Bar Bricco is more than a quality craft cocktail destination or a hip wine bar — it’s the type of place that sets a tranquil mood from the moment you walk in. Dimly lit and intimate, it’s perfectly suited for late night drinks and date nights. The centrepiece here is the bar itself and, if you can snag a spot closer to the window, you will observe downtown as you sip your favourite cocktail. Who doesn’t like a seat with a view? One curious creation, among others, is the Negroni Sbagliato — a twist on the classic drink, made with prosecco, Campari, vermouth and an orange twist. It’s lighter and bubblier than a traditional Negroni — a worthwhile choice for those looking for something refreshing, but not too sweet. — Kateryna Didukh
10347 Jasper Ave., 780-424-5588, corso32group.com/bar-bricco
You could be lucky enough to get a spot in Little Hong Kong, the tiny speakeasy which is accessed through a secret door. Or you might be in one of the booths that line the walls. Or a space at the bar. No matter where you snag a spot at Baijiu, the cocktail list is inventive and usually offers more than a few surprises. The cocktails feature a lot of flavours from the Far East. Expect to find ingredients like green tea, Japanese whiskeys and gins, lemongrass, plum wine and jasmine in your drinks. The Sakura Spritz, which combines Cointreau, plum wine, champagne and grapefruit juice, is a longstanding staple at the bar. — Steven Sandor
10359 104 St. NW, 780-421-7060, baijiuyeg.com
Edmonton is getting cooler. Not in terms of temperature — as the most populated metropolis at this latitude, we’ve long been the coldest. But as downtown revitalizes and more high-end, hip places pop up (many of which are on this list), our cool quotient increases. The arrival of a JW Marriott is a cool mark for any city, which makes the Alchemy bar — overlooking the heart of Ice District — one of the most chic spots in town. Advertised as a “destination for an all-encompassing cocktail experience,” you’ll struggle to find a drink menu this unique and extensive anywhere else. The decor is sophisticated and versatile — large, west-facing windows light it up by day, and flowered wallpaper, lamps and low couches set the mood at night. It’s small, secretive by nature, and, with a hidden bookshelf entrance, it won’t stop, being cool anytime soon. — Cory Schachtel
10344 102 St. NW, Fifth Floor, 780-784-7950, alchemybar.ca
This article appears in the March 2020 issue of Avenue Edmonton
