The Vancouver Holiday Cocktail Challenge was a success featuring Holiday cocktail creations from restaurants around Vancouver. Each establishment featured their creation from November 15 – December 10, 2023 .
The Winners are:
1st Place:
{106 points}
Food by Fanta
Co Co Christmas
Price $16
Created by: Davina, Keita and Katy
Description: Introducing our Co Co Christmas cocktail. Our Thai inspired cocktail blends aromatic Pandan Vodka (infused in house), Coconut Tequila, sweetened coconut cream and fresh lime juice. Frozen melon balls add another depth of flavor as they slowly infuse the cocktail. Garnished with dehydrated Starfruit dusted with hibiscus sugar. One sip and you’ll feel like you’re on holiday in Thailand.
Our holiday offering is inspired by one of Chef Fanta’s favorite Thai desserts known as Thang Thai Krati Sod. This beloved dessert is eaten during times of celebration and we’ve taken those flavor profiles and crafted our own unique cocktail.
Ingredients: Pandan Infused Vodka, Coconut Tequila, Sweetened Coconut Cream (sweetened with Palm sugar), Frozen Melon Balls, Garnished w/dehydrated Starfruit dusted with Hibiscus sugar, Toasted coconut rim with hibiscus sugar.
Offered: Lunch and Dinner
Food by Fanta
20542 Fraser Hwy, Langley
Tel; (604) 530-6803
Instagram @foodbyfanta
2nd Place:
{98 points}
Vivace on the Drive
Vivace Wonder Land
Price: $16
Created by: Bar Manager Sylvain
Description: Introducing the Vivace Wonderland Holiday Cocktail, a festive and indulgent drink perfect for the holiday season. Made with smooth vanilla vodka and rich white chocolate liquor, this cocktail is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The addition of half and half creates a creamy texture, while the whipped cream and Christmas sprinkles add a touch of whimsy. To top it off, the cocktail is garnished with white chocolate snow, making it a truly magical experience. Enjoy the holidays in style with the Vivace Wonderland Holiday Cocktail.
Ingredients: Half and half, White chocolate LIQOUR, Vanilla vodka; Finished with whip cream Christmas sprinkles and dusted white chocolate.
Offered: from 5pm until close (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
Available: Dine in only
Vivace on the Drive
1728 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Tel: 604) 253-0888
Web: https://vivaceonthedrive.ca/
Instagram @vivaceonthedrive
3rd Place:
{97 points}
75 West Coast Grill
Raincouver Sour
Price: $15
Created by: Bartender Moon Lee
Description: The Raincouver Sour is a tantalizing cocktail that marries the rich, oaky notes of Canadian rye whiskey with the exquisite sweetness of Hungarian golden pear liqueur. We’ve added Drambuie (hint of honey & spice), rosemary & cinnamon syrup (aromatic & herbal twist) and a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy zing. Topped with egg white for a frothy cap, a few dashes of Angostura bitters and garnished with fresh rosemary and a thin lemon chip. Enjoy responsibly!
Ingredients: Canadian rye whiskey, Hungarian Golden Pear, Drambuie, egg white, rosemary & cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, Angostura bitter, lemon chip, cinnamon powder
Offered: All the time
75 West Coast Grill
7571 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
Tel:(604) 232-2804
Instagram @75westyvr
In the People’s Choice Awards category, the public who tried the Holiday cocktail creations were the ones who had the opportunity to cast their vote throughout the challenge.
The Winners are:
1st Place People’s Choice:
Food by Fanta
Co Co Christmas
Price $16
Created by: Davina, Keita and Katy
Description: Introducing our Co Co Christmas cocktail. Our Thai inspired cocktail blends aromatic Pandan Vodka (infused in house), Coconut Tequila, sweetened coconut cream and fresh lime juice. Frozen melon balls add another depth of flavor as they slowly infuse the cocktail. Garnished with dehydrated Starfruit dusted with hibiscus sugar. One sip and you’ll feel like you’re on holiday in Thailand.
Our holiday offering is inspired by one of Chef Fanta’s favorite Thai desserts known as Thang Thai Krati Sod. This beloved dessert is eaten during times of celebration and we’ve taken those flavor profiles and crafted our own unique cocktail.
Ingredients: Pandan Infused Vodka, Coconut Tequila, Sweetened Coconut Cream (sweetened with Palm sugar), Frozen Melon Balls, Garnished w/dehydrated Starfruit dusted with Hibiscus sugar, Toasted coconut rim with hibiscus sugar.
Offered: Lunch and Dinner
Food by Fanta
20542 Fraser Hwy, Langley
Tel; (604) 530-6803
Instagram @foodbyfanta
2nd Place People’s Choice
Vivace on the Drive
Vivace Wonder Land
Price: $16
Created by: Bar Manager Sylvain
Description: Introducing the Vivace Wonderland Holiday Cocktail, a festive and indulgent drink perfect for the holiday season. Made with smooth vanilla vodka and rich white chocolate liquor, this cocktail is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The addition of half and half creates a creamy texture, while the whipped cream and Christmas sprinkles add a touch of whimsy. To top it off, the cocktail is garnished with white chocolate snow, making it a truly magical experience. Enjoy the holidays in style with the Vivace Wonderland Holiday Cocktail.
Ingredients: Half and half, White chocolate LIQOUR, Vanilla vodka; Finished with whip cream Christmas sprinkles and dusted white chocolate.
Offered: from 5pm until close (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
Available: Dine in only
Vivace on the Drive
1728 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Tel: 604) 253-0888
Web: https://vivaceonthedrive.ca/
Instagram @vivaceonthedrive
3rd Place People’s Choice
75 West Coast Grill
Raincouver Sour
Price: $15
Created by: Bartender Moon Lee
Description: The Raincouver Sour is a tantalizing cocktail that marries the rich, oaky notes of Canadian rye whiskey with the exquisite sweetness of Hungarian golden pear liqueur. We’ve added Drambuie (hint of honey & spice), rosemary & cinnamon syrup (aromatic & herbal twist) and a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy zing. Topped with egg white for a frothy cap, a few dashes of Angostura bitters and garnished with fresh rosemary and a thin lemon chip. Enjoy responsibly!
Ingredients: Canadian rye whiskey, Hungarian Golden Pear, Drambuie, egg white, rosemary & cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, Angostura bitter, lemon chip, cinnamon powder
Offered: All the time
75 West Coast Grill
7571 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
Tel:(604) 232-2804
Instagram @75westyvr
Our Media judges for this challenge were: Maggi Mei, Danny Koa and Joyce Lam.
Thank you to the restaurants that accepted my invitation and featured the Holiday Cocktail Challenge creations on the menu for the past few weeks during this challenge.
I encourage you to visit the winning spots to try their Holiday Cocktail creations! See all the Challenge Entries Here.
By: Richard Wolak