Here's where to sip a Christmas cocktail in Vancouver

A festive drink can be a lovely way to cap a hectic day of shopping. As usual, creative mixologists at Vancouver’s restaurants and bars have stepped up with some cocktails to keep the Grinch at bay. Here are a few options.

Sip into the Season

Where: Botanist Bar, Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Pl., Vancouver; The Keefer Bar, 135 Keefer St., Vancouver; Laowai, 251 E Georgia St., Vancouver; Meo, 265 E. Pender St., Vancouver; and June, 3305 Cambie St., Vancouver

Until Dec. 25, these five cocktail hot spots are teaming up for a holiday cocktail crawl. Those hardy souls who visit each participating bar can enter for a chance to win a one-night stay in a suite at Fairmont Pacific Rim, plus additional prizes. Selections include Botanist’s Sleigh All Day (Christmas pudding gin, aged rum, red wine, winter spices, black tea, citrus), Meo’s Gingerbread Old Fashioned (Calvados, gingerbread cordial, aromatic bitters, gingerbread cookie), and June’s Noisette Manhattan (brown butter whisky, Calvados, vermouth, Champagne gomme, bitters).

Bacchus Lounge

Where: Wedgewood Hotel, 845 Hornby St., Vancouver

With its fireplace and dark wood walls, the Bacchus in the Wedgewood Hotel seems custom-made for a post-shopping pick-me-up. An eggnog espresso martini, the Snowgroni (with gin, Lillet Blanc, orange-alpine liqueur and spiced honey syrup), and the Mistletoe Fizz are among the seasonal bracers.

Copperpenny Distilling Co.

Where: Unit 103 — 288 Esplanade East, North Vancouver

Earlier this month, the North Vancouver distillery won a pair of gold medals from The Spirits Business Global Gin Masters 2025 for its Lost Horizon Rare Tea Gin and its Ember B.C. Pine Smoked Gin. The latter is featured in Cherry Embers, one of a number of seasonal elixirs offered in Copperpenny’s tasting room. Others include the Holly Ball (with the distillery’s Just-a-Sec triple, Amaro Chiaro, cranberry, grenadine, lemon), Copper Snowflake (Gin 005, Copperpenny’s Figgy Puddin’ liqueur, eggnog), and Penny Cider (with Figgy Puddin’, Just-a-Sec, and hot apple cider). Chef Michael Tiefenboeck has also put together a holiday cheese pairing of his favourite triple cream cheese, Délice de Bourgogne and Figgy Puddin’, served alongside grilled focaccia.

L’Abattoir

Where: 217 Carrall St, Vancouver

The Gastown restaurant is getting on the Christmas action with its Slaughternog 2.0, a libation with rum, sherry, egg, cream, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Says bar manager Alexa Gervais: “Our Slaughternog has become a December tradition for us, and this year we’re having fun with it. Each week brings a new twist on the classic and it’s our way of keeping the season festive, playful and just a little indulgent.” Bonus: the Slaughternog 2.0 is included in L’Abattoir’s happy hour (5-6 p.m. at the bar and all day Wednesday).

Lavantine Restaurant & Skybar

Where: 833 W. Pender St., Vancouver

Enjoy the city Christmas lights 14 flights up at the Lavantine rooftop bar and restaurant. Holiday drinks on the menu include the Christmas Kick Sour (bourbon, spiced mulled wine cordial, foam) and the Naughty Sugar Cane Martini (vodka, dry vermouth, pisco mulita, peppermint house liqueur).

Sweet 7

Where: 1696 Robson St., Vancouver

For those looking for some non-alcoholic options, fruit tea and dessert spot Sweet 7 has you covered. Their holiday drinks include a citrus-based beverage inspired by gingerbread cookies, with oolong tea, orange pulp and a creamy yogurt-style duo duo flavour. The other is Strawberry Coconut Bliss, a creamy slush blended with strawberry purée, coconut jelly, and sago pearls.

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