Although vibrant cocktail culture probably isn't the first thing that pops to mind when thinking about Oak Bay's social scene, there's an ever-growing number of great spots offering people plenty of options for a casual after-work tipple, eclectic aperitif or a fun time out among friends. Whether you're a sophisticated sipper or someone just making their first foray into the scene, Tweed Magazine got in touch with staff at some must-visit spots for some advice on what's new and what to try in and around town.
Oak Bombay
The Snug Pub at Oak Bay Beach Hotel, 1175 Beach Dr.
www.oakbaybeachhotel.com
Herbaceous, refreshing, and oak-y is a great way to summarize both the look and taste of one of the newest cocktails featured in The Snug Pub's enticing menu of handcrafted cocktails. Made with Bombay Sapphire gin, oaked chardonnay, elderflower liqueur, soda, and garnished with a rosemary sprig and slice of grapefruit, this golden-coloured cocktail is served in a wine glass over ice.
Gin tonic drinks are all the rage in Europe and, given the Oak Bay Beach Hotel's European-inspired pub, staff considered it a great new cocktail to add to the menu. Since its introduction in June, the Oak Bombay has scored major points with guests as an easy-drinking cocktail!
“The Oak Bombay is an ode to our Oak Bay community, and to the modern cocktail drinker,” says Aidan Mackwood, outlets manager at the OBBH. “The Oak Bombay captures the essence of our coastal paradise, blending tradition with modern sophistication in every sip.”
Perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day in Oak Bay or just taking in the atmosphere amid the Snug Pub's floor-to-ceiling ocean views from the community's first neighbourhood pub.
El Chapo
Vis-a-Vis, 2232 Oak Bay Ave
www.visavisoakbay.com
If you can ever manage to get beyond what's got to be among the best wine lists in the city, you'll quickly recognize that Vis-a-Vis' inspiring menu of signature cocktails is every bit as impressive.
High on that list, featuring Casamigos Reposado tequila, mezcal, Liquor 43 and garnished with a mint leaf that's served neat in a small rocks glass, is the El Chapo.
“I am on a big tequila kick right now,” says Sam Watson, manager of the Lyonnaise-inspired eatery on Oak Bay Avenue. “This is by far my favourite on our new list.”
Created by Adam Bonneau, the Lyonnaise-inspired eatery's main cocktail bartender, a combination of the smokey and savoury in every sip is sure to set you off to imagining a sultry Sinaloan sunset without leaving town. Best of all is Vis-a-Vis' convivial atmosphere that offers guests front-row seats for a uniquely personalized and engaging experience.
The El Chapo cocktail has been featured on the menu for a few months and has proven such a hit with some of Vis-a-Vis' regulars that it may very well be on its way to becoming a true boss of the cocktail circuit.
Lavender Lychee Lemonade
Baan Thai Wok and Bar, 104-2000 CADBORO BAY ROAD
www.baanthaiwokandbar.ca
If the onset of fall has your mind drifting to the warm, sunny shores of Southeast Asia, but you just can't get away, Oak Bay's Baan Thai has a solution tailored just for you.
Unlike the other cocktails featured on this list, the Lavender Lychee Lemonade is served alcohol-free, although customers are welcome to add gin, tequila or vodka, says Samantha Rozon, the cocktail's creator and the manager of Baan Thai's Oak Bay location.
She describes this Baan Thai favourite as a floral and refreshing summer drink featuring house-made, locally grown lavender and Thai butterfly pea flower simple syrup, fresh lemon, lychee juice, and lemon San Pellegrino with a dried lemon and rose petal garnish.
“I wanted to incorporate lavender as it's something I've always loved and have seen rise to popularity in all types of drinks and food over the past couple of years. It seems to be universally liked and despite it being more and more readily available as a flavour, it still always feels luxurious and special,” Samantha says. “I chose to use lychee juice as it's such a tropical staple of Thailand. It's not something you see often, and it's such a delicious and unique flavour. I’ve never seen anyone not love it.
“The Thai butterfly pea flower is beautiful in colour and is also something else we can add to represent Thailand.”
Smoked Mezcal Negroni
McRae's Bistro, 1652 McRae Ave.
www.mcraesrestaurant.com
Sometimes it's worth a short hop, skip or jump — especially if it's only to Shelbourne St. — to broaden one's cocktail horizons, and that's most definitely the case when it comes to the mouth-watering selections on offer at McRae's.
The bistro's Smoked Mezcal Negroni features an appetizing combination of mezcal, Campari, sweet vermouth and applewood smoke. The stunning cocktail features a single large ice cube surrounded by a beautiful red hue tucked beneath a smoky cloud.
“This drink is a perfect blend of smoky, bitter and sweet with the smell of the applewood bringing the mezcal's smoky notes to the front of the palate,” says Ryan Blystone, bartender at the cozy neighbourhood restaurant lounge. “This has been one of the most enjoyed cocktails on our menu for our guests, as well as myself.”
Ryan concocted the cocktail as a way to incorporate the distinctive mezcal flavour into a classic, balanced cocktail. The result is a perfect beverage for celebrating any special occasion, winding down after work or creating fond memories by sharing a night out with friends.
“The Smoked Mezcal Negroni has been on our menu since the beginning of summer 2024 but will be a cocktail that I have with me wherever I go for as long as I make drinks,” he says.
Cheers to that!
