Hot Toddy
Storied drinks
Narrative-driven cocktail menus don’t just list drinks, they tell a story of place
This summer at Cry Baby Gallery, a cocktail bar hidden behind a small art gallery in Toronto’s Little Portugal, the menu took a new direction—from minimalism to maximalism.
Once a sparse and straightforward list with a dozen cocktails, the menu at Cry Baby is now a 22-page nostalgia trip rooted in analog-era Toronto. It borrows its format from the Yellow Pages, an artifact that is described on the menu as sort of a pre-digital influencer. Each drink is tied to a fictional business of days gone by—psychics, martial arts studios, modelling agencies and others—to build out an imagined community and history.
Alchemy in a Bottle: Copperpenny Distilling Co. Sweeps Global Gin Awards
The North Vancouver craft distillery earned three prestigious medals for its rare Lost Horizon Rare Tea Gin and the soon-to-be-released Ember BC Pine Smoked Gin at a blind tasting competition in London.
North Vancouver’s vibrant craft spirits scene just received a major gold infusion. Copperpenny Distilling Co. has achieved a remarkable feat by winning an unprecedented triple gold at The Spirits Business Global Gin Masters 2025 in London, England. This prestigious blind-tasting competition, viewed as one of the world’s most highly regarded, recognized the distillery’s deep commitment to innovative, world-class spirits.
Spirits, spice and everything nice
At the Indian-French fusion Peya, Chris Enns mixes up an irresistible cocktail
On an unassuming corner of East Hastings Street near Victoria Drive sits one of Vancouver’s most exciting and underrated cocktail lists.
It’s here, at the Indian-French restaurant Peya, that award-winning bartender Chris Enns works his singular magic. Peya, which debuted in the base of a brand-new East Vancouver housing development, has been quietly and humbly serving the neighbourhood since it first opened its doors in March. But Vancouverites from other neighbourhoods should take note: This cocktail menu is worth a pilgrimage.
12 Drinks of Christmas
Sip and celebrate your way through these seasonal and pop-up drinks events in Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler and Toronto.
Whisky from the West
It’s great to see those interprovincial trade barriers being chipped away, especially when that means we get to enjoy delicious things from across the country. Case in point: two exceptional whiskies from Western Canada that are entering the Ontario market.
Tickets are on sale now for Vancouver Cocktail Week 2026!
The city’s best party returns March 1 to 8 with all your favourite events and brand-new ones, including the unmissable Gala of Cocktails.
The most spirited week of the year is back! Get ready to raise a glass because Vancouver Cocktail Week presented by The Alchemist is returning March 1-8, 2026 with a spectacular line-up of events, and tickets for the highly-anticipated Signature Events are officially on sale now!
How to pair tequila with food, according to a tequila sommelier
While tequila’s most iconic sidekicks might be a lick of salt and a slurp of lime, those are far from the only flavour pairings that work for the iconic Mexican agave spirit. Tequila makes a surprisingly great sipper and pairing alongside a variety of foods—not just Mexican cuisine.
13 gift ideas for the spirit lovers on your list
These spirited gifts will warm hearts and glasses all season long
Vancouver Cocktail Week returns March 1 to 8, 2026
Tickets go on sale December 1 for the March event
Start planning now for Vancouver Cocktail Week presented by The Alchemist magazine, a celebration of the city’s immense and internationally award-winning cocktail talent. In March 2026, VCW celebrates its fifth anniversary with all the fabulous, cocktail-focused events Vancouver has grown to love—and some exciting brand-new ones, too.