We asked the leonine Pat McKeegan (our Wednesday and Thursday bartender) about the Beaver summer cocktail list he created and what inspired the new drinks on the menu

“The Beaver summer cocktail list was designed with our patio in mind; people love hanging out there with friends and I wanted to offer them some new options and a couple twists on a few classics. I’m not trying to reinvent the summer cocktail but I think they don’t always have to be sugary and sweet as long as they’re consistently delicious and refreshing.”

Eiffel 65 - Gin, Blue Curacao, Lime, Simple Syrup & Soda (pictured above)

“The whole idea was to create a really balanced tropical cocktail that’s delicious but also really fun.  Holding it makes you feel like you’re on the beach in Ibiza.”

El Diablo - Gold Tequila, Cassis, Ginger Beer, on ice

“The Diablo is something I discovered in an old Mexican cocktail book that I found in a thrift store; recently I also got to spend some time in Mexico and I tried the authentic version. I experimented with substituting ginger ale for ginger beer and I find it creates a really refreshing, full bodied cocktail. ”

Lynchburg Lemonade - Jack Daniels, Triple Sec, Sour Mix, on ice

“This cocktail was introduced to me by Lexi Sanfino who ordered it from me one night; I love it because it’s basically a twist on the whiskey sour with an extra kick from the triple sec which makes it more complex. It’s got that rebellious southern vibe because of the Jack Daniels; it all feels just a bit more dangerous than a regular whiskey sour.”

Rosebud - Bombay Sapphire, Campari, Sour Mix, Grapefruit Juice, Grapefruit Bitters, Lime Sugar Rim, on ice 

“I was messing around with creating a gin and grapefruit cocktail but couldn’t find a perfect balance when bartender Adam Cowan came in and switched the gin to Bombay and added Campari. I think it’s a perfect Queen West summer drink.”

The Last Word - Hendrick’s Gin, Green Chartreuse, Sour Mix, Maraschino, on ice

“The Last Word is a prohibition era cocktail from Detroit that uses my favourite liqueur of the moment, green chartreuse. I really wanted there to be a cocktail on the list that was bold and interesting for the people who feel like they’ve tried everything.”

The summer cocktail list is out now; drop by and try one x

This entry was posted in Uncategorized on May 17, 2013 by thebeaver.

I was scrolling through Cub Camp’s tumblr today and stopped to take a took at all the fabulous posters they have commissioned for their parties (all made by different artists to boot). I love illustrated event posters and these are among the best I’ve ever seen, you can check them out here.

Cub Camp happens every second friday at the Beaver (April 12th this month).

This entry was posted in Uncategorized on April 11, 2013 by thebeaver.

The first Friday of every month DJs Amanda & Brendan host Keep it Cute, a dance party for queers and their friends.

To celebrate the party’s success, the duo put together this wicked track list featuring house, jams, some funky sounds, a little hip hop and a touch of pop-tastic-ness. Download it here.

See you on the dance floor this Friday for the end-of-winter edition!

XO

This entry was posted in Uncategorized on April 3, 2013 by carlhiehn.

We take pride in having plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on our menu. Heck, half of our staff are vegetarians.

One of our most popular options is our vegan soup du jour.

Today, our prep cook whipped up this wicked vegan soup: sweet corn with black olive croutons and smoked paprika.

Heads up: if you want a bowl, you’ll need to be fast. The Beaver crew won’t stop eating it.

This entry was posted in Uncategorized on March 4, 2013 by carlhiehn.