Celebrating Women in Business: A Toast to Cocktail Emporium

What better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than by raising a glass to female entrepreneurship? Meet Kristen Voisey, founder of Cocktail Emporium—Toronto’s ultimate destination for all things bar and cocktail-related (and a proud Moneris merchant).

A Cocktail of Passion and Vision

Cocktail Emporium wasn’t just a business idea—it was born from Kristen Voisey’s deep passion for beautiful barware, premium ingredients, and the craft of cocktail-making. In 2011, she opened the first Cocktail Emporium on Queen Street West, offering a unique and curated selection of cocktail essentials that were largely unavailable elsewhere in the city.

Their flagship Queen Street West location is where it all began, offering a variety of cocktail essentials in a charming, intimate space. Their Kensington Market store is a funky, eclectic space in one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. And their latest Union Station location is the perfect stop for commuters and travellers looking to bring a bit of cocktail magic home.

Each location is designed to be a unique experience. Walking into Cocktail Emporium feels like stepping into a vintage apothecary-meets-speakeasy, and an atmosphere that invites you to linger and explore.

What’s in (the) Store for Us?

Cocktail Emporium is a treasure trove for cocktail lovers, whether you’re a seasoned bartender or just getting started with your home bar. Their product selection includes:

In 2020, Kristen expanded the brand further by launching Potion House, a signature line of stylish, functional bar tools and glassware designed mostly by her. The collection includes sleek, professional-grade essentials like shakers, muddlers, strainers, jiggers, citrus juicers, ice tongs, and elegant glassware. Potion House also offers customizable bar sets, making them the perfect gift item.

We interviewed Kristen for this feature, read on to know more.

What inspired you to start your business, and how did you get started?

Kristen- I always loved vintage glassware and had a large collection in my parents' basement. I remember having a cart full of amazing glasses one day at a thrift store and saying to myself, "Well, if I buy all of this today, I have to open a store." Then, while visiting LA in 2009, I came across a store in Silverlake that sold a mix of vintage glassware and cocktail ingredients, and I knew that was exactly what Toronto needed. We opened our first store in 2011 on Queen Street!

What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner, and how did you overcome it?

Kristen- Taking risks when there is so much unknown, like making a huge purchase from an overseas manufacturer and just hoping people love the product or opening a new store and hoping people shop there. Also, teaching yourself about everything since every aspect of owning your own business is not knowing how until you learn how. It's learning as you go, and it's the only way.

Why Moneris? How has your experience been so far?

Kristen- Moneris is super reliable and has great customer service. We have always used Moneris as our payment processor at all three of our Toronto locations.

What’s your most popular/bestselling product?

Kristen- Our bestselling products are a mix of bar tools, ingredients, and glassware. Each category contributes equally to our top sellers.

If Cocktail Emporium were a person, how would you describe their personality?

Kristen- Fun and approachable!

Cheers to Cocktail Emporium

Kristen has built a brand that’s as fabulous as it is inspiring, turning her passion into a thriving business. This International Women’s Day, we’re raising a glass to Kristen Voisey, Cocktail Emporium, and all the incredible women who are pushing boundaries, shaking things up, and making their mark.

The next time you’re looking for elevated bar tools or cocktail mixers, you know where to shop. Check out Cocktail Emporium on Instagram here.