Posted on Dec 14, 2015Dec 14, 2015 by Tarquin Melnyk

She holds a gun to his head. “What are you going to print about tonight?”, asks Margaret. “I’m sorry babe,” Dyter smirks. “I don’t write crime novels”. Errol Flynn was a famous Hollywood actor whose personal life was more risky than his action roles. Best known for swashbuckling genre films, he was also a registered guest of the Hotel Georgia the night he died in 1959. His first major film role was starring as Dyter…

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Posted on Sep 24, 2015Sep 24, 2015 by Martin Corriveau

Richard Godwin is a busy man. When the British journalist doesn’t have his hands full with the joys and perils of parenthood, you’ll find him either writing for the London Evening Standard about politics, sports, the economy, music, movies, restaurants and sriracha or interviewing the Dalai Lama. And if his schedule wasn’t quite packed enough, he managed to write a cocktail book, The Spirits, A Guide to Modern Cocktailing, and now he’s running around promoting it ahead of its release, this week.   Writing…

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Posted on Jul 30, 2015Aug 1, 2015 by Matt Grippo

On a recent trip to Spain I wanted to take my drinking sensibilities somewhere different. Typically while traveling I like to seek out the best bars for cocktails or the regional drink. Once I hit Barcelona I dedicated my palate to the refresher that reigns supreme throughout Spain, the Gin & Tonic. This article will not talk about the long history of gin and the fabulous story of how tonic became its go-to mixer. Or…

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Posted on May 15, 2015Jun 23, 2015 by Matt Grippo

“My last drink ever would be a Hemingway Daiquiri with my agricole rum.” – Lance Winters Craft Distilling is definitely on a winning streak these days. With distilleries popping up globally and many of them creating award-winning products – it’s a great time to be a bartender and imbiber. 19 years ago, Lance Winters approached St. George Spirits founder Jörg Rupf and handed him a bottle of whiskey he’d made at home. That was his résumé. What…

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Posted on Apr 9, 2015Apr 9, 2015 by justcocktails

The Canadian Professional Bartenders Association (BC Chapter) recently hosted their Annual General Meeting and Cocktail Competition. The CPBA Cup annual cocktail competition was held on a rainy Monday night, at The Keefer Bar. The 86 Co. sponsored the event. The Diamond Gastown‘s bar manager, Thor Paulson, defended his current title, winning the Cup second time in a row. With the win comes the opportunity to attend Tales of the Cocktail in Mexico City (April 19-21, 2015) Here’s his competition winning cocktail:…

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Posted on Aug 18, 2014Nov 1, 2014 by Tarquin Melnyk

“Why do you make so many odd drinks?”, I ask Robert ‘Buck’ Friend “I don’t want to list a bunch of spirit forward brown drinks”, remarks Buck. He has cocktails that come in hollowed out grapefruit shells, ‘sunscreen lotion’ bottles and adorned with crispy chicken skin. “They’re already done in so many craft cocktail bars – why do what’s already been done.” Any observer that has watched Buck work behind a bar has seen a familiar…

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Posted on Jul 24, 2014Jul 24, 2014 by Arturas Dzeikas

I would like to introduce you to the new series – Best bars and cocktails in Dubai by Arturas My name is Arturas Dzeikas, and I am one of the concierge’s at the wonderful Burg Al Arab. I am passionate cocktail fan and amateur bartender. I have visited the best Dubai bars and tasting their signature cocktails. My goal is to show the world the delicious cocktails on my travels as concierge. One of my…

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Posted on Jun 12, 2014Jun 12, 2014 by Tarquin Melnyk

 It is that sun drenched time of year where we increasingly take our imbibing outdoors. Need a simple cocktail that delivers complex and delightful flavor and is easily transported? We thought so. Try the Secret Beach Cocktail. 2 parts Tanqueray 10 Gin 1 part Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 1 part Strained Fresh Lemon Juice 1 part Fireweed Honey Water (1:1 dilution) 1 dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters Combine ingredients in a stirring vessel. Add ice. Stir until well…

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Posted on May 26, 2014Dec 24, 2014 by Tarquin Melnyk

The Monkey Gland cocktail is a debatable classic. Funny name, famed history but with a flavor profile that not every one can get behind. Orange juice, anise, raspberry syrup and gin. It requires a delicate mix. The cocktail is one that most bartenders eventually want to try, if for no other reason than the name. The color is vibrant making anyone who sees it want a taste. Oh, but then you taste it. The drink…

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Posted on May 8, 2014May 8, 2014 by Bryon King

This drink of mine is just a little twist on the classic “Last word” cocktail. Drink: New beginning3/4oz Beefeater Gin3/4oz Luxardo Limoncello3/4oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur3/4oz fresh lime juice2 dashes Bitter Truth Creole Bitters Shaker, double strained and garnished with a lime rindTasting notes: very crisp, citrus forward with a the maraschino taste on the finish. Great spring/summer, up lifting cocktail The Challenge The Luxardo Challenge is a competition for bartender’s. This Challenge is 1 par