Photo: Orange Girl Photographs

Imbibing in Alberta has never been better. Cocktail centric restaurants are popping up all over the province.
 
Calgary has a spirited history. Canada’s favourite cocktail, the Caesar, was invented in the city in 1969. Today’s mixologists are carrying on the tradition of innovation. Raw Bar has been at the forefront of the cocktail scene for years. Visitors should also check out Proof, The Nash and the newest addition, Klein/Harris by James Waters and Christina Mah.  
 
Raise two cocktail pinkies way up for the capital’s creative cocktail scene. In Edmonton, visitors can choose from over 140 tequilas and mezcals paired with great Mexican food at El Cortez. Other great cocktail centric choices include Woodwork,  Bar Bricco and the latest edition, Bar Clementine.

 
Photo: Chris Amat @christopheramat

The best place to start or end an evening in Red Deer is the new To The Lost cocktail lounge. Creative cocktails are served alongside tasty charcuterie from The Red Boar Smokery next door.
 
Craft Distilleries are taking Alberta’s bounty from seed to sip. In Turner Valley, Eau Claire Distillery was Alberta’s first single malt whiskey distillery, after pioneering their vodka and gin. Park Distillery showcases the distillation process in their new distillery restaurant in downtown Banff.