Cocktail: Kickstart Martini | Bartender: James Grant

I created this cocktail as part of the 2021 Ketel One Hive initiative, which challenged bartenders to develop a cocktail that benefitted their community.

My response was to create Raise a Glass. This initiative works to raise awareness and support for Homeward Trust and Find, two organizations that work to help those in Edmonton who are experiencing homelessness. They move these individuals into safe, sustainable housing, and offer them the support to stay housed.

Raise a Glass is based around the sourcing of vintage glassware from Find, Homeward Trust’s social enterprise, and pairing it with the bottled Kickstarter Martini. This bottled cocktail is then offered for sale at venues across Edmonton. 100% of the sales of Kickstart Martinis go directly to Homeward Trust and Find.

For more info, please visit .

#ketelonehive #ketelonecontestcanada #worldclass2021

Photo: Caitlin Varrin

1.5 oz Ketel One Vodka
1.5 oz Cold Brew Coffee
0.5 oz Ramazzotti Amaro
0.5 oz Spent Coffee & Lavender Syrup*

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain out ice then dry shake. Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora or coupe glass.

*Spent Coffee & Lavender Syrup: combine 100g water and 100g white sugar over medium/high heat. Once combined, remove from heat, add 1g ground coffee and 2g lavender flower. Allow to steep for 3 minutes before straining.

James Grant

Born in Melbourne to a military family, James spent his early years living all across Canada. Eventually settling in Alberta, James studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Alberta before going on to work in Communication and Public Relations. While living in London, James began working behind the bar and quickly fell in love with the hospitality industry. James returned to Canada and has worked at some of the best bars in Alberta, eager to care for those at his bar, and always happy to make them feel welcome. James was recently named Diageo World Class 2021 Canadian Bartender of the Year.