The Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel is seldom on my radar. I know of the Blue Crab Seafood House restaurant, I’ve even spent a Christmas dinner there. Had I ever thought of going for a drink? No. So today was the day to change that. It’s summertime, they have a patio on the side of the hotel protected from the wind, it’s a pleasant retreat.
The Blue Crab hasn’t given in to the craft movement but they certainly go balls out with wild concoctions. The usual suspects, the Margarita, the mojito, are alongside oldies making a comeback, the dark and stormy and the Moscow mule. And then there are the drinks that make you do a double take: the Victoria sunset contained lemon vodka, banana liqueur, mango and pineapple juices, ginger beer and ginger – where is my Caribbean Island when I need it? Or if that’s not putting you in the right mood you could consume a key lime pie with vanilla vodka, triple sec, lime cordial, pineapple, lime and soda. Surprisingly, the sunset made the order along with the Jack Dandy, a riff on a Cuba libra using both Jack Daniels and Jim Beam – because how can you choose just one cheap bourbon? The drink was mixed with dandelion (I assumed they meant Fentiman’s) and a lime wedge. I would say it’s a nice simple drink.
That Sunset? It seemed to have misplaced its ginger but it was a fun thing to have on a summer’s day.
After ordering, I found the menu had local gin and tonics featuring Phillips Brewery Coastal Forest Gin whose botanical infusions include locally grown juniper and hops served with a choice of four local tonics. Next time, when I go back for another crab platter.