News About Booze
There are moments in life that call for a good drink. Sometimes it's a big celebration, with pomp and pageantry. Sometimes it’s the slow exhale after work — that first sip that tells you it’s time to unwind. Other times, it’s about turning the ordinary into something just a little more special, a reminder that flavour can be its own small celebration.
A cocktail isn’t just about what’s in the glass. It’s about a curiosity, the way a squeeze of citrus or a sprig of mint can change everything. It’s about connection too — a reason to sit a little longer, talk a little deeper, or toast to nothing in particular.
And for some of us, it’s pure craft, the small satisfaction of balance — spirit, sweetness, and acid in quiet harmony. A drink made right can make even a Tuesday night feel worth raising a glass to.
Articles
The Evolution of Beer Culture:
From Global Trends to British Columbia and Nanaimo A west coast sunset on the patio at Dog Mountain Brewing in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. The beer industry is undergoing […]
Articles
Tequila – The Spirit of the Summer?
Fun fact: Tequila is the fastest growing spirit in North America. Not surprising given the promotionand celebrity tequila enjoys today. With it's unique flavour, it is a versatile spirit, enjoyed […]
Articles
St Patrick’s Day
Every year on March 17, people across the globe celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades, music, and perhaps most famously, a good measure of Irish drink. What began as a […]
Articles
Soju — A National Tradition
Unlike Japan’s storied sake tradition—shaped over centuries by codified brewing practices, meticulous rice polishing, and clear distinctions such as Junmai, made solely from rice and water—South Korea’s national beverage followed […]
Articles
What is Sake Anyway?
Long thought as simply rice wine, the brewed rice alcohol beverage known as Sake in North America can be a very complex and special libation. If you were to ask […]
Articles
Welcome the year of the FIRE HORSE
In celebration of Lunar New Year across Southeast Asia and in North America—particularly in cities with longstanding Asian communities such as San Francisco, Vancouver, and on Vancouver Island. The first […]
Articles
Happy Valentine Long Weekend
Valentine's Day February 14th Valentine’s Day, celebrated each year on February 14, has a history that blends ancient ritual, Christian legend, and years of changing romantic tradition. The earliest link […]
Articles
Dry January
Dry January is exactly what it sounds like: a month-long break from alcohol, usually taken during the chilly, wallet-recovering days of January. For 31 days, participants swap wine glasses for […]
You May Also Enjoy
Cocktails
Soju Mojito
Meet the Soju Mojito — minty, limey, and refreshingly less committed to bad decisions than its rum-fueled cousin. This Korean twist on a classic Mojito swaps in soju, the drink […]
Cocktails
Sumo in a Sidecar
Not your granddad’s Sidecar — we’ve taken a little detour through the orchard and a sake brewery. Apricot brandy brings the sunshine, Azakura Junmai sake keeps things smooth and a […]
Mocktails
Sassy Southern Belle
Bright, bubbly, and just a little bit cheeky, the Sassy Southern Belle brings a cool minty breeze to any warm spring day. It starts crisp and refreshing with a fizzy […]
Cocktails
Oaks Lily
Equal parts charm and cheek, the Oaks Lily is the flirty cousin of your usual citrus spritz—showing up in pink and stealing attention without even trying. Crisp, refreshing, and a […]
Cocktails
Orange Creamsicle Margarita
The Orange Creamsicle Margarita — sunshine in a glass with a mischievous streak. All bright citrus and creamy nostalgia, like chasing the ice cream truck… except now you’re the one […]
Cocktails
Classic Paloma
The Paloma. It’s the laid-back cousin of the Margarita who doesn’t need salt rims or extra flair to steal the spotlight, but dresses up real nice if you feel like […]
Cocktails
Cucumber and Mint Lemonade with Tequila
Crisp, cool, and just a little bit dangerous.Fresh cucumber and mint muddled with lemon and sugar, mixed up with tequila (or not), then topped with a sparkle — basically sunshine […]
Cocktails
The Daisy Buchanan Gin Cocktail
Soft, floral, and deceptively easygoing Gin meets chamomile, elderflower, and a squeeze of lemon for a cocktail that’s equal parts grace and mischief. A little nod to Daisy Buchanan — […]
Cocktails
Negroni Rosa
Meet the Negroni Rosa a little number we found from Empress 1908 Gin right here on Vancouver Island. It's a cheeky little number with a deep ruby glow and just […]
Cocktails
Gardeners Spritz
This refreshing little taste of heaven we found from Empress 1908 Gin. Somewhere between a Hugo Spritz and a French 75… kind of like we got distracted by the garden […]
Cocktails
Shamrocked
Meet the Shamrocked by Therapy in Las Vegas. What happens when Irish charm takes a slightly questionable trip to Sin City. A lively splash of Melon liqueur gives it that […]
Cocktails
Black Velvet
A little fancy, a little rebellious.Sparkling wine meets rich Guinness Extra Stout in this classic layered drink—bright bubbles floating above a dark, velvety base. It looks like a magic trick […]