Olympic victories demand serious celebration. When it’s time to toast during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, why not lift one of these locally inspired Canadian libations?
Raise the bar
Why should Olympians have all the fun? Make your own personal torch ceremony at Fifty Two 80 Bar at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, BC. The “2010 Torch Cocktail”—a flaming blend of pear purée, Monavie energy drink and lemongrass-infused vodka—is served in a torch-inspired copper glass and passed from server to server in relay style.
The “Triple Lutz” appropriately tops the list of Olympic Legacy Cocktails at Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Mallard Lounge and Terrace. Named for the figure skating jump first dared by Canadian Donald Jackson in a world championship, the high-flying drink mixes British Columbia’s own Victoria Gin, Ontario ice wine, and Newfoundland and Labrador’s Crystal Head Vodka. (Maybe they should rename it the “Triple Threat”…)
YEW restaurant + bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, BC, is rolling out three edgy new concoctions. Canadian rye infused with Quebec maple sugar citrus gives the “Bronze Montréal 1976” its zip. A cowboy twist on the classic Caesar—which, incidentally, was invented by a Calgary, AB bartender 40 years ago—the “Silver Calgary 1988” blends Buffalo Jerky infused Vodka and house-made clamato juice. The winning mix behind “Gold Vancouver 2010” is Victoria Gin infused with dill and cucumber, plus citrus, egg white and candied smoked salmon garnish.
Grin and beer it
Can’t get to Whistler to watch the Olympics live? Drown your sorrows with an award-winning pint from the Whistler Brewing Company—all made with genuine Coast Mountains glacier water. Toast gold with gold: the German Malted Wheat Ale took top prize at the 2009 Canadian Brewing Awards.
Grape expectations
It’s just not a party until you’ve popped some bubbly and British Columbia’s own Sumac Ridge Estate Winery will release a new sparkling wine called Tribute just in time for the 2010 Winter Games. Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes in the traditional Methode classique, it pairs nicely with buttered popcorn—served in front of a big screen TV perhaps?
Absolutely tasty
The label for the new ABSOLUT VANCOUVER bottle was created by celebrated British Columbia artist Douglas Fraser, but you don’t need an art degree to enjoy the contents. Only 60,000 of the limited edition bottle are available in British Columbia liquor stores. (That should be just enough to toast all those gold medals.)