Mocktails: Vancouvers’ Newest Addition To The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Scene

Mocktails: Vancouvers’ newest addition to the Non-Alcoholic beverage scene.

The second offering of such locations here in Vancouver catering to alcohol free drinks and cocktails, or rather, Mocktails. What seems a small, but growing market.

Located at 1250 Commercial Dr. in East Vancouver, the store is reminiscent of “old-world” Victorian décor, warm and inviting, and certainly charming to be shopping in. An atmosphere they certainly accomplished in providing.

Wood shelves line the walls, lit by subtle cabinet lights that are soft and illuminating, not harsh and blasting like most grocery style liquor retailers. Lights are focused on inventory that’s’ bright and colourful, and rather beautiful. Bottles of varying shape, size and design line the shelves making for a very inviting presentation.

Available, is a selection of Aperitifs, Wines, Gin, Vodka, Whiskey, Beer, Bitters, and all other types of drink one would associate with alcohol based liquors. A wide variety for sale. The impression I get, will only grow in the availability and differing kinds as the store, or rather Boutique, establishes itself.

Another fun addition is the displays of vintage and antique glassware and drinking sets. They add another element of charm to the already inviting atmosphere….. and they are for sale. So for all you beverage and cocktail service ware aficionado’s, you may want to pop your head in. 

The Process Of “De-alcoholizing” The Liquors

In conversation with Angela, the delightful, cheery and knowledgeable owner, I learned of the process of “de-alcoholizing” the liquors within each bottle. Feels rather odd saying that, liquor, since there is no alcohol in them.

Basically there are two methods used, vacuum distillation and reverse osmosis, so I researched it further. I wanted to be sure I fully understood this.

Vacuum Distillation 

The liquid needs to be put in a strong vacuum. While in the vacuum, it’s gently heated to boil off the alcohol. The vacuum increases the boiling temperature so the liquid does not need to be heated as much.

If it were “cooked”, so to speak some of the flavours and aromas would dissapear with the alcohol. So keeping temperatures low, helps preserve the amount of flavours and body within.

Reverse Osmosis 

The second method is called reverse osmosis, or filtration.

During this process, high pressure is used to force the liquid through a membrane, creating two solutions. One the drinking beverage, the other a combination of water and alcohol. Heat is then used to remove the alcohol in the “refuse” solution with the remaining introduced back into the concentrate.  

Both processes have essentially the same result, with a few key differences. Reverse osmosis  isn’t considered very eco-friendly because of the amount of water used. It’s the more expensive process and ends up with alcohol that’s generally discarded because it’s to diluted.

I was able to sample a few of the eclectic nectars; a lemon infused Gin, the fizzy version of the same Gin, a woody Whiskey, and the mixed Coke and Whiskey.

The Lemon Infused Gin had a smooth clarity to the taste and the lemon very pronounced across the tongue. Not to tart, but not sweet, and certainly without the “gin-bite” that the alcoholic versions give. The fizzy version was refreshing, and not sweet, not at all like a lemon seltzer I had half expected. It was delicious and void of that artificial sugaring synthetic taste that comes with sugar free corner store drinks. 

These were delicious!

Light Weight Across The Tongue And In The Mouth

The Whiskey was smooth, and with a very distinct, what I would like to say, oaky cask like taste. Very clear and flavourful, a taste that was “light weight” across the tongue and in the mouth. Fragrant one might say. The mixed Coke and Whiskey was refreshing, and again with that oddly clear taste. I can’t truly describe it except as to compare it to that filmy feel you get in your mouth after consuming a pop. You just don’t have it after drinking this.

Both fizzy versions are drinks I could see drinking fast, because they are good, and refreshing, possibly in place of pop!

So for all you non-alcoholic drinkers out there, I would certainly recommend getting your shop on here. The same goes for all you others that quite possibly want to add a little extra zest to your other thirst quenching options.

A large variety awaits!

Mocktails

  • Saturday 11am-9pm
  • Sunday 11am-6pm
  • Monday closed
  • Tuesday 11am-8pm
  • Wednesday 11am-8pm
  • Thursday 11am-8pm
  • Friday 11am-9pm

1250 Commercial Dr./ 604-240-6823

IG @mocktailsvancouver

Beer and Bon Voyage: Our travel and tourism Review of Batch 44 Brewery Along Beautiful British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast

Beer and Bon Voyage: Is our travel and tourism review of Batch 44 Brewery in beautiful British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast.

If you’re like any other adult who likes to indulge when you’re out traveling the world, British Columbia is an area you may want to think about adding to your list of destinations. Aside from the obvious beauty of Canada’s westernmost province, it’s also a hotbed of microbreweries, craft distilleries, and vintners that mark much of the region.

Sunshine Coast of BC’s mountainous coastline

Sechelt is a seaside district municipality located on the lower Sunshine Coast, a hop, skip, and a jump from Langdale ferry landing. By boat, being the only way of getting to the Sunshine Coast of BC’s mountainous coastline. Sechelt is approximately 50 km northwest of Vancouver, accessible from the mainland by that 40-minute boat ride.

It is that hop, skip, and jump in your longer travels.

To say scenic is an understatement. Breathtaking would more aptly fit the description of the surrounding geography. Put it on your bucket list and take the sail and road trip!

As per the website, which they’ve kept simple,

Batch 44 Brewery is a family-owned brewery focused on creating high-quality locally crafted beer for all to enjoy and also offering amazing in-house cocktails and local BC wines and cider.

We are a functioning brewery with an on-site tasting lounge, accompanied by a full kitchen, and we think an amazing menu. Come in and enjoy one or more of our latest concoctions and have a peek into the on-site brewery. Our staff are friendly and always have an answer for questions about our beer and the Sunshine Coast.

Batch 44 celebrates everything that makes the Coast what it is: Nature, community, friends & the sense of home. A place to gather with loved ones, best mates or join a long table or just a seat at the bar and make new friends while drinking our amazing award-winning craft beers. Sit on our small but comfortable patio and soak up the sun or relax on a warm summer evening.

No Less Than 16 Brews

On offer at the Brewery are a selection of no less than 16 brews. Delicious, I might add, and I’ve only yet tried the Medusa Lager, a light beer with a lovely clarity, mild sweetness, and a very German feel to the taste and body. It’s a great lager, as I find some microbrewery lagers slightly bitter, which I hate in a lager, unless, however, I’m looking for that.

With more reviews to come as I try them!!

From their Apricot and Cherry Sours to their IPAs and assortment of ales, foodies alike will be happy to pair up your choice of brew with a meal from the full menu of food on order.

The labels are colourful creations by a local Vancouver artist that adorn the cans, and as we all know, I’m about product aesthetics. I like!

They’re a youngish operation, poised to grow into maturity, with my suggestion, you take a trip, and get on out there, you’ll love the environment, and the beauty BC has to offer in this neck of the woods.

Hours of Operation ;

  • Dine-in & Patio: Tuesday 12pm – 8pm Wednesday – Saturday 12pm – 10pm, Sunday 12pm-9pm
  • Kitchen: Tuesday 12pm – 7pm Wednesday – Saturday 12pm-9pm,  Sundays 12pm-8pm
  • Take-Out: Tuesday 12pm – 7pm Wednesday – Sunday 12pm – 8pm 
  • Happy Hours: Food Tuesday  – Saturday 2:00pm – 5:00pm
  • Drinks: Tuesday – Saturday 2:00pm – 5:30pm
  • Late Night Happy Hours: Friday – Saturday 9pm – 11pm

Batch 44 Brewery & Kitchen
5559 Wharf Ave | Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0 |  tel 604-740-3805

Negroni, The Italian Influenced Refreshing Aperitif

Negroni is a cocktail, made of equal parts gin, usually sweet vermouth, and Campari. Campari being the key ingredient with its distinct, almost medicinal flavour, that is mellowed, but strengthened with the addition of the other two ingredients. Not a weakened flavour by any means.

Think of it as 1/3, plus 1/3, plus 1/3, to make that whole, and you’ll never go wrong.

My first memories of Campari was of my Danish cousin drinking it mixed with soda water in Copenhagen to settle her stomach and aid in her digestion. Yes, Campari is considered a stomach bitter, a digestif to help with the digestive enzymes within the stomach. Since I suffer with IBS and digestive problems, it seems a good fit to me.

Beyond that, it tastes refreshing, and if you have as some would say, “the acquired taste” for this combination of spirits, then this apéritif may be just right for you.

Distinct enriching tastes dates as far back as 1920

This delicious union of such distinct enriching tastes dates as far back as 1920 from French Cocktail books. Although Campari mixed with Vermouth are well documented from the 1800’s. It’s reported that Italian drinks called Negroni, and contain Gin, date as far back as 1919.

Even though, it’s not with 100% certainty of the drinks origin or when, it is believed the name came from an Italian Count who loved the meld of ingredients and drank it with wild abandon who developed quite a reputation as a fun loving chap, amongst the men, and of course the ladies.

None the less, it’s delicious, and fast becoming one of my favourites! 

For the most part the key ingredient is the Campari, and can be made in several different variations. 

  • Pepperoni: Uses Dr. Pepper in place of Sweet Vermouth
  • Aperol Negroni: Uses Aperol in place of the Campari
  • Dutch Negroni: Uses Jenever for the London Dry Gin
  • Negroni Sbagliato: Uses sparkling White Wine or Prosecco in place of Gin
  • Negroscan: Uses traditional Scandinavian Akvavit instead of Gin
  • Agavoni or Tegroni: Uses Tequila in place of Gin.
  • White negroni: Gin, Lillet blanc, and Suze
  • Unusual negroni: gin, Aperol and Lillet Blanc
  • Pisco Negroni: Uses Pisco in place of Gin.
  • National Negroni: Uses Chilean Herbal Liqueur Araucano in place of Gin

I’ve yet to try them all, and I will, and even concocting my own which I’ll be sure to share with you all.

Make it the old fashioned way

Yet, when it comes to the original, I make it the old fashioned way of pouring each ingredient over ice in my glass of choice. Usually a vintage, short rocks glass, cause that’s how I roll. 

Gently stir it, and garnish with an orange slice or the twisted rind.

Let it sit for 30 seconds and then catch the first sip, before the ice has had a chance to dilute it further. 

Of course you could just stir it with the ice then strain it into your desired glass and top it off with your garnish of choice and enjoy.

Sam’s Straws Biodegrable Wheat Straws

Sam’s Straws, is an all-Natural and Disposable, Eco-friendly Drinking Accessory, Premium Beverage Straws Set for Parties, BBQ’s and Bar Use.

In my journeys around the world, both in person and online, I’m always doing so with the intention of looking for new things to review and bring to the masses. Ok, so maybe it’s not my intention, but just something I love to do, especially if it’s something worth letting folks in on.

It just so happens that I quite literally stumbled upon a link to Sam Fricker, an Australian Olympic Diver, who competed in the Japan Olympic Games 2021. With numerous other awards under his speedos, one that takes precedent is his recognition as a young environmental activist.

…and a proud ambassador for the Good Human Factory
www.thegoodhumanfactory.com

‘Dive into Clean Oceans’ is the motto as a youth he himself came up with.

A video I’m sure many of us have all seen, is of a turtle having a seemingly endless straw pulled from its nose. In his own words Sam writes;

“When I was 16, I saw the video of a single plastic straw being removed from the nostril of a green sea turtle. It quickly become viral and was watched by millions. Seeing this turtle in so much agony by our everyday use of plastics straws broke my heart. I felt compelled to do something about it and that is how I founded an eco-friendly plastic free drinking straw company with the help of my Mum.”

Thus a more solidified journey began for him; to find a solution for plastic straws.

As a diver and swimmer, it seems only natural that he would develop a desire to clean up the oceans of the world. As the sixth largest country by land mass, and 7th continent, Australia, is completely surrounded by beautiful oceans.

Why wouldn’t we want to protect it from plastic pollutants?

Remember the GBR, Great Barrier Reef? It’s a World Heritage Site listed in 1981 and considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Covering 344,400 square kms, is 2,300 km long or approximately half the length of the Australian Eastern coastline. Why wouldn’t we want to protect it from plastic pollutants?

These straws are unique, fun, and certainly desirable for the enviro conscious lover of cocktails, and drinks of all kind. They’re sold in packs of 200 with options for long and short lengths. They boast some very interesting facts that their plastic and silicone cousins can’t, even the metal reusable ones are lagging behind.

Environmental Facts:

  • 100% Biodegradable
  • 100% NaturalEco Friendly
  • DisposableCompostable
  • FDA Approved
  • Non GMO
  • Organic
  • Gluten Free

These make a great addition to bars all over, even the Tiki bars would be remiss to lose out on these.

They sell out fast, but you can always sign up to to their newsletter so you won’t miss out on the next batch coming our way. I would also suggest taking the time have a thorough look through the site at Sam’s Straws. It’s a very interesting read, and rather inspiring.

We can’t wait to get ours!

Sam’s Straws

Follow him on:

TikTok | Instagram

The Liberty Distillery

The Liberty Distillery is an artisan style local Vancouver award winning distillery that boasts handcrafted, traditional spirits. I was finally able to visit their old world, blended with new world, sampling show room in the heart of Granville Island, local tourist destination over this past holiday season.

Glad I did!

Granville Island is situated under the Granville Street Bridge, some would say centrally located, some not. I find it easily accessible on foot, transportation, or by car. Parking however is a challenge in this rather busy spot, so I would suggest leaving the car at home.

I’m big on aesthetics, and it was the shape of the Gin bottle and pretty colour of the light pink hue that caught my eye on an end-of-summer trip to Salmon Arm where I first discovered the brand. Yes…….. it took me that long to get my proverbial shit together to finally make a visit during a holiday shopping trip to the “island”.

Nestled in one of the original factory warehouses that dot Granville Island, the showroom is more than inviting. It’s a sexy atmospheric, place with deep mahogany wood charm, a gorgeous bottle filled bar, tables full of bar accoutrément, and the ardent spirits on sale.

The distillery is on site and visible through large glass windows off of the showroom, and for me, quite interesting to look at. I love process, and the distillation procedure, as I understand these things, looks as complex as it is intriguing. A process detailed on their website and a great place to indulge in some taste testing and those observations.

Ok, so I wasn’t much into the monitoring of that said process as I was more into the sipping of the gin in the cocktail lounge I decided to sample after thoroughly investigating their detailed menu.

The Endeavour Gin Pink, I had already decided on from when I first laid eyes on it in BC’s Shuswap. Pink is crisp, clean, and very fresh tasting, true to what a great Gin should be! I can only imagine the others from their collection as being equally vibrant.

I stayed for 3, or was that 4?

Who can remember such things lol? I did however, remember to make my purchase choices of the Pink Gin and the triple distilled Trust Southern Whiskey for my partner, a book on Negroni, and some bar tools.

I did mention that are an award winning distillery right? Multiple awards I might add;

“750mL – Limited Release
AWARDS
GOLD WITH DISTINCTION – Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition 2021

GOLD – Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition 2020

BRONZE – San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019

BRONZE – International Wine & Spirit Competition 2017”

liberty distillery whiskey colourful labelled bottles

Each product has a highly detailed page description of what they have on offer. Not just Gin, but a 9 strong assortment of Whiskey in varying flavours, and ages. they also have 3 un-aged whiskies to choose from, 2 vodkas, and 4 different Gins, which includes the Pink I was relishing.

The Pink I was living for is described as below, taken from the product page;

“Inspired by a classic gin cocktail made fashionable in the mid-19th century, Endeavour Pink Gin begins with our triple-distilled, 100% Organic BC wheat spirit. An aromatic blend of (18) botanicals were slowly infused during re-distillation in our single copper pot still. These botanicals were carefully selected for their bouquet, consistency and colour.

Distiller’s Tasting Notes at the Still (72.8% alc./vol.):

The “Heart” cut begins with dominant floral notes with undertones of wild rosehips, then slowly evolves to finish with delicate aromas of wild rose.

In The Bottle (47% alc./vol.):

A compelling complex gin with rose and citrus notes. A variety of wild hip rosehips are combined with a juniper base to produce a stunning all-natural Pink Gin.

On the nose, Endeavour Pink presents delicate notes of floral rose and framboise. Traditional gin botanicals of juniper, coriander and citrus peel follow, and finishes with an intriguing hint of star anise.

On the palate, this is a forthright gin. It pushes the botanicals forward leading to a smooth, lingering finish. Powerful, yet easy to drink on its own; when blended it creates a bright, refreshing cocktail. Its beautiful vibrant pink colour will charm all, and at extra strength (47% alc./vol) will excite gin enthusiasts everywhere.

*Please note this is an all-natural coloured gin and will fade with time and exposure to direct sunlight.”

Service is top-notch from a more than friendly wait staff, and the room filled with happy chatty folks from far and wide. Just the kind of people Granville Island attracts.

You can order from the website, but they only ship domestically. The connoisseurs will find it a very informative website. A fantastic read to educate yourself about the subtle nuances of what goes into this kind of crafting, the history, location, what they have on offer. It’s a lot! I particularly loved their Mission and Values.

“From Grains to Glass. See the Full Story”

Next time your in the area, I highly recommend The Liberty Distillery. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon.

Something To Make You Laugh…..

 

A woman got married and had thirteen children, then her husband died. She married again and had seven more children. Again her husband died. She remarried and this time had five more children. She finally died after having twenty five children.

Standing before her coffin, the preacher prayed for her. He thanked the Lord for this very loving woman and said, “Lord, they’re finally together.”

One mourner leaned over and quietly asked her friend, “Do you think he means her first, second, or third husband?”

The friend replied, “I think he means her legs.”

 

 

 

Summer Time, Parenting Gets Fun!

What to do with these kids?!?!

Some ideas are better than others…

Parent Fail

World Cup Soccer……

Spain Wins the World Cup!!!!!!!!!

The World Cup is over and Spain sits on top of the world, literally. They have even surpassed Brazil as the number one team on the planet, doing so before the final game even started.

Congratulations go out to the soccer team from Spain, they definitely were the better team in defeating the Netherlands, 1-0 in extra time.  I must say, being one of the pre-tournament favorites and the reigning European Champions, it was surprising to see how slowly they started this World Cup Tournament.

While Germany and the Netherlands came out flying, ranking 1 and 2 in goals scored for the tournament, Spain took a more laid back approach. Becoming the lowest scoring team in World Cup history.

Spain’s approach to the game was simple, and quite effective, control the ball by keeping it away from their opponents and score when necessary. While this may seem like a defensive approach to the game of soccer, most of Spain’s goals came late in the game. After they exhausted their opponents. Thus it was easy to score.

Not being a fan of either Spain, Italy or Portugal, due to their constant diving, I was shocked to see how much the Netherlands decided to dive and even try to injure players with high kicks. Aside from that one incidence in the game when ‘half’ the Spanish team decided to lie down in the penalty box, this team was a thrill to watch.

Puyol’s header against Germany was beautiful, and Iniesta’s shot in extra time against the Netherlands, indescribable, even I stood up and cheered.

This team has it all, precision in their passing, finesse with the ball and an immovable force in their captain and goalie, Casillas.

So a toast to Spain and the Netherlands, I will savor the flavors of Sangria and wash it down with a Heineken.

Cheers to the World Cup……The Drink Guy

Eclipse Needs The Drink Guy!

Eclipse is out today, so in honor of the third installment of the Twilight series, and because Lynn is crazy addicted to it all, the cheesiest Vampire joke I could find seemed appropriate. She’ll love it anyway, especially the pictures. I don’t get it, but whatever. It was her birthday this week, so Happy Birthday Lynn.

The Cullen Brothers Go To A Bar

Cullen Boys

Three vampire brothers walk into a bar and sit down at a table.

The waitress comes over and asks the first vampire, Jasper, what he would like.

He responds, “I would like some blood.”

The waitress turns to the second vampire, Emmett, and asks what he would like.

He responds, “I would like some blood.”

The waitress turns to the third vampire, you guessed it, Edward, and asks what he would like.

Edward responds, “I would like some plasma.”

The waitress looks up and says, “Let me see if I have this order correct. You want two bloods and a blood light?”

 

Groan from The Drink Guy fans!

They should have come to see me and ordered the Eclipse, a signature Drink Guy recipe!

Cheers, Glenn

Eclipse Cullen Brothers



Its Monday Again…..

Two guys went out into the woods to do a little duck hunting, and while one kept close watch, the other drank a dozen beers. After considerable time passed, a solitary mallard flew over. The sober guy took aim but missed. “Quick!” he shouted to his drunken buddy. “Try and hit that duck!”

The inebriated guy waved his shotgun in the general direction of the sky, pulled the trigger and damned if he didn’t hit the duck.

“That’s incredible!” exclaimed the sober guy.

“Not really,” said the drunk guy. “When there’s a whole fuckin’ flock, you can’t hardly miss!”

One More….

Two executives, Gary and Bill, staggered out of their companies holiday party in New York City. Bill crossed the street, while Gary stumbled into a subway entrance.

When Bill reached the other side he noticed Gary emerging from the subway stairs.

“Where’ve you been?” Bill slurred.

“I don’t know,” replied Gary, “but you should see the train set that guy has in his basement.”

Now This One is Sad and Real, but Funny as Hell

There’s a law on the books in Memphis, Tennessee, whereby a woman is not to drive a car unless a man warns approaching motorists or pedestrians by walking in front of the car that is being driven.

So who gets charged with D.U.I. if the guy has been drinking? Just a thought.