Has Mixology Reached its Peak?
The crisp mountain air breezed through the picturesque Whistler village on a clear summer day when we arrived at the iconic, two-Michelin key awarded Fairmont Chateau Whistler. A stay at this storied property is always memorable, whether you’re a globetrotter chasing the great outdoors or a Vancouverite seeking a refined escape from the city. This year, however, the Fairmont brand is on a mission to take ‘special’ up a notch—quite literally to the peak of Whistler mountain, amidst the crystal clear glacier lake that’s been forming for the last 20,000 years waiting, it seems, for this very moment.
After a relaxing (think: a glass of champagne at the Fairmont Gold Lounge followed by picture-perfect pool day and a restful night sleep) the adventure began. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s master bartender Adam welcomed us at the base of Blackcomb Helicopter with a smirk that promised today would indeed be very special. Shortly after, we were airborne on a private helicopter, soaring past fir-covered mountains (the higher we got, the more magical the view became.) Vast ice-blue glaciers soon appeared beneath us, eliciting collective gasps through our headsets as we hovered over the luminous Garibaldi Lake. We were enthralled, fully mesmerized and yet somehow, the best was still ahead.
As we made our descent to the Rainbow glacier, dapperly dressed Adam was waiting with a tray of champagne and chef Crawford in the background, was adding his finishing touches to our ‘picnic’. Enchanted by the snow-capped mountains, blue sky, and fresh mountain air, we slowly made our way to our mixology station to learn how to make a refreshingly delicious cocktail created exclusively for this experience, using local ingredients (honey from the roof, house-made tinctures and, of course, the Fairmont Chateau-exclusive Blackcomb gin made by Montis distiller.) With each sip, the view seemed to get more and more astounding.
To go with our cocktail, was an Instagram-worthy charcuterie spread, filled with locally sourced goodies, which included Two Rivers cured meats, local cheeses, and caviar. The breathtaking view of Whistler mountains in the background made this once-in-a-lifetime experience extra special.
The ‘Cocktail 20,000 Years in The Making’ is part of Fairmont’s’ new global campaign ‘Make Special Happens’ in which select properties across the world offer bespoke, place-driven experiences. From deep-sea fishing in Hawaiian waters, to a private dinner under Moroccan star-lit skies, and a mixology class amidst the Whistler glaciers, the brand aims to redefine what special means.
