Perfect Park Pairings to Enjoy Honest Cocktails Outdoors this Summer
If you think that picnicking is a modern-day activity, consult the history books! But, as it turns out, humans have been enjoying picnics in one form or another for centuries, historians say. For example, the leisure class in Medieval times would stage elegant post-hunt fresh-air feasts featuring wild game, as portrayed in the ballads of Robin Hood and depicted on elaborate woven tapestries.
The written word picnic first surfaced in the 1600s, originating from the French pique-nique, a term for wealthy foodies (back then known as gourmands) bringing bottles of wine to restaurants and cafes when dining out. The pique-nique evolved into a high-brow affair consisting of al fresco meals, beverages and entertainment, then became big in Victorian England for folks from all walks of life.
Picnic in the Park #1
The Doctor’s Order & Stanley Park
Why Stanley Park?
Stanley Park is a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the urban landscape of Vancouver. The park is 400-hectares of natural west coast rainforest filled with scenic views of the water, mountains, sky, majestic trees, and the world-famous Seawall. There are kilometres of trails that you can scout your perfect location from, beautiful beaches to set-up on, cultural and historical landmarks to grab selfies with, along with many other adventures.
Our in-house ‘health specialist’ Dr. Spencer Powell recommends Stanley Park for enjoying The Doctor’s Orders because its health benefits are top-notch. A relatively simple concoction with fresh cold-pressed carrot, orange, lime and ginger juice – lovingly kicked up a notch thanks to Frostbite’s Ginger Syrup, Bombay Sapphire – and a smooth pour of the botanical laden London Dry Gin we are all so familiar with, resulting in a prescription that is colourful, healthy, and delicious. Add to that mass quantities of fresh air, large trees for hugging, and the ability to get lost and find yourself having a fantastic time. Sounds exactly like what Dr. Powell ordered!
In your kit you will find: 200ml of Bombay Sapphire Gin, 118ml of Frostbites Ginger syrup, 300ml cold-pressed Signature Mama Juice (Imperator carrot, Navel orange, Persian lime, Chinese Ginger), 4 each of dehydrated orange wheels, 4 each of Ginger candy, 4 each of cocktail picks/pegs and a 1oz/2oz Japanese jigger.
Order The Doctor’s Orders here and you have the first ingredient in a great day away!
Picnic in the Park #2
The Rising Rigel & VanDusen Garden
Why VanDusen Botanical Garden?
Located at 5251 Oak Street, the VanDusen Botanical Gardens include a large collection of gardens full of trees, a wide variety of both native and exotic plants, a couple of small lakes and ponds, a stone garden, a hedge maze, and Japanese, Korean and Chinese garden areas. This beautiful expanse boasts beautiful rhododendrons, large open lawns and beautiful plants, flower gardens and trees of all kinds throughout the property. Perfect for putting down the blanket and start shaking!
For those who know Spencer, it is no secret that his love of sake played heavily in its creation. The Rising Rigel is a powerful bloom of colour with an uncompromising play on flavours. Utilizing Osake’s unique Granville Island-made artisanal Junmai Nama sake as a base, then blending in the sharp earthiness of red cabbage and the natural familiar sweetness of local-grown blueberries, and a drizzle of Frostbite’s Yuzu & Lychee Cordial creates a stunning finish for this Japanese-inspired cocktail. Each signature cocktail kit comes complete to curate 4 deliciously nutritious libations with a difference.
In your kit you will find: 375 ml bottle of Osake Jumai Nama sake, 300 ml cold-pressed Signature Mama Juice (BC Blueberries, red cabbage, & Lisbon Lemon), 118 ml Frostbites Yuzu & Lychee Cordial, cocktail picks/pegs, 8 each of dehydrated lemon wheels & 1oz/2oz jigger.
Order The Rising Rigel and you have the first ingredient in a great day away!
Picnic in the Park #3
The Jaliscan Sunset & Kitsilano Beach
Why Kitsilano Beach?
Kitsilano Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver, especially in the warm summer months. Located at the north edge of the Kitsilano neighbourhood, the beach faces out onto English Bay. The beach has everything you could want – lots of sand, big logs, large grassy areas, restaurants and snack shops, and beautiful views of our astounding west coast sunsets!
Turning the classic Paloma upside down and creating a delightfully healthy twist on a tequila cocktail stems was the challenge and Spencer didn’t let us down. Starting with a tart thirst-quenching grapefruit juice was a natural base to pair with the herbal flair of basil. This ‘easy on the eyes’ cocktail is further elevated with Hornitos Tequila and driven higher with the addition of cucumber, and finished with a splash of lime juice. Each signature cocktail kit comes complete to curate 4 deliciously nutritious libations with a difference.
In your kit you will find: 200 ml bottle of Hornitos Plata, 300 ml bottle of cold-pressed Signature Mama Juice (pink grapefruit, basil, English cucumber, Persian lime), 118 ml Frostbites Hibiscus & Lemon Cordial, 375 ml Good Drink Organic mixer, 4 each of dehydrated grapefruit wheels, 4 each of garnish picks/pegs and a 1oz/2oz jigger.
Order The Jaliscan Sunset and you have the first ingredient in a great day away!
Checklist for a Great Day!
Check out our picnic essentials list to make sure you’ve got it all in the basket.
Here’s a checklist that covers the basics:
• Honest Cocktails cold-pressed cocktail kit
• Picnic blanket, basket or backpack with the food
• Thermos or bottled water (in plastic)
• Cutlery – bamboo flatware is ideal
• Reusable or metal cups
• Napkins and bamboo plates
• A zipped cooler bag for your food and snacks
• Paper towel for messes
• A solar votive or two for ambiance
• A lantern and flashlight if you’ll be staying past sunset
• A bag for trash/recyclables