Christmas Comes Early With BACARDÍ Nochebuena—a Pop-Up Living Room on Toronto’s Trendy Ossington Strip
Christmas, Nochebuena, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christma-Huna-Kwanzika? It doesn’t matter what you celebrate, the holidays all have one thing in common — good food, great drinks and the best company. This year, it will be in a shipping container (yes, you read that right).
BACARDÍ is taking a nod to its Cuban roots with a special celebration: Nochebuena. In Latin culture, Nochebuena refers to Christmas Eve, and usually involves the season’s biggest and most festive gathering. To celebrate Nochebuena and encourage Canadians to embrace what’s most important this holiday season, BACARDÍ invites you into their home: Casa BACARDÍ, a highly curated pop-up living room on Toronto’s trendy Ossington strip which serves as the perfect venue for holiday entertaining.
Casa BACARDÍ is inspired by BACARDÍ’s roots and the simple Cuban tradition of great food and drinks with family and friends at home, during and beyond the holiday season.
BACARDÍ teamed up with Candice Kaye, a highly renowned and celebrity-approved Canadian designer to create the pop-up experience. Candice turned a shipping container in the cool Toronto air, to a lush and vibrant space — embracing the warmth of Cuban culture and the sparkle of the holiday season. Palm leaves, Christmas trees, luxe décor and more — the space is eye-catching to all who pass by.
The Cuban experience made its street debut on Monday evening. With the perfect Nochebuena soundtrack, guests entered Casa BACARDÍ and experienced authentic Cuban cuisine, music and of course a curated selection of holiday inspired BACARDÍ cocktails from their premium aged rum collection. BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro, which is aged for four years in the Caribbean sun; BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho, a smooth sipping rum that is the Cuban go-to for shots; and BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Diez, an expertly blended bottle that’s been aged for at least 10 years and is filtered through charcoal for a smooth finish. However, the drink of the evening was definitely The Coquito.
The Coquito is one of the quintessential cocktails traditionally served during a Nochebuena celebration. So if you are sick of the cold weather, you can enjoy the Cuban sun in your own home.
BACARDÍ Coquito
- 1.5 parts BACARDÍ Cuatro
- 0.75 parts Canned Coconut Milk
- 0.75 parts Canned Cream of Coconut
- 1.5 parts Canned Condensed Milk
- 2.5 parts Canned Evaporated Milk
- 1 part White Sugar
- 1 bar spoon Ground Cinnamon
- 2 dashes Vanilla Extract
Combine all ingredient in a rocks glass and serve on ice.
Casa BACARDÍ is only here for one week from November 25 to November 30 and you have the chance to host your own BACARDÍ Nochebuena experience this Saturday November 30, 2019. All you have to do is email [email protected] with a short essay on why you think you should win the experience (the rest of the contest information can be found here).
Nochebuena is not only about celebrating the simple things with friends and family but also about community and giving to your neighbour. So, for those in the Toronto area, you can fill up with a hearty Cuban stew, cooked streetside on an outdoor fire, this Saturday November 30, 2019 from 5–8 p.m.
No matter where you are or what you celebrate, grab your BACARDÍ Coquito and cheers a loved one. Wishing you a safe and warm (like Nochebuena in a shipping container warm) holiday season!
