Cocktail Correspondent: Weldon Gardner Hunter
On Thanksgiving Monday, my brother and I visited It's Okay (2481 East Hastings, Vancouver) to have a "Moistmaker" Turkey Sandwich (delicious), and of course, drinks. My brother had a Spiced Rum and Coke, and I tried the monthly Feature Cocktail, dubbed the Windigo:
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| Carpano Antica (Vermouth), Old Forester Rye Whiskey, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Jagermeister, Aromatic Bitters, garnished with a Maraschino Cherry. |
Strong but smooth, slightly medicinal. There's a dominant pluminess, with notes of prune juice. In addition, floral and herbal notes from the vermouth and Jagermeister. The cherry at the bottom dispenses some sweetness, otherwise the sipper would be staring at the ceiling, what with the strong-willed whiskies involved.
The liquid is a lovely claret red. My brother positioned the napkin in front of the drink before I snapped the photo to add some depth and perspective. Something I'm thankful for.
I'm guessing the cocktail's name is related to the season - the Wendigo (sometimes Windigo) is a spirit in Algonquian folklore, "a cannibalistic monster that preys on the weak and socially disconnected" (The Canadian Dictionary). More than just pointing to the spooky season, the name calls attention to the need to keep familial ties and community spirit strong over the cold winter months.
Of course, the Wendigo is also seen as a metaphor for the damages inflicted by settler-colonialism on these Native Lands, which is a serious thing to consider on this strange holiday that has its origins in the earliest European settlement and first contact.
Who knew a cocktail could teach a lesson?
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