I’m a big fan of hotel bars, both at home and abroad. There’s a certain romanticism to sipping a cocktail among wandering strangers. Some of my favourite bars in Vancouver are housed in local hotels. For the length of time it takes to sip an Old Fashioned, I’m transported outside of my city to a world of travelers sitting down for a business meeting or debriefing a full day of sightseeing. And when I’m on the road, I love being the traveler myself, sidling up to the lobby bar for happy hour while I pour over a long wish list of restaurants I want to hit up before my trip comes to an end.
So I thought I’d take you on a little tour of some of my favourite hotel bars locally. And to spice it up just a bit, I decided I’d take these cocktails to the next level (literally) and see what kind of views these hotels have to offer. This week we’re heading to Sidecut at The Four Seasons Resort Whistler to sample Spirit of the Mountains- a collection of cocktails created by DIAGEO Reserve & World Class Global Cocktailian and co-founder of Bittered Sling Bitters Lauren Mote. The collection pays tribute to peaks around the world and we had the opportunity try a few during a recent visit to BC’s own notorious peak.
The Matterhorn- Inspired by The French 75
1.00oz Tanqueray No. Ten Gin
0.50oz Dry White Port
1.00oz acidulated Clementine Skin and Cinnamon
2 dashes Bittered Sling Clingstone Peach Bitters
Top with Stellar’s Jay Brut
Shake first four ingredients over ice. Strain into a flute. Top with Stellar’s Jay Brut. Garnish with a giant orange twist and an absinthe spoon with a pickled clementine
The Third Pole- Inspired by The Whiskey Sour
1.5oz Bulleit Bourbon
0.75oz Cynar Amaro
0.75oz Lemon Juice
1.00oz Chaga Chai Tea (Sarsaparilla Bark) Namaste Tea Company Whistler
2 dashes Bittered Sling Kensington Aromatic Bitters
Shake all ingredients over ice. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon wheel with skewer.