As the global cocktail community descended upon Vancouver for the prestigious North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026, Fenjiu was proud to spearhead the week’s festivities with an extraordinary guest shift at Ellipsis. On Monday, April 20, the historic legacy of light-aroma baijiu met the cutting edge of West Coast mixology, defining the “international spirit” of the modern bar scene.
A Modernist Stage for a Timeless Spirit
Set within the architectural splendor of the Waterfall Building—an Arthur Erickson masterpiece—the event brought together industry luminaries to witness Fenjiu’s versatility. As a 2026 Spirited Awards® Regional Top 10 Honoree, the venue’s dual-concept philosophy provided a unique canvas for this collaboration.
The Thunderbolt LA x Fenjiu Cocktail Menu
The evening’s menu was curated by Tom Liu, Head Bartender at Los Angeles’ acclaimed Thunderbolt (No. 24, North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025). Tom is a master of “stealth” technique—where complex science yields seemingly simple drinks. Utilizing precision batching, force carbonation, and sustainable methods, he developed a stunning range of drinks that showcased the adaptability of Fenjiu:
- KĀFĒI MARTINI: Fenjiu, Giffard Cafe, espresso, hojicha, kokuto.
- This standout creation was the drink of the night. It served as a flawless showcase for Ellipsis as a dual-concept bar, bridging the gap between superior coffee culture and elevated spirits.
- PEARFECT HIGHBALL: Fenjiu, Giffard Poire William, asian pear, lemon, carbonation.
- Utilizing force carbonation, this drink brilliantly elevated Fenjiu’s clean profile with the crisp, bright notes of orchard fruit.
- WEST MELON: Fenjiu, Giffard Sirop Orgeat, watermelon, lime.
- A vibrant expression of West Coast energy, this cocktail balanced the spirit’s floral sweetness with refreshing melon and subtle nutty undertones.
- FĚNFĚN MARTINI: Fenjiu, Giffard Lichi-Li, blanc vermouth, hibiscus.
- Elegant and floral, this refined martini highlighted the delicate sweetness of Fenjiu against a backdrop of sophisticated botanical layers.
A Global Gathering of Industry Icons
The evening was more than a guest shift; it was a gathering of the world’s most influential hospitality figures who came to show their support in the following format:
- Asia: Noah Yongjin Kwon (Zest, Seoul); Leonardo Zanini (Bvlgari Bar, Tokyo); Graham Kimura & Keith Mosti (Virtu, Tokyo); Holly Graham (Tokyo Confidential, Tokyo).
- Europe: Federico Balzarini (Ciotti, Salo); Alessandro Rossi (Ruby, Florence); Jack Sotti (Archive and Myth, London).
- USA: Jon Adler (Shinji’s, NYC); Joe Broglio & Lily Wang (Nine Bar, Chicago).
- Canadian & Local Pioneers: Rob Granicolo (Cry Baby Gallery), Yuki K (Le Tigre), Lewis Hart (Bagheera), Oleg Dobrovolskyi & Linjie (LJ) Xue (Laowai), Nikita Myronenko (UVA), Colin Wu (Call Me Later), Ed Du (Nomo Nomo), alongside Chef Will Lew and Chef Sharon Chan, among many other distinguished guests.
The event also welcomed notable media and judging partners, including Alexandra Gill (Canada’s 50 Best Bars), Rebekah Ho (Vancouver Magazine), Cassandra Anderton (Vancouver is Awesome), and Cindy Yu (The Vancouverite Blog).
A Vision of Global Hospitality
The collaboration was a shared vision with Ellipsis owner Ming Yang, who sought to capture an international spirit during the industry’s most important week. Throughout the night, Fenjiu representatives provided select tastings of the pristine craftsmanship that earned Fenjiu the 2025 World Cocktail Championship’s Best Cocktail Fusion & Innovation Award.
As Vancouver continues to elevate its status on the global hospitality map, Fenjiu remains committed to supporting the artists and venues that push the boundaries of what a cocktail can be.
Event Credits
Photography: Andy Chan (@andychanmedia)
Host Venue: Ellipsis (@ellipsis.ca)
Guest Talent: Tom Liu (@tomgliu / @thunderboltla)
Partners: Fenjiu (@fenjiuchina), Giffard Canada (@giffardcanada)
