Stirred, Not Shaken: Tofino’s 1909 Kitchen welcomes summer with its Black Betty Cocktail

Wild foraged salal berries give the drink its unique taste

Stirred, Not Shaken is Stir’s series featuring B.C.’s best hand-crafted cocktails, Sometimes, the beverages are shaken.

NOW THAT TRAVEL restrictions have eased within the province, places like Tofino are going to be even hotter than usual.

If we were able to make it over, we’d make a beeline to 1909 Kitchen at Tofino Resort + Marina. The restaurant overlooks Tofino Harbour and Strawberry Island in Browning Inlet within Tla-o-qui-aht Territory on the ancestral lands of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations. It’s known for its ingredient-driven menu, and that extends from food to drink.

Wild foraged salal berry gives the Black Betty Cocktail a flavour that falls between blueberry and blackcurrant, while lime, blackberry simple syrup, and an absinthe rinse lift Sheringham Seaside Gin to bright heights.

It’s just the thing for before or after a visit to Roy Henry Vickers Gallery, a short stroll away.

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Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson is cofounder of Stir. She is a Vancouver-based journalist who has earned local and national nominations and awards for her work. She is a certified Gladue Report writer via Indigenous Perspectives Society in partnership with Royal Roads University and is a member of a judging panel for top Vancouver restaurants.

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