Cocktail Bar in Montreal: Bootlegger’s Story and Craft
Montreal is full of excellent cocktail bars, and we are proud to be part of this creative scene. The city has produced establishments recognized far beyond Quebec, driven by passionate people with deep knowledge of spirits, techniques and hospitality.
This is the story of Bootlegger, a Montreal cocktail bar with modest beginnings that, since 2016, has sought to share its passion for cocktails and its vision of hospitality. Located on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, near the Quartier des spectacles, our establishment brings together cocktails, whisky, absinthe, food and music in a speakeasy-inspired atmosphere.
about us
From a Student Project to a Montreal Cocktail Bar
At first, becoming a cocktail bar was not exactly part of the plan. In 2016, the bar world was still largely unfamiliar to us and Bootlegger was born from a student project. Demand for carefully crafted cocktails quickly emerged at a time when Montreal was experiencing a real boom in mixology. Institutions such as Le Lab helped inspire a whole generation of Montreal bartenders and entrepreneurs.
We first chose to focus on major classics in order to refine our techniques and build a solid identity. Our whisky collection naturally led us toward classic whisky-based cocktails. The Old Fashioned became one of the emblematic drinks of our image.
Over the years, this mastery of the basics made more room for our own creations, house preparations and an approach that highlights Bootlegger’s own know-how.
The Turning Point: Bootlegger Cocktail Bar & Cuisine
The prolonged closure related to the pandemic marked an important turning point. Before that period, Bootlegger was mainly known as a live music venue. That musical reputation was a strength, but it sometimes drew attention away from the work invested in our cocktail program.
When we reopened, we decided to fully embrace our identity as a cocktail bar. We temporarily refocused the programming, improved ingredient quality, deepened the research behind each recipe and gave even more space to preparations, transformations and fresh or unusual products.
This change was also symbolized by the shift from the name “Bootlegger l’Authentique” to “Bootlegger Cocktail Bar & Cuisine.” Music did not disappear; it was reintegrated into a more complete experience where cocktails and food now occupy a central place.
From a Student Project to a Montreal Cocktail Bar
Montreal has many bars capable of executing the great classics perfectly. To stand apart, we chose to develop the culinary side of the cocktail: what we prepare ourselves, the ingredients we transform, the techniques we use and the way we connect the bar to the kitchen.
House-Made Preparations
A large part of the work happens before service. Syrups, infusions, juices, cordials, garnishes, aromatic blends and other components are prepared by our team in order to better control the freshness, balance and personality of every glass. Service team members are also trained on the preparations and ingredients inside the cocktails.
A Seasonal Menu and Classics Always Available
Our menu evolves with the seasons and highlights our creations. We nevertheless continue to give great importance to the classics. A guest can therefore discover a signature recipe, return to an Old Fashioned or ask for advice based on preferences: fresh, bitter, fruity, smoky, floral, spicy or more spirit-forward.
Training a Team, Not Just Executing Recipes
The personal and professional development of our team members is part of our company mission. We want anyone who works at Bootlegger to leave with more than a paycheque: knowledge, methods, confidence and experience that can support the rest of their career.
We have therefore invested in training, internal structures and knowledge-sharing tools. Each member learns not only how to build a cocktail, but also how to understand the products, preparations and aromatic logic behind the recipe.
An Intranet with More Than 400 Cocktails
To preserve knowledge and ensure consistent execution, we developed our own intranet. This internal encyclopedia gathers more than 400 cocktails already made at Bootlegger. Whenever possible, we keep a presentation, history, method of assembly, ingredients and alcohol content for each one.
This tool allows the team to suggest recipes beyond the seasonal menu, quickly find a classic and maintain shared standards even when several bartenders take turns behind the bar.
Technology as an Ally of Hospitality
We like gadgets and new equipment, but technology mainly plays a more discreet role: improving processes, documenting recipes, sharing knowledge and supporting a more consistent guest experience.
A Bartender Program Oriented Toward Competitions
Reaching a high level behind a bar is one thing; presenting a creation in front of judges, a crowd and other bartenders is another. Competitions require bartenders to structure an idea, defend their choices, manage pressure and execute with precision.
Over the years, we have encouraged members of our team to take on this kind of challenge regularly. When a bartender represents Bootlegger, the team contributes to the research, testing, preparation and support needed. These events have also allowed us to meet other passionate members of the Montreal scene and learn alongside them.
Competitions Bootlegger Has Taken Part In
Achievements and Collaborations That Shaped Our Journey
We do not claim to have reinvented cocktails, but certain projects represented important milestones for our team and deserve to be part of Bootlegger’s story.
Time Out Market Montreal’s Winter Menu
In 2022, Time Out Market Montreal invited us to contribute to its winter menu. The project brought together several Montreal cocktail bars around recipes showcasing Quebec spirits.
The Book “A Toast from Coast to Coast”
In 2021, Bootlegger was selected to appear in the recipe book “A Toast from Coast to Coast,” a Corby Spirit and Wine project bringing together bars from across Canada. We contributed “Remember the Main,” a cocktail made with Lot No. 40 rye. Proceeds announced from the sale of the book were intended for the Bartenders Benevolent Fund and the Canadian Professional Bartenders Association.
- Source or internal page: Bootlegger in the book A Toast from Coast to Coast
Launches with Quebec Distilleries
Our collaborations with Quebec distilleries and artisans have allowed us to host product launches, media events and competitions. In 2025, we welcomed Montreal distillery Cirka for the launch of its raspberry-cranberry vodka. In 2026, we collaborated with Distillerie du Fjord around KM12 rum, including a launch and a mixology competition.
- Source or internal page: KM12 rum launch at Bootlegger
- Source or internal page: KM12 cocktail competition final
Bootlegger in the Media
Over the years, our focus on cocktails, whisky and music has attracted attention from Montreal media and public-vote competitions. These mentions do not replace the experience inside the bar, but they reflect the path travelled by the team.
- 2025 — ranked among the top three cocktail bars in The Suburban’s annual contest, according to Bootlegger archives.
- 2021 — 5th position “Best Bar,” 3rd position “Best Cocktail Bar” and 1st position “Best Bartender” for Christ Desjardins in Cult MTL’s Best of Montreal.
- 2020 — 6th position “Best Cocktail Bar” and 7th position “Best Bartender” for Christ Desjardins in Cult MTL’s Best of Montreal.
- 2019 — included in Time Out’s selection of the 55 best bars in Montreal.
- 2019 — mentioned by Tourisme Montréal in content about hidden bars and speakeasies.
- 2016 — mentioned in La Presse in an article about Montreal addresses inspired by speakeasies.
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Our Offering Today
Today, Bootlegger offers a specialized menu that evolves with the seasons. Fresh ingredients, house preparations, bar techniques and collaborations with Quebec producers feed creations that reflect our journey.
The experience does not stop at cocktails. Our whisky collection, absinthe selection, late-night kitchen, $1 oysters and jazz nights make it possible to build a complete outing in one place.
faqs
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team has a broad repertoire of recipes and can generally suggest many classics. Availability depends on ingredients, traffic levels and the day’s preparations.
Yes. The menu is reviewed seasonally to highlight new products, new techniques and the team’s creative work.
Yes. Groups can be welcomed for a happy hour, birthday, team outing or private event. Booking in advance makes it possible to confirm the package and room layout.
Explore the Menu and Reserve Your Evening
Browse our cocktail menu, discover upcoming events and reserve a table to experience Bootlegger in the heart of Montreal.