Bearfoot Bistro

For sheer South Beach-style glamour, you can’t beat the Bearfoot Bistro’s elegant patio, with its luxurious sofas, linen-shirted waiters and outsize parasol to keep you shaded from the sun. As night falls, soft blankets and chill tunes from the resident DJ continue the sophisticated, yet relaxed vibe.

Bar Manager Chris Hoy creates nine signature cocktails each season, and summer is the time he looks to refresh his guests with thirst-quenching, hand-crafted creations. This year, he is focusing the list on tequila and rumbased drinks.

The Mandarin Hemingway is a twist on the classic Hemingway Daiquiri that originated in Havana’s El Floridita bar.

“Hemingway was diabetic, so [he] wanted something tart, fresh and low in sugar.” Hoy explains. “The classic uses rum and grapefruit juice, but I’ve gone with a mix of white grapefruit juice and mandarin.”

He infuses 3-year-old rum with lemongrass, adds the mixed juice, a little mandarin liqueur and a dash of grapefruit bitters, serving it straight up in a frozen coupe.

The stunning garnish is a stalk of lemongrass that holds a “caviar” of mandarin – something like a split pea pod – that can be stirred into the cocktail, or eaten as an accompaniment.

604-932-3433 ext.1 bearfootbistro.com