Victoria Cocktail Week
Cocktails. Craft. Community.
Victoria Cocktail Week celebrates Victoria and Vancouver Island’s craft adult-beverage
industry through engaging events, educational workshops, and exclusive
cocktails designed to showcase thecraftsmanship and creativity of our local bars
and distilleries.
This week-long festival will transform theGarden City into the ultimate Cockaigne of
Cocktails and spirits—a paradise for cocktail enthusiasts.
Day 1 – Sunday, April 13
Join a privately led, intimate group for an exclusive evening celebrating Forjado’s
premium 100% Blue Weber Agave tequilas. This one-time event features expertly crafted
cocktails, curated pairings, and an immersive exploration of Forjado’s rich heritage,
concluding with a special product presentation.
A portion of proceeds goes to Good Night Out.
A One-Night-Only Tequila Adventure—Don’t Miss Out!
Day 3 – Tuesday, April 15
Join Avery Rouse, the creative force behind Nonsensical Cocktails and a distiller at
Empress Gin, for a bitters masterclass at Bar Poco. She will guide you through the art of
bitters, helping you refine your home bartending skills and deepen your understanding of
flavour balance.
2:30-4:00 PM & 4:15-5:45 PM
→ FIZZ MOCKTAIL CLASS 6:15 PM – 7:45 PM
Discover the art of alcohol-free mixology in this hands-on session brought to you
by Fizz Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop, where you’ll craft refreshing, flavour-packed
mocktails with expert guidance.
→ HOME BAR ON A BUDGET 8:15 PM – 9:45 PM
Build a versatile home bar without breaking the bank! Led by Milton, this masterclass
covers essential spirits, creative substitutions, and budget-friendly tricks. No shaker?
No problem—learn easy hacks to craft great drinks with what you have.
→ VERMOUTH MASTERCLASS AT MATADORA TAPERIA
WITH ESQUIMALT VERMOUTH 5:30 PM
Includes 6 vermouths, olives, and pan con tomate
$45 per guest (GST & liquor tax additional)
→ VERMOUTH & TAPAS PAIRING AT MATADORA TAPERIA WITH ESQUIMALT
VERMOUTH 7:30 PM
Includes 6 vermouths to taste, paired with a selection of hot and cold tapas bites.
Full menu to be announced closer to the date.
$75 per guest (GST & liquor tax additional).
→ RUDI X SHERINGHAM DISTILLING 4-COURSE DINNER
PAIRING
Details to come!
Day 4 – Wednesday, April 16
Spirits in Old Town? Name a more iconic duo. Join an intimate group for a 4-stop cocktail
crawl, where each bar crafts a unique cocktail featuring Phillips Fermentorium’s Sanctuary
Whisky and Stump Coastal Forest Gin. Expect inventive drinks, delicious snack pairings, a
pinball stop, and a final cheers at Phillips Tasting Room with a crisp, refreshing beer. A
portion of proceeds will support Good Night Out/
A one-night journey through flavour and community—don’t miss it!
Day 5 – Thursday, April 17
Join Lindsay Gibson, founder of Kisses To Go Artisan Tea, for a hands-on tea and
mocktail workshop at Bar Poco. Learn how to craft healing herbal mocktails using
organic, additive-free teas and simple, natural ingredients.
Expect bold flavours, mindful intention, and a fresh take on wellness in this Victoria
Cocktail Week signature event.
Join Avery Rouse, the creative force behind Nonsensical Cocktails and a distiller at
Empress Gin, for a bitters masterclass at Bar Poco. She will guide you through the art
of bitters, helping you refine your home bartending skills and deepen your
understanding of flavour balance.
Day 6 – Friday, April 18
→ APERITIF HOUR(S) WITH DOM’S SPRITZERS | 2 PM – 10 PM
Come to Bar Poco anytime between 2 PM and 10 PM to experience the Italian
tradition of Aperitif Hour with Dom’s Spritzers. No reservation needed—just drop in
and enjoy!
If you love whisky or are looking to explore it, join Artemis for an evening of exquisite whisky
tasting. Experience the rich flavours and history of Benromach through a guided tasting of four
distinct expressions.
Raise a glass to Victoria’s vibrant cocktail culture…
Cocktails. Craft. Community.
From April 13 – 20 discover the vibrant cocktail culture of Victoria.
It’s the perfect time to sip, savour, and socialise while supporting the local hospitality scene.
Experience the full spectrum of Victoria Cocktail Week and deepen your appreciation for the craft.
