Craft beer's popularity in Vancouver is undeniable, but even this beer enthusiast can acknowledge—albeit hesitantly—that not everyone has acquired the taste for malt and barley.

For those who prefer the mouthfeel of a mixed drink, one local business owner has developed a bottled beer-cocktail blend that combines "the refreshment of a cocktail, with the sessionability of a beer". 

Created by award-winning Vancouver bartender Nick Devine, Ascot Beer Cocktail Co. is named for Devine's horserace-crazed hometown. Devine is a partner in the Cascade Company, which owns the Cascade Room, El Camino's, The Union, Charlie's Little Italian, and Main Street Brewing.

"I set out to try bottling liquor-based cocktails years ago, but stalled after encountering logistical problems," Devine explains in a press release for the new line of libations.

After opening Main Street Brewing, Devine decided to swap a spirit base for beer, "and was so taken with the results, that [he] never looked back."

"I wanted to create a line of beer cocktails using fresh, quality ingredients that were approachable and convenient and delivered on taste," Devine says.

The first of Ascot's two beer cocktails, the No. 1 Mojito, is made with mint leaves, cane sugar, and fresh lime juice. The No. 2 Paloma combines pink graepfruit and lime juice with blue agave syrup and a pinch of salt. Both are then blended with craft beer. At 7.5 percent ABV, they've got a bit more kick than your average pint. 

A third flavour, No. 3 Dark 'n' Stormy, will be added to the mix very soon. 

Ascot Beer Cocktail Co.'s beverages are available exclusively at Main Street Brewing (261 East 7th Avenue), in both the tasting room and the retail store.