f you're under the age of 19, then this article is not for
I: to read or be influenced by. But if you've reached the
privileged age when you can lounge around at any
given pub, patio or trendy restaurant and sip
on a cocktail or two then listen up,
because there is drinking wisdom to
be heard. Y
Not the kind of drinking wisdom
that explains how to shotgun t
cans without spilling or puking, no,
no; this is a kind of drinking wisdom
that carries with it distinguished notoriety.
This June and July, I went in search of the finest summer-
time drink, the superior in summertime sipping, patio
lounging and liquid sunbaking. Since I can see no better way
to spend some time than on a patio sipping a refreshing
cocktail, I hired myself as the best person for the journey.
I've tried drinks from all the best patios in the Lower

    

Mainland and found one drink that overpowers all =~

other drinks in popularity. The ultimate thirst-
quenching patio drink of this summer is the martini.
But gone are the days of classic James Bond marti-
nis, away with vermouth, gin and little green olives.
Vancouverites request a livelier martini that can still
carry the same intrigue and stealth of the traditional
martini. Bartenders in the Lower Mainland have cre-
ated a new and improved martini to suit the active

 

lifestyle of the trendy Vancouverite; it includes tangy vodkas,

DY
MONIQUE
TAMAINGA

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hip liquors and splashy summertime juices served in the tra-
ditionally chilled martini glass. So fear not, thé ‘90s martini
still claims the grand entrance and respectful bow
that the classic martini receives and, if you
need proof, many bartenders will be
happy to lead you to the right
martini.
Mike, a bartender from the
Yaletown Brewing Company, brings
personality to every martini he makes.
A bartender with old school charm, he dis-
cusses the drink he just invented, which he recom-
mends every person try. “I woke up this morning and the
idea for this drink just came to me while I was lying there.
It’s called The Tanktini and there is hardly anything to it,
like those bikini tops that are like tank tops!” he says.

His creation, The Tanktini, is 3 shots of Blue Skyy Vodka,

I shot pineapple juice and I part mystery ingredient,
» served ice cold and garnished with an orange wedge.

It has a zingy, lively flavour with a punchy after-
taste that dances in your throat. The Tanktini is the
perfect drink to have before going on to a party or
dancing.

Ryan, the bartender from the Vancouver restauran
Century Grill, created a martini from scratch right
before my eyes. I watched him sniff the liquors,
searching for the freshest flavours. The final creation