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Let’s talk about something exciting for the new year—Vancouver Cocktail Week (VCW) 2025, now entering its fourth year.

holiday sipping: Mead. Also known as “honey wine,” mead is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world, made by fermenting honey

We’ve already touched on one of the five essential elements of a good whiskey: smoke. But why stop there? Smoke can transform other cocktails too, enhancing both the flavour and the aesthetic of your drinks. It’s that little touch of je ne sais quoi that elevates your beverage from ordinary to extraordinary. And have I got the perfect find for you! Discovering Spirits with Smoke While exploring the Vancouver Circle Craft Market, I stumbled upon a booth that immediately caught my attention. From afar, I saw smoke curling through the air—was something on fire? As I got closer, I...

1803 Candles—100% soy wax creations that deliver exceptional quality, sustainability, and some of the most evocative scents you can imagine.

Glögg is the quintessential Nordic winter warmer—a spiced, often alcoholic mulled wine or spirit cherished across Scandinavia, from Denmark to Sweden, Norway, Finland, and even Estonia. This festive elixir is a hallmark of the holiday season, evoking cozy evenings and the nostalgic glow of shared merriment. For a deeper dive into its storied past, including the unexpected impact of prohibition (or lack thereof), check out the history on Wikipedia. But today, we’re here to talk flavour, tradition, and how to bring this beloved drink to life in your own home. A Sip of Nostalgia Glögg...

While my aesthetic these days leans heavily into the sleek, pseudo-futuristic charm of mid-century modern design—think the 1960s vision of tomorrow—I’ve always carried the heart of an old punk rocker and Goth. That side of me, dark and brooding, tends to surface, especially during the holiday season. Candlelight, heavy shadows, and a glass of something warming in hand—it’s my kind of festive. For some time now, I’ve been on a quiet quest for the perfect chalice—a vessel worthy of sipping wine, mead, or Glögg in a room bathed in flickering candlelight. Despite endless...

If you’re in Vancouver and love all things vintage, chances are you’ve already fallen in love with Attic Treasures. It’s one of our favourite spots for uncovering mid-century modern, retro, and vintage gems. From glassware to décor, it’s a haven for collectors and enthusiasts alike. On my most recent treasure hunt, I unearthed a few fabulous finds perfect for the ultimate beverage host—or anyone looking to elevate their cocktail game. Here’s what I discovered: 1. Thermal Jugs These beauties, retired from the Four Seasons, are ready for a second act. They’re perfect...

Ask a Dane if they like licorice, and 90% will give you a resounding “yes!” Ask again if they love Salmiak licorice, and you’ll probably get an even higher percentage. As a first-generation Canadian with Danish roots, I can honestly say I grew up on this stuff—starting at just six months old. Most North Americans cringe at the thought of salty licorice, but in my family, it was the ultimate joke: give a baby Salmiak and watch the hilariously scrunched-up faces that follow. It’s the Danish equivalent of handing a baby a lemon or onion just to see the reaction. The joke didn’t...

Let’s shake things up on Day 6 of The Drink Guy’s Advent with a spirit that embodies quality and craftsmanship: Truth Vodka from Liberty Distillery. Produced right on Granville Island in the heart of Vancouver, this oat-based vodka is an award-winning gem that deserves a spot on your holiday bar cart. Crafted with care in small batches using 100% organic BC oats, Truth Vodka is a testament to Liberty Distillery’s commitment to clean, pure spirits. Drawing inspiration from distilling traditions dating back to 1842, their process is as meticulous as it is fascinating. Distilled three...

For Day 5 of The Drink Guy’s Advent, we’re sharing a touch of Scandinavian-inspired nostalgia with a homemade recipe: Jule Syrup. This sweet and mildly spiced blend is perfect for enhancing any holiday drink—be it a beer, cocktail, glass of wine, or even a cozy warm beverage. Rooted in the traditions of Juløl (Scandinavian Christmas beer) and passed down through generations, this family recipe is as versatile as it is delightful. Whether you’re looking to add depth to a crisp lager or a hint of magic to your mulled wine, Jule Syrup is the secret ingredient you didn’t know you...