Whistler may be internationally renowned as one of the best places to get your ski on, but it also happens to have a great selection of food and beverage options for when you’re done on the mountain. In fact, over the years, the cocktail scene in Whistler has blossomed into something very creative with options sure to please any drinker.
Here are a few of the can’t miss cocktails in Whistler:
Basalt Whistler: Burlesque
While the folks at Basalt are rightly very proud of their version of a New York Sour (renamed a BC Sour because it uses BC red wine) I would opt for the Burlesque as my go to drink of choice. Made with Bulleit Bourbon, Skaha Impulsion Cab Merlot, orange brandy soaked cherries and a slice of lemon this is one drink that I can have far too many of in the evening. Fortunately they have an excellent selection of meats and cheeses to pair with the overconsumption.
Beacon Pub: Out N Aboot Caesar
This one might be polarizing as pretty much everyone that goes to Whistler has their own favourite spot for an apres Caesar, but for my money I’m getting down with this one from Beacon Pub. It starts with two ounces of Vodka and house made Caesar blend served in a glass boot, rimmed with garlic salt and lemon pepper. Top it off with a garnish of Two Rivers honey garlic jerkey, celery, pepperocini, pickles, olives and lemon and you’ve got a winner in my books.
Ketel One Ice Room: Vodka Tasting
Ok to be fair, this is more about the experience than anything. At -32C (-25F) the Ketel One Ice Room is the world’s coldest vodka tasting room – and the only permanent sub-zero vodka room in Canada. With more than 50 vodkas from across the globe, and examples distilled from everything from rye, wheat and soya to hemp seeds, this unique Bearfoot Bistro experience is not to be missed.
Bearfoot Bistro: A single plum, floating in perfume, served in a man’s hat
Speaking of Bearfoot Bistro, they have a very good cocktail program in the dedicated restaurant itself. The name will be familiar to any Simpsons fan (it’s the drink Yoko Ono orders at Moe’s Tavern). Here it consists of rémy martin vsop , winter plum spice syrup, grapefruit juice, topped with bubbles.
Alta Bistro: Sea to Sky 75
A twist on the classic French 75, I think this one actually elevates the original recipe with some nice additions. Utilizing local BC Odd Society’s Vodka, lavender, fresh lemon and cracked pepper, this drink is served neat, topped with bubbles and Alta micro herbs. It also happens to be a very cozy place to grab a seat at the bar and sip slowly.
Araxi: Gear Jammer
Araxi has to have the single largest cocktail menu in Whistler, so you’re basically in luck should you want to drink anything. However, I highly recommend the Gear Jammer which is incredibly unique. It’s a blend of Glenmorangie 10yr Scotch, Pinnacle Ice Cider maple syrup, ginger chai and soy foam. Creative and different, but obviously not for everyone.
Ale/Sessions 