Top-notch shafts served in Victoria
Here are a few places going the extra mile for a well-shaken shaft.
Ryan Hook
September 18, 2023
Shafts are ubiquitous in Victoria. It’s quickly become the Jägerbomb of the Pacific Northwest because in its most basic form a shaft is cold brew, Kahlua, Baileys, and vodka. If you’re young, you drink it in one shot. But plenty of cocktail bars around the city have amped up the shaft into a tasty cocktail worthy of sipping.
The origins of the shaft has been heavily debated. Many claim it was created in Calgary, while plenty of residents say it’s Victoria born and bred. Regardless, there’s no denying it’s popularity here.
So, here are a few places going the extra mile for a well-shaken shaft.
Moon Under Water
Moon Under Water offers a variety of shafts in one sitting with a flight. This past Valentine’s Day, the flight had cherry pie, chocolate hazelnut, strawberry candy heart, and banana cake-pop shafts. Not for the faint of heart.
Address: 350 Bay St.
Hours: 11:30am-10pm daily (11:30am-8pm on Sundays)
Instagram: @moonbrewerydistillery
Tug Eatery
Tug is often mixing up flavours and options for its shafts, like cinnamon heart, marshmallow, and walnut. The waterside eatery also offers flights of shafts, too.
Address: 407 Swift St.
Hours: Every day, 12-10pm
Instagram: @tugeatery
ToraTiki
This shaft has been tiki-fied and made with spiced rum, RumChata, Kahlua coffee liqueur, and cold brew. Then, it’s topped off with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Dairy-free options are available!
Photo provided
Address: 714 Cormorant St.
Hours: 5pm-late, Wednesday-Sunday
Instagram: @tora_tiki
Clive’s Classic Lounge
Leave it to Clive’s Classic Lounge to make the classiest shaft of them all—and to not call it shaft, either. The Samuel L. Jackson cocktail features coffee amaro and Forty Creek cream; while the John Travolta features Silk Road Chai Amaro and Forty Creek cream. Dairy-free options are available, too.
Address: 740 Burdett Ave.
Hours: Tues-Thurs, 5-11pm; Friday and Saturday, 5pm-12am.
Instagram: @clivesclassiclounge
Wheelies
Wheelie’s shaft is presented in a Mason jar with 2oz of Wild Turkey bourbon, Kahlua, Baileys, fresh espresso from Bows and Arrows, and milk instead of cream.
Address: 2620 Rock Bay Ave.
Hours: 11am-5pm every day (Fridays until 9pm)
Instagram: @wheeliesmotorcycles
Little Jumbo
Little Jumbo keeps it simple, classy, and boozy with its 3-oz shaft, served on the rocks with Finlandia Vodka, Kahlua, Baileys and Discover Coffee espresso.
Address: 506 Fort St.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 5-10pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 5-11pm.
Instagram: @littlejumbobc
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