Your Guide To Amazing Cocktails in Banff National Park

From mountain classics to signature drinks with a flare, the drink menu in Banff and Lake Louise will never disappoint. Here are 9 cocktails worth adding to your wish-list!

Alpine Old Fashioned at Alpine Social

The classic Old Fashioned can’t go unmentioned and Alpine Social at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise does it justice. Their redesigned lounge is a mountain-modern cozy retreat that was meant for the Old Fashioned; crafted with Alberta Premium Dark Horse Rye, maple syrup, black walnut bitters, topped with an Okanagan cherry, and a lemon twist. Order the warm mini doughnuts to match, they’re dusted with cinnamon and come with a delectable maple dip.

Greek Sangria at Balkan

At the Balkan, you’re treated like family with a warm welcome and a smile. The atmosphere encourages conversation and the getting together of friends and family. Gather at one of their communal dining tables and share a pitcher of their sweet and smooth Greek Sangria, made with Tsantali Makedonikos red wine from Greece, a house-made peach puree, pineapple and pomegranate juice, served with fresh fruits. Order their fresh Kalamari and tzatziki sauce and transport yourself to the sea-side in Greece.

Sinful Sour at The Block Kitchen + Bar

The Block Kitchen + Bar is a favourite for tapas and cocktails. The intimate space is perfect for sharing a meal and recapping the day’s excitement. Finish your adventure-filled day with their Sinful Sour, a perfect dessert nightcap made with smooth velvety Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Disaronno. The cocktail is topped with a dehydrated lemon, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a light chickpea brine; making it vegan.

Paloma at Magpie & Stump

Magpie & Stump is a local’s paradise for a refreshing cocktail and spicy Mexican food. Visit their new rooftop patio with its very own custom menu to try their Paloma, but don’t forget to order your seasonal paleta to complete your drink. The tequila-based Paloma is a thirst-quenching solution for a warm day blended with grapefruit juice, soda, fresh lime, and just a pinch of salt. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and tart. The lime house-made paleta (or popsicle) is tasty on its own and even better when stirred into your cocktail.

The Vegan Dude at Nourish Bistro

The Vegan Dude, at Nourish Bistro, is a creamy-vegan dream; made with Aylesbury Duck Vodka, Kahlua, coconut cream, almond milk, organic blue agave, and capped with bourbon cherries. Their fun and lounge-like atmosphere makes a great place to meet with friends and share their famous 29-topping nachos over a specialty cocktail.

Park Distillery

Park Distillery, Restaurant & Bar emanates the spirit of the National Park. Their cocktails are all named after the landscape and history that surrounds Banff served with food prepared camp-fire style, over a wood burning stove. The Sawback (named after a prescribed burn along the Bow Valley Parkway) features their very own fiery Park Chili Vodka, Triple Sec, pineapple juice, lime juice, and agave nectar, presented with a slice of fresh pineapple. Other favourites include the Observation Peak, with a Park Glacier Rye base that arrives topped with a smoking cedar square, and the Beehive, featuring their Park Vanilla Vodka, paired with elderflower, blueberry, lemon, and a touch of honey.

The Lloyd Christmas at Saltlik

Saltlik’s Lloyd Christmas may have started as a seasonal cocktail drink, but its popularity has kept it on the menu season-after-season. Crafted with Gordon’s Gin, Lillet Blanc, Chambord, fresh lime and lemon juice, cane syrup, it’s shaken over ice with fresh basil and served on the rocks. This cocktail will refresh your spirit so that you’re ready for when your next adventure calls.

The Sleeping Buffalo at Sleeping Buffalo Lounge

Sleeping Buffalo Lounge offers four notable signature cocktails including their very own Sleeping Buffalo, a warm bourbon mixed with sweet amaretto. Sip it fire-side after a day exploring Banff National Park in their large leather armchairs; the lounge exudes coziness. Pair your cocktail with their charcuterie board filled with house-made preserves, mustard, and farm-to-table meats; some of which are also featured in their signature Buffalo Caesar cocktail. Shop your favourite ingredients at their Buffalo Mountain Café to recreate your board at home.

Sleeping Buffalo Lounge at Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Moscow Mule at The Rundle Bar

The Rundle Bar at the Fairmont Banff Springs boasts one of the best views in Banff overlooking the Bow River Valley. Take a seat window-side to immerse yourself in the views while enjoying their signature Moscow Mule. The classic cocktail is made with Grey Goose Vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, soda water, and most notably their house-made ginger puree, and is served with a slice of lime and candied ginger. A non-alcoholic version is available for everyone who wishes to enjoy the zesty beverage.

Rundle Bar at the Fairmont Banff Springs