MAGIC CHAIR

“Sure, we have the classics, but if we didn’t put a tweak of ourselves into cocktail recipes, bar culture would only have about 30 drinks instead of thousands,” Maxime Lambert, the Mallard Lounge’s bar manager, says with a chuckle. “Plus, there’s something special about delivering a drink to one of our guests that was invented right here.” “Right here” at the Mallard Lounge (just off the welcoming lobby of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler) is probably one of the coziest spots in Whistler, especially throughout the winter season thanks to roaring fires, comfy sofas and homey armchairs. “You can’t help loving this lounge,” says Maxime. “Live music, 110 different whiskies behind the bar, great food and that feeling that you’re in a rustic chalet … perfect for winter.” A riff on a gin Martini, Maxime’s Magic Chair creation is made with award-winning Vancouver Island Sheringham Gin, St. Germain Elderflower, Inniskillin ice wine and a touch of theatrics thanks to Spirdust, a powder with impressive qualities that doesn’t alter the taste or texture of the drink. “We dip an Amarena cherry in the Spirdust,” Lambert explains, “and then drop it into the cocktail and swirl it around. It goes from clear to a sparkling silvery and pink drink.” Likely to be an instant Instagram video hit, the Magic Chair gives a glittery shimmer and offers up a sweeter, more floral take on the classic Martini. With a palette of 10 colours to choose from (“Bartender’s choice or you can pick,” Lambert says.), you can drink your way through the rainbow at the Mallard Lounge this season. MALLARD LOUNGE AND TERRACE AT FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER 604-938-8000 | fairmont.com/whistler/dining