Halifax has consistently made international waves in the cocktail world since 2008 when Cooper Tardivel’s True North Martini won a top 5 spot in Bols Around the World Competition. Recently, Highwayman Bar Manager, Keegan McGregor, took the title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year and World Class Canada Bartender of the Year, 2024. In between these two milestones is a string of inspired Bar Chefs that have achieved recognition in, and who continue to engage and adjudicate in, global forums. Dip into their concoctions at the following solid cocktail destinations. Make it a tour why don’t ya?

Drift

WE WOOD

Neighbourhood: Halifax Waterfront | Instagram | Website

We like to pair a great seat with a great cocktail, and although Drift at the Queen’s Marque is best known for their fine dining, their cocktail experience may surpass. Drift is the bar / restaurant for premium Autograph Hotel, The Muir, so with that comes several sweet seating options. Try their refined, expansive bar or grab soft seats fireside (this is the one!). Get a smoked cocktail to match.

BKS Speakeasy

BEES KNEES (SECRET)

Neighbourhood: Halifax Waterfront | Instagram | Website

Atop Drift, and through the premium Autograph Hotel, The Muir, is BKS Speakeasy. If you are a guest of the hotel, you get automatic access to this luxe bar, otherwise sniff around for a way in (like hanging out at Drift and asking the bartender, while wearing a chic outfit). The harbour vista stuns, which will match your buzz.

Magnolia

SISTER MAGGIE

Neighbourhood: Downtown Halifax | Instagram | Website

The younger sister of the superb Highwayman, Magnolia is a divey speakeasy with a splash of irony. Sip a perfect Manhattan paired with a toasted Cubano sandwich while watching 90s RnB music videos on tiny vintage TVs. Why? Because it works. Easily lose 3 hours tipping tales with pals, or roll solo into a bar seat and hear the tales of your favourite bartender from that other place.

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Highwayman

WE RIDE AGAIN

Neighbourhood: Downtown Halifax | Instagram | Website

Take in the rotating cocktail creations of World Class Champion, Keegan McGregor, and the collaborative team behind the bar. They also have a slightly twisted Gin & Tonic menu and flight tastings of various spirits for the curious. If you want a signature cocktail with a kick, order the off-menu Jesus Bravo (pronounced in Spanish: Hey-Zeus Bravo) which one of our favourites of all time – tequila, amaretto, orgeat, cold brew coffee, lime, mole. They will know who recommended you…

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Field Guide

ADORE AND EXPLORE

Neighbourhood: Central/North End Halifax | Instagram | Website

As we attribute the beginning of the contemporary food movement in Halifax to EDNA, then we must tip our hat to their neighbour, Field Guide, as the leader of the wave of world class cocktail culture. Of course, we had our “martini nights everywhere” phase in the early aughties, didn’t we all? But we would say Field Guide was the first to offer a full spread cocktail program when they opened in 2013. With all-female owners, this small haunt is still going strong with a consistently intriguing and fresh menu of cocktails, and refined snacks and plates to match.

Bar Kismet

MOOD STRUCK

Neighbourhood: North End Halifax | Instagram | Website

The cocktail program at Bar Kismet has been world-class since it opened. Owner, Jenner Cormier, holds of the title of Diageo World-Class Canada Bartender of the Year, 2013, and shortly thereafter was part of the opening team for Bar Raval (Toronto, CANADA’S 100 BEST listed for Best Restaurant and Best Bar every year, currently ranked No. 29 for Best Bar). The legacy continues at Bar Kismet with a stellar bar staff, including acclaimed bartender, Dylan Brentwood, The Vero Bartender Canadian Champion, 2024. Whatever your mood, Bar Kismet will have a cocktail to strike the right tone – from playful and whimsical, to new nostalgia, to tiki party, to brooding – they’ve got it all.

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The Ostrich Club

TRIFECTA

Neighbourhood: North End Halifax (Hydrostone) | Instagram | Website

The Ostrich Club is a triple threat, with all-female leadership for their broad and informed wine program, their inventive cuisine, and their bright and brainy cocktails. Now we’ve already talked about the food, and we will certainly get to the wine. The cocktail program is led by globe-trotting Lindsay Jones, who also doubles as a certified sommelier, so the palate is popping. Her expert understanding makes the cocktail and food pairings so cohesive, so let this expert be your guide.

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Dear Friend Bar

BESTIES

Neighbourhood: Downtown Dartmouth | Instagram | Website

So, let’s chat about the bartending squad at Dear Friend – it’s inclusive, it’s international, it’s ambitious, and recognized. The international reputation and engaging disposition of owner’s, Matt Boyle and Jeff Van Horne, continues to attract talent to our region, and we love new friends. Some accomplishment highlights are Owner Matt Boyle winning the 2016 Canadian Bacardi Legacy Competition, Marta Ess winning the national title from Patron Perfectionists, 2022, and the whole team being recognized by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, earning top 11 Best International Bar Teams, Canada, 2024.

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