For booze aficionados, a well-crafted cocktail is a sublime thing, and in Winnipeg there are several establishments where you can get one (or two, or three, depending on the kind of night that you have in mind). Here’s where you can find the best cocktails in Winnipeg. Cheers!
Blind Tiger. Hipster coffee lounge by day, cool bar by night, Blind Tiger is an excellent place to stop for a cocktail. Knowledgable bartenders select perfect blends from their “mixology apothecary” (as they call it), and craft some of the absolute best drinks in the city. Try the Kentucky Unicorn (a kicked-up Old Fashioned made with Bulleit Bourbon and some really interesting bitters), or the Lady Elaine (rye whiskey, earl grey tea, grapefruit and lemon juice, cardamon bitters), or stick to well known classics perfectly executed. Blind Tiger also has a superb menu of French indulgences should you want to eat too.
The Roost Social House. This teeny tiny bar only seats 18, but when the weather is good and their patio is open there is space for another 50 eager patrons. The cocktails are playful and tasty, for example The Magpie is made up of Tin Cup Whiskey, black tea, chickpea brine, and a pickled walnut. There’s also the fabulous sounding Coffee & A Smoke, also with Tin Cup Whiskey, but paired with espresso infused Kahlua, and Laphroiag. (Fancy some nibbles? They also have a sweet sharing plate menu.)
Prairie 360 Skyline Restaurant and Lounge. Come here for an amazing panoramic view of downtown Winnipeg in this revived and refreshed revolving lounge, and a fantastic range of cocktails that draw from their collection of 237 different spirits. For a truly Winnipeg inspired drink, order the Winnie the Pooh, made with Crown Royal, honey, red-wine, lemon juice, egg white, and orange flower water. If you go for food too, farm to table is the name of the game, and the generous plates are beautifully done.
The Palm Lounge at the Fort Garry Hotel. If you love old-school swanky cocktail places, then this is the one for you. Head here for all your classics, such as a well-made Rob Roy, Rusty Nail, Tequila Sunrise etc. There’s also a martini and daiquiri selection, as well as boozy coffees and teas to order. There’s live music every night at the Palm Lounge, so it is a great place to catch some local music when you’re in town.
Rae and Jerry’s. This steakhouse has a fab retro cocktail menu, and being that the place has changed very little since 1957 it has an authenticity that you just won’t find anywhere else. The martinis there are deadly and delicious, the food menu is retro too (and fabulous for it – pickled herring, anyone?).
Winnipeg is a fun city to explore, whether you like to imbibe or not. Planning a trip there? We have beautiful suites in the heart of the city to accommodate singles, couples, and larger groups. Contact us to find out more.
Image by Patrick Schöpflin.