Whistler’s Best Cocktails
Any trip to Whistler is a special occasion. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family vacation or simply just treating yourself, having a high-quality cocktail is always the perfect cherry on top. Luckily for you, Whistler has a whole host of amazing venues to drink a delicious cocktail!
What Is A Cocktail?
A cocktail is defined as “an iced drink of wine or distilled liquor mixed with flavouring ingredients”. That's quite a broad definition, which is good news for us cocktail lovers, as it allows for many tasty ingredients to be used.
Who Invented Cocktails?
The early history of cocktails is quite ambiguous. The term ‘cocktail’ was first used in a British newspaper in the late 1700s. However, it wasn’t until the 1860s that cocktails became somewhat popular in bars, mainly in the US. Prohibition was the unlikely catalyst to propel cocktails into the mainstream. During Prohibition alcohol was illegal, so people had to drink homebrew alcohol, which was much lower quality than what they were used to. To mask these imperfections and impurities the drinks were served mixed with bitters, honey, fruit juices, and other sweet ingredients.
Whistler’s Best Cocktails
Dusty’s - the ideal place for a cocktail in any weather. Photo Credit - Justa Jeskova
Whistler’s Best Old Fashioned - Dusty’s Bar & Grill
Dusty’s Bar & BBQ, which is handily located only a short stroll from First Tracks Lodge, serves up Whistler’s best Old Fashioned. Theirs is called the Smoked Old Fashioned, which uses Bulleit bourbon, as well as smoked simple syrup, orange bitters, and an orange peel. This drink compliments the rustic, wooden interior of Whistler’s original apres bar. Make sure you check out their food menu, which is just as good as their cocktail menu!
Whistler’s Best Negroni - The Raven Room
The latest addition to Whistler’s roster of cocktail bars, The Raven Room gives visitors an intimate environment for a special gettogether. Their bar stocks all you need for an excellent cocktail menu, while the owners are some of the best cocktail makers in town. When you go, you must try their Negroni. Made with Beefeater gin, Campari, Cinzano sweet vermouth, orange zest and handcrafted to perfection, it’s a local favorite.
Get a birdseye view of Whistler from The GLC. Photo Credit - Justa Jeskova
Whistler’s Best Margarita - The GLC Bar & Grill
The GLC Bar & Grill has been a favourite with locals and visitors for years now. It’s location, at the base of Whistler Mountain, makes it the perfect place to soak up the bubbling atmosphere of Whistler. Thanks to their recent renovation of the patio, the GLC is more popular than ever!
Thankfully, their menu looks just as good as their renovation! The highlight of their cocktail menu is their Jalapeno Margarita. Made with El Jimador Blanco tequila, jalapeno syrup, fresh lime, and a smoked paprika salt rim, it’s sure to add a little spice to your night!
Merlin’s Caesars are always a hit! Photo Credit- Mike Crane
Whistler’s Best Caesar - Merlin’s Bar & Grill
Whistler’s most laid back bar, with one of the best patios - what’s not to like? Merlin’s Bar and Grill is Upper Village’s best bar. With great views of Blackcomb Mountain and Blackcomb Gondola, it’s hard to think of a better place for a cocktail than Merlin’s! Merlin’s also happens to have Whistler’s best Caesar menu.
While the classic Caesar is hard to beat, I think The Jester Caesar may just be the best! It’s a classic Caesar loaded with chicken wings, onion rings, cured bacon, Black Tusk beef jerky! You really have to see it to believe it!
Whistler’s Best Martini - Basalt Wine & Salumeria
Basalt Wine & Salumeria is a staple on the Village Stroll. With its patio jutting out into the stroll, it’s the perfect place to cozy up with a dreamy cocktail and spend an evening people watching. No cocktail ‘Best of’ list is complete without a martini, and Basalt’s Improved French Martini is worthy of its place here. Marquis De Villiard, Chambord, pineapple juice, lemon juice are all mixed by the expert staff here to create a very memorable drink.
No matter your taste in cocktails, you can be sure that any drink at these fine establishments will be the perfect compliment to your Whistler getaway!
