Long ago, we learned to make screwdrivers with orange juice and vodka. Then we graduated to fuzzy navels and cranberry vodkas. Since anything fancier is beyond our skill set, we’ve turned to the professionals at LAB Cocktail Bar.
This sexy new speakeasy on the north edge of Parc La Fontaine is home to Montreal’s duo of celebrity mixologists, Fabien Maillard and Sam Dalcourt. And LAB isn’t just a watering hole; it’s a showcase for the owner’s flair bartending skills (think Tom Cruise in Cocktail). Also impressive was the barkeeps’ dapper attire: silk ties and silver armbands cap off nostalgic outfits that complement the low lighting and speakeasy vibe. And we didn’t have to yell over thumping music. (Very handy while flirting with aforementioned dapper bartender.)
We perched at the 23-foot oak bar while our hosts were mixing up their original cocktails and serving pints of Quebec’s hard-to-find Schoune beer ($6.50). Watching the bottles fly, we sipped on a Vanilla Twist Collins ($7.50). Having made quick work of that, we then quenched our thirst on Lab Potions ($7.50), made of violet syrup, white cranberry juice and Grey Goose vodka.
With our vocal chords fully intact and our taste buds more discriminating, we swore off the homemade fuzzy navels once and for all.
LAB Cocktail Bar
1351 rue Rachel Est
514-544-1333
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