Vancouver’s best bars for South American inspired cocktails
Things can get chilly above the 49th parallel. Thankfully, Vancouver’s restaurants and bars are heating up with flavourful cocktails inspired by South American tradition: think Cuba libres, pisco sours, caipirinhas and classic margaritas. Here are a few local venues that serve up drinks with Latin liquors and tasty food from below the equator. [Photo courtesy of Cuchillo]
Baru Latino
2535 Alma St, Vancouver, BC V6R 3R8When it comes to the Latin food scene in Vancouver, Baru Latino is one of the originals. Located on the western edge of Point Grey, this intimate neighbourhood spot serves proper versions of the classics, including two citrusy faves: a Mexican paloma (with tequila and grapefruit), and a Brazilian caipirinha made with muddled lime and cachaça. You’ll also find a handful of original signature cocktails on the menu, such as the Baru Caesar, which gets its smoky flavour from chipotle-infused mezcal.
Los Cuervos Taqueria
603 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3K5Margaritas rule at Los Cuervos — and really, what pairs better with their exceptional tacos? The margaritas are made with fresh ingredients, quality tequila and organic agave syrup. Lime, cucumber and hibiscus flavour are always on the menu, while an ever-changing specialty margarita features what’s in season, like blackberries at the end of summer.
Chicha Restaurant
136 Broadway E, Vancouver, BC V5T 1V9Perhaps the best place to grab a seat at Chicha is at the bar, so you can watch the bartenders work their magic with pisco. The popular Peruvian restaurant offers eight different cocktails that use the South American grape brandy. Start with the pisco sour, which is Peru’s national drink, and work your way through Chicha’s creative and delicious libations while you enjoy sharing plates of grilled meat skewers, ceviche, plantain chips, empanadas and more.
Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio - False Creek
1600 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2L9More than two centuries ago, Japanese people began immigrating to Peru — originally in search of gold, and later in search of work as farmers. Today, Peru has the second largest Japanese population in the continent. Ancora celebrates this lesser-known diaspora with a unique menu of Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine highlighted by fresh, locally sourced seafood. Their cocktail menu showcases two iconic spirits from both countries: Japanese whiskey and a variety of different piscos from south of the border.
El Camino's
3250 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3M5Tequila goes down easy at El Camino’s. This lively Mount Pleasant hangout has a deep selection of tequila and mezcal that will impress aficionados. Several Latin American countries are represented on the cantina’s impressive cocktail list, including Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Cuba and Peru. The drinks are expertly prepared and generous: every drink is a double.
Lucky Taco
1685 Yew St, Vancouver, BC V6K 3E6It’s a fiesta every day at Lucky Taco. Located just up the road from Kits Beach, this tiny taco shop’s menu isn’t necessarily authentic, but the aim is to offer fun and crowd-pleasing food and drinks. The cocktail list includes a number of Latin-inspired libations such as the Oaxaca-style old fashioned, pink sangria, frozen paloma slurpees, and a tequila-based Señor Frog cocktail made with chartreuse, herbs and egg white. Gather a group of amigos and make your margarita into a fishbowl to share.
Cuchillo Restaurant
261 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1G3Like its food menu, the drink list at Cuchillo is inspired by several Latin American cultures. While their mojitos and margaritas are tried-and-true go-tos, the Estaban Canal (made with thyme and cilantro infused pisco, pear nectar, lime, honey and egg whites) is one example of how Cuchillo’s talented bartenders can take South American flavours and add their own modern spin.
La Mezcaleria
1622 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3Y4Drinks are bright and fruity at La Mezcal, a popular hangout for locals and visitors on The Drive. The owners are proud of their Mexican heritage and the culinary tradition; that’s why tequila and mezcal are front and centre in all their cocktails. The Coquito is a standout drink that’s made with tequila and mezcal and infused lime and coconut flavours.
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