Shareable cocktails are giant cocktails that legally require a minimum number of people to order them. Like ordering a bottle of wine for the table, it’s often the most cost effective way to order as well. This past summer, you may have seen photos of giant brass cups and mason jars filled with multiple colourful straws pop up on your Instagram feed. But thankfully, there are a few restaurants and bars around Calgary that have kept them on the menu for the long haul.
Cactus Club Cafe
This 12-ounce Moscow Mule (which Cactus Club Cafe calls the “Texas Mule”) isn’t officially listed on the menu, but it is available at all three Calgary locations if you ask for it. It’s for a minimum of four people and costs $65. Pair it with some sharable plates for the table such as the Szechuan lettuce wraps and truffle fries.
Multiple locations, cactusclubcafe.com
Earls
If you’re craving something tropical when the weather outside is looking frightful, head to one of Earls’ eight locations for a sharable margarita, sangria, Moscow Mule or mojito (availability could differ at each location). There’s the “Little Spoon,” which is a four-ounce option for two people ($28), and the “Big Spoon,” which is an eight-ounce option for four people ($48). At the Banker’s Hall location, snag a sharable cocktail for just $23.50 during its daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. and from 9 p.m. until close.
Multiple locations, earls.ca
Greta
The newest bar in The Beltline is a great place to bring a group of friends. Greta features two floors with more than 50 arcade games, a dance floor, street food eats and several sharable cocktail options. The six-ounce cocktails must be shared by at least two people, while the 12-ounce cocktails need to be shared by at least four people. Try the No Regrets, made with spiced rum, chambord, grapefruit juice and tropical Red Bull.
213 10 Ave. S.W., 403-479-7842, gretasbar.com
Leopold’s Tavern
On Tuesdays, head to Leopold’s Tavern in the Beltline or Bowness for a six-ounce margarita for $21. They’re available all day in both classic lime or pomegranate flavours. A minimum of two people are required to order this drink. You can get $3 tacos from 4 p.m. until close on Tuesdays.
1201 1 St. S.W., 587-350-5367 and 6512 Bowness Rd. N.W., 403-475-5367, leopoldstavern.com
Revival Brewcade
Revival Brewcade has more than just craft beer and arcade games. The menu also includes four kinds of eight-ounce punch bowls for $45 for a minimum of four people. And if you go during happy hour (Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m.), they’re just $39. When you’re done, Revival has more than 20 pinball and other arcade games to keep your group entertained.
1217B 9 Ave. S.E., 587-893-2337, revivalbrewcade.com
Tropical
This Latin Street food restaurant and bar on 17th Avenue S.W. is a popular spot for margaritas and tacos during its daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. But if you really want to go for it, a minimum of three people can order the 12-ounce giant Margarita for $35, which is available in nine flavours including watermelon, chili mango, lime and guava.
1424 17 Ave. S.W., 403-909-5225, tropicalon17.com