Six Spots for Crafty Cocktails in YQG
While our region is renowned for its vibrant, ever-evolving culinary scene, our craft cocktail game is equally strong.
Whether you prefer to sip on something classic or sample inventive new concoctions, you’ll find many unique establishments across Windsor-Essex where mixology is elevated to an art form.
Looking to discover a new favourite watering hole? Let us take you on a tour of six must-visit spots for crafty cocktails, each offering a distinct ambiance and a menu filled with imaginative drinks that promise to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your night out.
Funky Chow Kitchen
Known for their shareable Asian-fusion fare, this trendy Walkerville restaurant is also home to an impressive selection of fun and funky libations.
Popular choices are the Voltaire No6 made with Tanqueray Rangpur gin, St. Germaine, lime, and chili litchi and the Kokonatsu: coconut tequila, Aperol, lime, simple syrup, orange and coconut cream and garnished with cherry blossom petals.
Of course, they’ve also perfected classics like the Negroni, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, as well as margaritas from their sister restaurant, Grand Cantina.
Looking for something truly unique? Check out their sake flights: 2-ounce pours of their house sake along with two surprise sake selections, or make a splash with a theatrical sake bomb experience that involves chopsticks and table-pounding fun.
The Blind Owl
Tucked away in the heart of downtown Windsor, the Blind Owl cocktail bar is an enchanting haven for cocktail aficionados and casual night-outers alike. With its intimate, speakeasy vibe, this charming spot is a staple in the city’s nightlife scene.
Step inside and you’re greeted by an ambiance that exudes sophistication: dim lighting and vintage décor create the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening. The true allure of the Blind Owl lies in its expertly crafted cocktails. The bar’s mixologists are artisans of their trade, concocting both classic and innovative drinks with high-quality spirits and fresh, seasonal ingredients. A favourite from the current menu is the Tiger Knee: Irish whisky, Amaro Montenegro, fresh lemon, ginger syrup, and Angostura bitters.
Beyond its regular offerings, the Blind Owl regularly hosts themed events and cocktail workshops, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience. Conveniently located near other downtown hotspots, the Blind Owl is the ideal start (or finish) to a night out in Windsor.
Wolfhead Distillery
Recently crowned the 2024 Best of Windsor-Essex award-winner for the “Art of the Cocktail,” the Amherstburg distillery has been a perennial favourite among cocktail enthusiasts since they opened their doors. In fact, they’ve won that same award seven times in the past decade. Talk about a ringing endorsement.
Known for their ultra-popular lineup of spirits including coffee whisky, banana caramel vodka, and new strawberry gin, the distillery’s skilled mixologists showcase the versatility of each of their distinct creations with fun, flavourful cocktails available in their onsite restaurant, including their Coffee Old Fashioned and Wolfhead Long Island.
Looking to re-create the distillery experience at home? Log on to www.drinkwolfhead.com for a full catalogue of cocktail recipes, including Whisky Peach Iced Tea, Spiked Apple Cider, Blackberry Basil Gin Smash, and more.
Gladstone Commons
Nestled just off the beaten path in Walkerville, Gladstone Commons has earned its place as one of the city’s premier cocktail destinations and one of the most popular couples’ destinations, dubbed “Best Date Night Spot” by voters of the 2024 Best of Windsor-Essex Awards.
This recognition comes as no surprise to regulars, especially those who swear by the restaurant’s signature Cherry Jalapeno margarita, a cocktail so beloved that when it was briefly removed from the menu, the uproar brought it back within 48 hours. This drink has been a staple since day one, embodying the perfect blend of sweet heat.
While the cocktail list remains delightfully food-friendly, head bartender Christopher Lim-Cunanan has been pushing the envelope lately with more intricate yet accessible concoctions. His latest experiments cater to those seeking a deeper, more complex flavour profile, solidifying Gladstone Commons as not just a cocktail haven but a hub of innovation in Windsor’s dining scene.
Nauti V’s Oyster Bar
Opened earlier this year by Vito and Michelle Maggio, Nauti V’s Oyster Bar has quickly established itself as one of Windsor’s premier cocktail hot spots. This new champagne and oyster bar offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, where guests can indulge in an impressive selection of wine and champagne, perfect for pairing with fresh oysters. However, it’s the cocktail menu that truly shines, attracting cocktail connoisseurs from across the city.
Among the must-try drinks are the bar’s signature Nauti cocktails, each with its own distinct flair. The Lady Charm is a sophisticated choice, while A Cheeky Shuck brings a playful twist, and A Smooth Ride lives up to its name with its effortless balance of flavours. For those who prefer a classic, the espresso martini is a crowd favorite, blending bold coffee notes with a smooth finish. Nauti V’s offers an elevated cocktail experience that’s making waves in the region’s incomparable dining scene.
Maiden Lane Wine & Cocktail Bar
Situated amidst stunning outdoor murals in the heart of downtown Windsor, Maiden Lane Wine & Cocktail Bar offers ultra-cool vibes that perfectly complement its innovative drink offering.
On their latest seasonal cocktail menu, three signature cocktails are stealing the spotlight. The Pigeon Nail, a vibrant mix of Espolon Blanco Tequila, Aperol, Passion Fruit, Orange, Lime, and Black Lava Salt, served on the rocks, delivers a refreshing twist. The Sun God, featuring Gran Centenario Tequila, Sour Pineapple, and Yerba Maté Honey, served straight up, is a bold yet balanced choice. For those craving complexity, the Sinesis impresses with Amaro Nonino, Grand Marnier, Del Maguey Mezcal, Campari, and a medley of fruit and soda over cracked ice.
Beyond these seasonal highlights, Maiden Lane leans heavy into the classics, with expertly crafted favorites like the Paper Plane, Penicillin, and Whiskey Sour, ensuring there’s something for every cocktail lover in this trendy spot.
