Ellipsis Hosts Tom Liu of LA’s Thunderbolt for Exclusive
Guest Shift Celebrating Global Flavours & West Coast Vibes
During North America’s 50 Best Bars Week
Thunderbolt’s acclaimed Head Bartender brings his signature
technique-driven style and global flavour palate to Ellipsis for
an exclusive one-night showcase.
Setting the tone for the cocktail industry’s biggest week of the year, Vancouver’s Ellipsis announces it will host an exclusive one-night-only guest shift featuring Tom Liu, Head Bartender at Los Angeles’ acclaimed Thunderbolt (No. 24, North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025). Set for Monday, April 20, this premier event kicks off the North America 50 Best Bars 2026 week, establishing Ellipsis as a must-visit destination for visiting industry luminaries and local cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Set within the modernist glass-and-concrete Waterfall Building, an Arthur Erickson masterpiece featuring a striking central cascading waterfall, Vancouver’s Ellipsis, recognized as a 2026 Spirited Awards® Regional Top 10 Honoree for Best New International Cocktail Bar for the Canada region, is a stunning new dual-concept destination, beautifully blending coffee culture with an elevated cocktail experience. For this marquee event, the venue promises an unforgettable intersection of cocktail innovation and dynamic global flavours.
Ellipsis has partnered with two exceptional brands as the evening’s featured sponsors to elevate the guest shift: Fenjiu, the revered pioneer of the light-aroma baijiu category, and Giffard Liqueurs and Syrups, the historic French producer of premium fruit and botanical liqueurs. Representatives from both brands will be on-site to offer select tastings of their premium expressions.
To celebrate the collaboration, Liu has developed a custom menu blending his relaxed West Coast energy with international ingredients. Utilizing advanced techniques like precision batching, force carbonation, and sustainable methods, Liu’s complex, spirit-forward drinks will highlight Fenjiu’s clean, floral notes in perfect harmony with Giffard’s authentic botanical profiles. A non-alcoholic option is also available.
“I want Ellipsis to host an event that captures a truly international spirit during our industry’s most important week,” says Ming Yang, owner of Ellipsis. “Bringing in a talent like Tom, who brilliantly translates global flavours through his distinct West Coast cocktail lens, is the perfect fit. Having Fenjiu and Giffard Liqueurs and Syrups as our featured partners for the night is a beautiful way to celebrate a world of flavour while showcasing the level of hospitality and innovation Ellipsis is built on.”
Event Details
What: Ellipsis Presents:
Tom Liu (Thunderbolt, LA) Guest Shift, featuring a special cocktail menu.
Where: Ellipsis, The Waterfall Building, Vancouver
When: Monday, April 20, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Entry: Walk-ins welcome / Reservations highly recommended via Tock
About Ellipsis
Located in the architectural landmark Waterfall Building near Granville Island, and recently recognized as a 2026 Spirited Awards® Regional Top 10 Honoree for Best New International Cocktail Bar for the Canada region, Ellipsis is Vancouver’s premier dual-concept destination. Seamlessly transitioning from a vibrant coffee program to an innovative cocktail experience, Ellipsis is dedicated to elevating the city’s hospitality landscape through thoughtfully crafted drinks, curated events, and warm, world-class service.
Website: ellipsis.ca | Instagram: @ellipsis.ca
Reservations: exploretock.com
Location: 1540 W 2nd Ave #205, Vancouver, BC V6J 1H2
Hours: Wednesday – Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 11 p.m.
About Thunderbolt
Located in Los Angeles, California, Thunderbolt is a critically acclaimed neighborhood cocktail bar famous for its inventive drinks, Southern-inspired hospitality, and commitment to sustainability. Thunderbolt ranked No. 24 on the prestigious 2025 North America’s 50 Best Bars list and also earned the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award.
About Fenjiu
Produced in Shanxi Province, China, Fenjiu is the defining expression of light-aroma baijiu, celebrated for its pristine craftsmanship, delicate sweetness, and exceptionally clean finish. With a legacy spanning millennia, Fenjiu’s international acclaim includes the 1915 Panama-Pacific Grand Prize and the 2025 World Cocktail Championship’s Best Cocktail Fusion & Innovation Award.
About Giffard Liqueurs and Syrups
Founded in 1885 in the Loire Valley of France, Giffard is an independent, family-owned company celebrated worldwide for its premium liqueurs and syrups. Committed to the highest quality, Giffard uses the slow maceration of fresh fruits and botanicals to deliver authentic, vibrant, and pure flavours beloved by top bartenders globally.