The unassuming exterior of Clementine makes it all the more appealing. The cocktail bar looks dark from the outside, as if it’s not open at all, but, when you open the door, you’re greeted by a short curved hallway of mirrors. The hallway leads to the bar where only a handful of tables sit. If you want a spot, it’s best to head in early.
Clementine draws a crowd due to its unique list of house cocktails and Try Before You Die cocktails. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable. Under the staff’s recommendation, we tried the Hogo, a fruity watermelon- and-strawberry-flavoured drink served shaken on the rocks, and Beauregarde, a fruity drink tasting notably of blueberries served shaken in a coupe. Both were delicious and featured an exquisite combination of flavours. – Katrina Turchin
11957 JASPER AVE., 780-756-4570, BarClementine.ca
In the mood to sip on something sweet? Baijiu’s boisterous menu of original and classic cocktails, beer and wine has plenty to offer. The narrow space illuminated by neon signs on the brick walls and decorated with leather gives off speakeasy vibes. Sit at one of the few tables that are great for sharing small dishes with friends or perch on a barstool where you have a view of the bartenders shaking up cocktails. We recommend Baijiu Barbie, the namesake cocktail, which is refreshing, sweet and tastes like paradise. – Katrina Turchin
10359 – 104 ST NW, 780-421-7060, BaijiuYEG.com
With its penny tile floor and walls covered in framed photos of the most stylish and iconic celebrities from all eras, The Common is comfortably cool. And no cool bar can go without having a cocktail list full of delicious drinks with witty names, like London Fog the Bounty Hunter (Jack Daniel’s, Galliano Vanilla, Earl Grey, honey, lemon and egg white). But it’s not just well-crafted names. I’m a rum fan, and a pineapple hater, but the It Wasn’t Me, with Appleton Estate Rum and both pineapple juice and pineapple vinegar, was expertly mixed, refreshing and cool. – Cory Schachtel
9910 109 ST. NW, 780-452-7333, TheCommon.ca
This article appears in the March 2022 issue of Edify
