Kick off Summer in Kananaskis

“Summertime is all about being out on the patio,” says the Lodge’s head bartender, Beaudean McQueen, “Cocktails are refreshing, easy drinking, and not too heavy.” They’re a perfect companion for relaxing on the Lodge’s beautiful patio with a view of Mt Kidd.

For this weekend, settle around the fire with a Smores Old Fashioned. This specialty cocktail was designed to be enjoyed with the lodge’s Fireside Moments, which are happening with some health and safety protocols in place. This drink connects with guests who just want to sit by the fire and enjoy the warm summer evening.

If you’re looking for something less sweet, try Dad’s Float. This beer cocktail has a smoky texture and honey aspects that complement the Lodge’s house-made, southern fried chicken, an excellent snack to share this Father’s Day.

If you missed your beach vacation this spring, bring the tropical feeling with you as you enjoy a Millennial Pink. This cocktail has pineapple and coconut with Secret Barrel rum from Calgary. This beautiful pink drink is not as sweet as a Pina Colada, but it will have you dreaming about summer breezes and salty ocean air. Enjoy one on the patio while taking in the excellent mountain views.

For something with a bit more kick, the PMP is a mezcal smoky paloma. It has a tart grapefruit flavour combined with the smoky notes from the mezcal as well as spiced rum. This bright drink is as refreshing as it is surprising.

The lodge also has classic sangrias, including a fermented berry medley red wine sangria and a tropical medley white wine sangria. They carry a unique Ghost Town APA, from Canmore’s Grizzly Paw Brewing Co. This drink is exclusive to the hotel, and it compliments their Grumpy Bear Honey Wheat pizza, also made with Grizzly Paw brew.

“This is the summer to relax close to home,” says McQueen, “In Kananaskis, the hotel is open, the pool is open, and two of our main restaurants open.” Both Forte, the lodge’s main restaurant, and Blacktail Bar, the relaxed lobby restaurant, are open to guests with safety protocols in place. They each serve unique menus for different types of dining. They both serve the lodge’s signature summer cocktails.