing
Vij’s
3106 Cambie Street
6:30 to 9:30 pm
Enjoy the VIP experience at Vij’s, recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, at this private four-course dinner. Each course of modern Indian fare is perfectly paired with expertly crafted cocktails featuring Johnnie Walker and Tanqueray 10, and enjoyed in Vij’s botanical rooftop solarium.
Barkeeps of Bowmore – A Sensory Dinner Tour of Bowmore *NEW*
Join us at Acquafarina with Bowmore Ambassador James Neil for a 5-course dinner and sensory experience of the Bowmore Single Malt Distillery. You’ll get to savour the flavours, sounds, and aromatics of Islay. Each course will take you to a specific area of the distillery, a specific layer of our single malt scotch, and some stories of Bowmore’s heritage along the way. You’ll also enjoy bespoke cocktails and food pairings by the amazing team at Acquafarina. It will be an experience that will entice all your senses.
Whisky Den at Clough Club
Clough Club
212 Abbott Street
7 to 10 pm – This event is almost SOLD OUT
The Whisky Den is back! Join us at Clough Club for a night of whisky exploration, education and, of course, cocktails. We will be tasting a selection of Canadian whisky expressions, with a paired menu, canapés and feature cocktails, all hosted by a Canadian whisky expert every step of the way. Tickets include welcome canapés, three-course set menu, cocktail pairings and tasting.
Flor de Caña Rum presents: Late Night Snack drag show x Diamond
The Diamond
6 Powell Street
7 pm: Doors
8 pm: Show
Just when you thought you were full, Late Night Snack is back, babies, with a cast that’ll leave you hungry for more! Enjoy one of Vancouver’s most celebrated drag acts, “Late Night Snack,” at The Diamond Cocktail Bar with a special Flor de Caña sustainable cocktail list to wash it all down!
Thursday, March 9
2023 World Class Bartender of the Year Reception Challenge *NEW*
The Vancouver Club
915 West Hastings Street
5 to 7 pm
Help in the selection of the World Class Bartender of the Year 2023! All 10 finalists will be presenting their two group-serve cocktails—one with Tanqueray No. Ten and one a no- or low-proof cocktail using Seedlip. Attendees will have the option to choose their favourite cocktail (and bartender) in this challenge.
The winner of the challenge and the consumer choice will be announced live at the Golden Era Cocktail Revival Gala on Saturday, March 11.
Limited number of tickets available for this event
Dinner at L’Abattoir with Esquimalt Vermouth & Apéritifs
L’Abattoir (Private Dining Room)
217 Carrall Street
6 pm
Join us for a collaboration dinner with award winning Esquimalt Vermouth & Apéritifs. Hosted by chef Lee Cooper, Esquimalt co-founder Quinn Palmer and L’Abattoir bar manager Dave Bulters, the evening will feature an elevated multi-course menu with Esquimalt apéritifs and cocktail pairings. A truly unique Vancouver Cocktail Week evening awaits—come and experience first hand why these local vermouths and apéritifs need a place at your dinner table!
5-Course Dinner and Bira! Rum Tasting at Calabash Bistro
Calabash Bistro
428 Carrall Street
6 pm
Come and join co-founder of independent bottler BIRA!, Karl Mudzamba, and embark on a rum journey from the South Pacific to South Africa. Enjoy a 5-course meal put on by hosts Calabash Bistro, a fitting venue, given their extensive rum inventory. Rum is in a period of renaissance—come and learn about how BIRA! is contributing to the rum conversation in the Canadian scene. Calabash will take you on a flavour experience with a 5 course menu highlighting flavours of Africa, the Caribbean and the Southern United States. Chef Cullin (Calabash co-owner) has prepared this menu specially for the event and BIRA! rum. First there will be food and a little introduction from Karl about BIRA!, then after dessert Karl will lead a tasting of their 3 expressions. You are welcome to stick around for good vibes and rum talk all night. Ticket includes a 5 course meal, BIRA!’s 3 rum expressions, tax and gratuity. Full cocktail and other drinks menus available for additional cost.
Cocktails at ‘Kada with Don Papa Rum Philippines
‘Kada
605 Nelson Street
6 to 7:30 pm, 7:45 to 9:30pm
Barkada or ‘Kada for short is a Filipino term meaning: your circle of friends; your chosen family. Get your barkada together for a fun night out at this new, cozy snack bar in the heart of downtown. Featuring three signature Filipino cocktails—crafted by Don Papa Rum global ambassador & celebrity bartender Ben Rojo – paired with modern Filipino snacks, this will be a harvest table-style cocktail party for the ages. Tara – let’s go!
From Cognac to Barbados: A Renegade’s Voyage
Tableau Bar Bistro
1181 Melville Street
6:30 pm Cocktail Reception
7 pm dinner – This event is almost SOLD OUT
This four-course cocktail-pairing dinner takes your tastebuds on a journey that begins in Cognac more than four centuries ago, when the wine-growing Maison Ferrand was first established. In 1989, Alexandre Gabriel made it his mission to breathe new life into the old brand, using traditional craft production methods and premium ingredients. He began with Ferrand Cognac, the followed it with Citadelle Gin, Plantation Rum and Dry Curaçao. Follow the story via craft cocktails using these exceptional spirits, with gourmet dishes to accompany them.
Traditional Hawaiian Lū’au, North Shore Style, presented by Koloa Rum
16 West
140 16th Street West, North Vancouver
7 pm
Please join Mr. Robert “Bob” Gunter for an unforgettable evening at North Vancouver’s hippest Wine Bar—16 West! A traditional Hawaiian Four Course Feast will be paired with Koloa Rum based cocktails along with entertainment that will certainly impress. Bob will explain the history and culture that reflects the commitment to supporting and building our ohana—by bringing people together, creating great memories and sharing the Aloha way of life. Seating is limited and the experience will be like none other!
Friday, March 10
Michter’s American Whiskey Cocktails & Snacks at Published on Main
Published on Main
3593 Main Street
12 to 2 pm
Join Michter’s expert, Raven Fuller for an exclusive afternoon of cocktails, tastings and delicious bites at Published on Main. You’ll taste through a range of their Whiskeys including an exciting special!
Sangria Siesta
Como Taperia
201 East 7th Avenue
3 to 4:30 pm, 3:30 to 5 pm, 4 to 5:30 pm
Did you just wake up from a siesta? Time to get the night started the Spanish way, with Sangria and Tapas featuring Licor 43. Enjoy a classic happy hour beverage with Licor 43 brand ambassador, Diana Reyes. She will be creating à la carte Licor43 cocktails while taking you through this legendary liqueur.
An Evening in Venice with Select Aperitivo
Bacaro
1029 West Cordova Street
4:30 to 6:30 pm
Experience la dolce vita with Select Aperitivo at Bacaro. From 4:30pm-6:30pm, enjoy Select Aperitivo cocktails, complemented by exquisite Italian-style bites. Take in a cocktail demonstration of the Venetian Spritz, then use your newfound knowledge to recreate your own Select Aperitivo cocktails at home. A live artist will paint guest portraits on site to give you the feeling of enjoying vendors along the canals of Venice.
Ticket price includes up to 4 cocktails per guest, live entertainment and free-flowing cicchetti throughout the evening.
Saturday, March 11
Brunch for Good
Banter Room
1039 Mainland Street
11:30 am to 2 pm
Brunch for Good! Enjoy a delicious brunch paired with Ketel One vodka cocktails, while supporting those who need a little extra help through the food bank.
Brunch for Good is hosted by special guests Dennis Tamse (Global Relationships Director – Nolet Distillery and Ketel One Vodka – Netherlands) and Frédérique Leblanc (brand ambassador for Diageo’s Reserve products in Montreal)
A portion of the proceeds go to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
Sunday, March 12
Disaronno Brunch at The Chickadee Room *NEW*
The Chickadee Room in Juke
182 Keefer Street
11:30 am and 1 pm seatings
Disaronno and North America 50 Best Bars Awards teamed up to host an exclusive brunch at The Chickadee Room to sign off Vancouver Cocktail Week. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind menu catered by Juke with special guest bartenders!
Uniquely crafted cocktails will be served by Christina Veira, “Icon of the Year” at the North America 50 Best Bars ceremony in 2022, from Bar Mordecai in Toronto and by Jeff Van Horne from Dear Friend in Halifax. Both are co-owners of their celebrated cocktail bars and acclaimed Canadian bartenders.
Tour and Cocktails with Odd Society Master Distiller
Odd Society Spirits
1725 Powell Street
4 pm and 5 pm
Come to an exclusive behind the scenes tour in an award-winning whisky, gin and liqueur distillery in East Vancouver. Master Distiller Gordon Glanz will take small groups on a journey through the production side of things. Tickets include a cocktail flight of three creations by Mia Glanz, mad scientist bar manager.
Information and image courtesy of the Alchemist. Image: Canadian Cake Hospitality photo. MyVanCity.ca contributors: Shelley Hayashi, BJ Oudman and John Lau will receive complimentary tickets to Walktails in Gastown: Vancouver’s drinking history, the 2023 World Class Bartender of the Year Reception Challenge, and the Golden Era Cocktail Revival Gala, respectively, to facilitate social media posts and this feature.
