Vancouver’s Holiday Spirit in a Mug: Festive Drinks & Markets

Eggnog remains a beloved winter beverage, and in Vancouver several establishments are pouring handcrafted versions with festive twists. In South Granville, West Restaurant’s lead bartender David Wolowidnyk has put his spin on the classic with a Moroccan Almond Nog. His recipe layers eggs, sugar and gin with warming spices — cinnamon, crushed cardamom pods, pink peppercorns, star anise and fennel seed — and finishes with almond milk for a fragrant, nutty profile.

At the historic Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Bel Café’s culinary team under chef David Hawksworth serves Eggnog Lattes that make a cozy shopping-break indulgence. Their latte-style preparation enhances the milk, cream and sugar base with vanilla bean, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, and is available with or without a splash of rum.

Food enthusiasts already flock to Chambar on Beatty Street, and the holiday menu adds another draw: the Mount Gay Eclipse. This rich cocktail blends caramel and chili-spiced reduced milk with eggs, Mount Gay Eclipse rum, a touch of Drambuie, black walnut bitters and grated tonka bean for deep, aromatic complexity. Over in Gastown, the century-old Pourhouse pours a classic Brandy Flip — a smooth combination of eggs, Spanish brandy, simple syrup and freshly grated nutmeg — and the experienced bar staff are happy to share stories about eggnog’s history while they serve.

These Vancouver spots showcase how a simple mix of eggs, dairy and spirits can be transformed by thoughtful ingredients and skilled bartending into seasonal drinks that feel both traditional and new. Whether you prefer a spice-forward nog, a latte-style version, or a boozy flip, local bars and cafes offer memorable variations that celebrate the flavors of the season.

You may also like:

GT Blog: Vancouver’s Chinese Garden

Go Wild In British Columbia