I have a personal tradition: whenever something big happens in my life, I go to the Confederation Lounge inside the stately Fairmont Hotel Macdonald to savour the milestone and spoil myself with a bougie drink or two. It was where I celebrated after leaving my last job (associate editor of this magazine) to begin my career as a freelance writer in 2012 — and where I celebrated my new job (as editor-in-chief of this magazine) 13 years later.
It was early April — a little too soon for patio season and a little too late in the evening to catch the sun over the lounge’s famed view of the river valley. So instead of the terrace, I sat at the horseshoe bar, finding myself surrounded by a mix of tourists and off-shift workers unwinding on a Friday night. In terms of service, the Confederation Lounge never changes. I can always depend on my attentive hosts, some of whom I recognize from my first visit nearly 20 years ago. I still felt the watchful eye of the Fathers of Confederation from the massive reproduction painting at the back of the lounge, but a recent renovation adds a modern twist on the historical theme.
I was pleasantly surprised by the new happy hour menu. Introduced quietly late last year, it runs every day except Saturdays, and offers a more relaxed way into this otherwise regal space. While I usually can’t afford more than two drinks — yes, even with my recent promotion — I felt like I could really settle in with a list of $12 wines and discounted cocktails and bites.
I started with the Duchess Sangria — a sparkling, bittersweet mix of prosecco, Aperol, vermouth, and house-made Medoc cordial infused with orange, vanilla and cocoa. It was refreshing and juicy, with enough bite to let it linger just a little longer on the palate than your typical sangria.
I paired it with a baked Quebec brie, wrapped in phyllo and served with fig crackers, haskap berry preserves and candied nuts. The interplay of textures and generous portions make it a comforting order, but it’s best enjoyed with a peckish group — or eaten fast before the cheese globs up.
For dessert, I treated myself to the Nanaimo Bar Martini, not a drink, but a deconstructed dessert layered with cookie crumbs, custard cream and velvety chocolate ganache. The gin infusion keeps the sweetness from being too overwhelming.
Before closing my tab, I veered off the happy hour menu for the bar’s signature Old Fashioned. Made with the Fairmont’s private-label bourbon and Lapsang tea syrup, it’s aged in a cask, kegged, and poured like a pint. A novelty, yes, but it works, so much so that the bartender told me they go through 20 litres every three days.
The Confederation Lounge is still one of the city’s finest rooms — and now, thanks to happy hour, no longer reserved for special occasions. With patio season officially here, I know I’ll be back soon.
Confederation Lounge
Downtown | 10065 100 St NW, Edmonton | 780.429.6424 | fairmont.com/…/theconfederationlounge/
