Becky With the Good Hair from 4296 in Canmore
There’s nothing basic about this drink inspired by Beyonce’s self-empowerment single “Sorry.” A tableside hot infusion brewed before your eyes, Becky With the Good Hair tastes as good as she looks, morphing into a pretty periwinkle shade thanks to the addition of butterfly pea flowers. Spiked with the mellowing effects of honeyed Poli Miele (a grappa-based liqueur) and Park Distillery Glacier Rye, you’ll be in a more forgiving mood after imbibing, trust.
626 8 St., Unit 3, Canmore, fourtwoninesix.ca
Silent Sister from Bluebird Restaurant and Lobby Bar in Banff
Though low in alcohol, Silent Sister’s flavour profile reads like a classic Old Fashioned. Caramel rooibos tea from Jolene’s Tea House and the drink’s single spirit, Clynelish 14, a Highland single malt whisky, are further enhanced by chocolate bitters, oleo saccharum (a sugared oil made with oranges) and garnishes of sage and nutmeg.
218 Lynx St., Banff, bluebirdbanff.com
Afterburner from The Chimney Corner at Banff Sunshine Village
Après-ski gets amped up with this hot sipper named after the notorious mogul-riddled black diamond run on Goat’s Eye Mountain. This herbaceous hot chocolate throws it back to the Alps, with the addition of green chartreuse and Fernet-Branca, an aperitif originally marketed as an Italian medicinal product. Paired with the sweet and comforting nature of cocoa, it’ll kick you into high gear.
Three Sisters from Lake Louise Ski Resort
Carefully layered in three parts, this riff on an Irish coffee pays homage to the iconic peaks it’s named after. The smoky undertone from Eau Claire Distillery’s rye whisky and a shot of espresso highlights the sweetness of maple syrup and rich cream floating atop the boozy beverage. It’s a creamy creation that’ll give you the courage to brave the frosty elements.
Chili Chai Hot Chocolate from Nourish Bistro in Banff
Those looking for a buzz without the blurry lines of alcohol will find it along Banff and Lake Louise’s Hot Chocolate Trail. Infused with dark-chocolate almond milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and chili-chai tea, Nourish Bistro’s Chili Chai Hot Chocolate is a virtuous vegan concoction, polished off with coconut whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings.
110, 211 Bear St., Banff, nourishbistro.com
Smoked Apricot Toddy from Rundle Bar at Fairmont Banff Springs
Bourbon’s classic notes dance with the bright flavours of apricot liqueur in this hot toddy adaptation. A base of Lapsang Souchong tea is cut by a citrusy bite of lemon, while a few dashes of peach bitters tie this luxurious libation together.
405 Spray Ave., Banff, fairmont.com/banff-springs
Wild Blackberry Mule from Wild Life Distillery in Canmore
The perfect pick-me-up on a frosty day, this more-ish mule is best thrown back during a fresh snowfall. Juniper and spice have made everything nice in this winter warmer splashed with Wild Life’s seasonal pink blackberry gin. Plum notes from the gin are highlighted by fresh ginger and a zingy mule syrup. Its lip-smacking teeter-totter of spicy and sweet is sure to keep your taste buds tingling.
160, 105 Bow Meadows Cres., Canmore, wildlifedistillery.ca