Tonight we were visiting our first Christmas themed bar of the season. This is Bar Humbug, a Holiday Pop-Up within The Stock Room.
For those unfamiliar, this is the not-so-hidden bar within the back room of the neighbourhood’s favourite burger spot Hundy, which is only accessible through their front entrance.
A sign marks the corridor that leads to a door at the end of the tunnel, open it to reveal this normally more tropical bar, with its hanging wicker light fixtures. However, now with a few nods to the holidays including pine garlands sprayed with snow flock, baskets of baubles, and a few curled Grinch trees as table centre pieces.
The Popup runs from December 3rd to 31st, and on top of festive accents to the decor, Bar Humbug will feature a specialty drink and food menu. Of the former guests can expect familiar bar favourites with nostalgic flavour add ons and festive names. “Messy Presents” with Skrewball peanut butter whiskey, raspberry, candy cane, and coffee. The “Santa Baby” with Wiser’s Whisky, Bacardi Spiced Rum, apple walnut orgeat. And even Holiday-themed zero-proof options.
We started with the Snowdrift Colada mixed with vegan eggnog, bumbu rum, amaretto, pineapple, coconut, ginger, and cinnamon; served in a glass milk cartoon cup. This was like a tropical take on a creamy nog. My lactose intolerant friend was happy for the consideration and to be able to try a non-dairy substitute for egg nog.
I went for the Magnetic Sky, as recommended by our server for its shimmering glitter and sparkle. A little hard to capture but magical to see like a snow storm under bright lights. Empress 1908 indigo gin, cinnamon st. germain, lillet, rosemary tincture, ginger, apple, and sparkling water. This drank like an herbal ginger beer with plenty of fizz.
My second cocktail was The Christmas Boss for its name alone. It was heavy on the patron reposado tequila with del maguey, grapefruit, licor 43, lime, christmas tincture, nutmeg, and vegan foam. More on the tropical side, but warmed up with spices.
And if you are going to visit The Stockroom you have to order a Hundy burger, famed for its smash patty; topped with gruyere, caramelized onions, and a shishito pepper aioli. A terrific handheld to pair with any of their cocktails.
However, if looking for something smaller to share and nibble on, the Midnight Horseman are six bacon wrapped, almond stuffed dates in a chili jam. Equal parts salty and spicy to have you reaching for any palate cleansing beverage.
In short, if looking for a fun spot to grab at drink at this season, look to Bar Humbug.
The Stock Room
1144 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6
(604) 609-0901
freehouse.co
