Countdown to Art of the Cocktail

left, Aviation Cocktail - created in 1916 by Hugo Ensslin, made with Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Lemon and Creme de Violette. right, Josh Boudreau - Sauce bartender. all images: Maryanne Carmack

Tickets are now on sale for the Art of the Cocktail - the Victoria Film Festival’s annual fundraiser. Guests enjoyed a preview on September 6th at Sauce, including tastes of two classic cocktails- the Aviation (above left) and the Toronto (below left).

Things kick off on Saturday, October 1st, from 7pm -9.30pm, at the Grand Tasting: The main event. An evening of cocktail sampling introducing nearly 50 different flavours from the world of elegant spirits. Along with the big players, the Tasting will also highlight artisan, small and regional distillers who will present cocktail demonstrations and samples of the most exciting and colourful cocktails from around the world. While on your cocktail journey, savour delicious complimentary appetizers from some of the most innovative chefs on the West Coast.

In the spirit of other local festivals, such as the Wine or Whisky Festival, the Grand Tasting is an opportunity to explore the vast world of spirits and cocktails, learn tricks from top mixologists, and experience new flavours. For the full schedule of events, click here.