The Spirited Traveller: Toronto tipples good enough to eat
Headed to Toronto? I hope you're hungry. And thirsty. And hungry again, because Canada's largest city is bursting with culinary cocktails, drinks that bridge the bar and the kitchen.
Headed to Toronto? I hope you're hungry. And thirsty. And hungry again, because Canada's largest city is bursting with culinary cocktails, drinks that bridge the bar and the kitchen.
Between the burgeoning local-food movement and a plethora of fab ethnic eateries (Toronto is home to one of the most diverse populations; roughly half of its population is foreign-born, and everyone brings their food with them), it's no wonder all that goodness spills over into the drinks scene too.I asked a Toronto local who asked not to be identified ("I don't want to hear from the bars I didn't name") about the best Toronto cocktail haunts and received this reply: "Who makes the best cocktails? Where is the best place for a great drink? Are there two more controversial questions?"However, options abound. Perhaps the hottest cocktail strip is found in the Dundas Street and Ossington area (just west of downtown) with places like Boehmerfor wine and classic cocktails and gritty hipster haven Parts & Labour.Black Hoof, a bustling and boisterous locavore-oriented spot, is another local favourite.So seasonal is the cocktail list, the drink menu posted online warns visitors that the items "are not guaranteed to be there when you drop by."Stick to whiskey or gin cocktails to pair with the Pork Carnitas Tacos; co-owner and sometime bartender (no "mixologists" here) Jen Agg is known for her vocal disdain of vodka.At BarChef, helmed by acclaimed mixologist Frankie Solarik, culinary touches include ingredients like honey and black pepper syrup or thyme-infused spiced rum.Look for molecular mixology drinks with plenty of wow factor (for example, the Sailor's Mojito lists "beach essence", "mojito ravioli", and "vanilla air" among its ingredients).Meanwhile, hotel-dwelling business travellers may want to take advantage of two great cocktail settings within hotels: the panoramic Roof Lounge atop the Park Hyattand the TOCA bar within the new Ritz Carlton, where Moses McIntee has made a name for himself with solicitous service and creative drinks like the Watermelon Aloe (watermelon-earl grey tea syrup, aloe water, basil, rum).Hungry yet?Reciepe: Watermelon Aloe Courtesy of the Ritz CarltonWatermelon Aloe2 oz Bacardi Superior Rum1 oz lime juice0.75 oz Watermelon-earl grey syrup (instructions below)5 basil leaves0.75 oz aloe waterGarnish: watermelon slice and basil sprig.Combine all ingredients in a Boston Shaker, add ice and shake vigorously for a few seconds. Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish.Watermelon Earl grey syrup1/2 cup earl grey tea (or 10 bags)2 litres sugar2 litres watermelon waterHeat the mixture until the sugar has dissolved. Allow to infuse overnight. The next day, fine strain and bottle the syrup.This article is written by Kara Newman. He is the author of "Spice & Ice: 60 tongue-tingling cocktails", available. The opinions expressed are her own. Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
