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The Basement Bartenders & Creative Mastermind
The Mixologist Duo:
Matt and Jeff are longtime bartenders and leading mixologists in the Canadian cocktail scene who got their start with Clever Barkeep, a cocktail catering business that allowed them to build clientele and experiment with unique, hand-crafted flavors and ingredients. Their journey from basement catering to bar ownership to producing nearly 500,000 canned cocktails represents the entrepreneurial spirit of following passion with practical skill—and the determination to scale without compromise.
Anisa Francoeur, who mastered bartending at Dear Friend and helped shape Barkeep's creative identity, continues to work closely with the team, bringing her passion for creativity, people, and quality to every project.
How pandemic necessity created a craft cocktail revolution ?
Data-driven favorites from bar to can
The cocktail that changed everything. We cracked the impossible code—how do you get a non-carbonated espresso martini into a can without losing its soul? The answer: nitrogen innovation that creates perfect froth every time. What started with initial production now it scaled to nearly 500,000 cans produced—proving that canned cocktails could be genuinely revolutionary. Three ways to enjoy it: shake from the chilled can for convenience, mason jar with ice for rustic charm, or Boston Shaker for professional flair. Each method delivers visual appeal and flavor enhancement, making every sip an experience worth pausing for.
Every sip tells the story of persistence. Born from the philosophy that turned countless "NOs" into "turtles"—obstacles that just take longer to navigate around. The charming turtle mascot on the can represents their journey of transforming challenges into opportunities, capturing hearts across Nova Scotia. Released in July as "a splash of fun," this cocktail surprises patrons with great taste while serving as a daily reminder that the longest path sometimes leads to the best destination. More than just a Collins variation, it's a symbol of Maritime grit and creativity, proving that setbacks can become your most beloved brand elements.
A sophisticated zero-proof aperitivo that revolutionized non-alcoholic cocktails. The "No-No" name playfully refers to its alcohol-free nature while delivering serious flavor complexity. This bittersweet, citrus-forward blend features blood orange and grapefruit with elderflower and gentian botanicals for floral and earthy undertones. Served in a chilled wine glass over ice with grapefruit garnish, it's the aperitivo experience without compromise—proving that "no alcohol" doesn't mean "no sophistication."
A Heartfelt Note
To our incredible Maritime community,
What started in a basement with two bartenders has become something we're incredibly proud of—a national cocktail revolution born right here in Dartmouth.
When Dear Friend opened in July 2020, the pandemic forced us to reimagine how to serve cocktails. Those lines out the door for canned cocktails weren't just validation of an idea—they were the beginning of a journey that's now produced nearly 500,000 cans.
The legislative fight to make cocktails-to-go legal wasn't easy. So many 'NOs' along the way that we started calling them 'turtles'—because they just took longer to navigate around. Now that turtle is our beloved Melo Collins mascot, reminding everyone that persistence pays off.
We've grown from three cocktails to five: Espresso Martini, Melo Collins, No-No Spritz, Spicy Margarita, and Paradise Spritz. Each one represents our commitment to quality, innovation, and approachability—proving that bar-quality standards can scale without compromise.
When you crack open a Barkeep can, you're getting more than a cocktail. You're getting an invitation to pause, connect, and celebrate wherever life takes you.
Rooted in Dartmouth, serving Canada, dreaming bigger every day.
Cheers, The Barkeep Team
P.S. - Keep an eye out for those turtles. Sometimes the longest path leads to the best destination.
