In between time spent on the towering twins of Whistler Blackcomb, one of the most exciting ski villages in the world gets much of its energy from its famed nightlife. Whistler, flooded with expats (mostly Aussies) addicted to the daily cycle of adventure and unwind, has built up a solid reputation for a modest but mighty cocktail scene, which flows from high-end restaurants and ritzy resorts, to hole-in-the-wall bars and late-night hideaways.
To highlight the quality on offer in Whistler, we’ve sourced a few cocktail recipes for you to master at home.
“Give It Thyme” from Nita Lake Lodge
The irrepressibly gorgeous Nita Lake Lodge, just outside of Whistler Village in Creekside, is noted for its enviable location. As Whistler’s only lake side hotel, guests are able to kayak the day away, soak in outdoor hot tubs, roll around in luxury accommodations, and tie it all together with hangs at the charming Cure Lounge & Patio with cocktails like the time-distorting “Give It Thyme”.
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30ml) housemade lemon thyme syrup (recipe here)
– 1.5 oz (44ml) Deep Cove Mediterranean Gin or substitute
– 0.25 oz (7ml) Lillet Blanc
– 0.25 oz (7ml) VEP Yellow Chartreuse
– 2 drops Bittered Sling Lem-Marrakech bitters (description here so you can decide on substitute)
– Dash of soda water
– Spring of thyme
– Lemon wedge
Method
1. Shake lemon thyme syrup, Gin, Lillet Blanc, Yellow Chartreuse and 2 Drops Bittered Sling Lem-Marrakech bitters with ice.
2. Strain into a Collins glass, filled with fresh ice.
3. Top with a dash of soda.
4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a wedge of lemon.
“Tikal Temptation” from Sidecut Bar at Four Seasons Resort Whistler
Tucked underneath the magnificent Four Seasons Resort Whistler, Sidecut Bar is one of the most popular restaurants in Whistler for those looking to get their steak fix. The classy atmosphere down here is also complemented with what’s regularly coming from the bar, inventive and always forward-thinking with inspiration taken from around the world. One of the most popular mixes here is the “Tikal Temptation”, inspired by the depths of Guatemala’s ancient Mayan city of Tikal.
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30ml) Mezcal
– 1 oz (30ml) Tequila
– 0.5 oz (15ml) Green Chartreuse
– 0.5 oz (15ml) Agave syrup
– 0.5 oz (15ml) lime juice
– Muddled strawberries and black pepper
Method
– Combine ingredients and shake.
“The Permanent Holiday” from Alta Bistro
If you’ve worked up an appetite for elegant French fare after all that adrenaline, fold into the warm and welcoming atmosphere at Alta Bistro. And while you’re scrapping all those pieces of elk tartare off your plate, munching on the signature bison and pork shoulder burger, indulging in the Yarrow Meadows duck breast, make sure to hit up the cocktail list. You’ll find some rich and well-balanced cocktails like the appropriately named “The Permanent Holiday,” echoing the exact feeling of strolling through Whistler village year-round with a touch of luxury.
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45ml) Remy Martin VSOP
– 0.5 oz (15ml) Giffard’s Banane du Bresil (available here)
– 0.5 oz (15ml) Toasted coconut infused Amontillado Sherry (a good alternative here)
– 0.75 oz (22ml) fresh lemon juice
Method
1. Shake over ice.
2. Garnish with dried banana slices and edible flowers for a “vacation” look.
“OSO Sour” from Bar OSO
If you’re out searching for Whistler Village’s best drink spots, you’ll end up at Bar OSO at some point. The tapas bar has some of the best bites around, and keeps the drinks the same high standard with rich and indulgent cocktails like this smokey signature, which you can imagine is especially welcome on those colder nights.
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45ml) bacon infused bourbon (a good alternative here)
– 0.5 oz (15ml) green chartreuse
– 0.5 oz (15ml) maple syrup
– 1 oz (30ml) fresh lemon juice
– 1 oz (30ml) egg whites
– 1 piece maple candied bacon
Method
1. Combine all ingredients except for bacon in a shaker tin and dry shake (no ice) for five to ten seconds.
2. Add ice to the tin and shake for an additional five to ten seconds.
3. Add a large ice cube to a chilled rocks glass and double strain your cocktail into the glass.
4. Garnish with maple candied bacon.
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For more information on the cocktail scene in Whistler, as well as things to do around the village head to whistler.com.
Feature image: Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane
