It’s not just the weather that’s changing this month. Menus across the city are getting an overhaul and once again Toronto’s premier bartenders have created the perfect beverages to accompany autumn’s crisp leaves and temperatures. Whether hot or cold, if you’re looking for the perfect libation this season, look no further than Toronto’s best cocktails for the fall season...
With a Pyrat rum base, first glance makes The Pyrat at Bar Chef look like a simple drink. But two flavored ice cubes, one of which includes bitter almond and orange blossom, and the other an almond liqueur made in-house, creates complexity and a deep flavour profile. The cocktail goes through a metamorphosis while the ice melts and changes the flavor, temperature, and viscosity of the drink.
The Sioux Lookout at Origin is an unconventional cocktail with a woodsy profile, owing to a combination of charred cedar rye, maple and rich birch syrup. Balanced out with muddled orange, it’ll leave you looking forward to everything the season has in store.
The new fall favourite at Northwood is the Mary Pickford. With the luxurious taste of elderflower, at first glance it might seem like a summer cocktail. But the savoury flavour of thyme makes it perfect for autumn and you’ll find your glass garnished with frozen grapes in anticipation of the ice wine harvest.
WAYLA’s warm apple cider is strictly for grownups, but might remind you of afternoons spent at orchards during your childhood. Combined with cherries, honey jack, and garnished with a cinnamon stick, this fruity twist on a classic favourite is sure to keep you warm as the days get colder.
On their menu, The Harbord Room has released a twist on the forgotten classic cocktail, The Pink Lady. ‘Their ‘Could Have Been a Lady’ is gin-based, with a splash of apple brandy, and a fruity profile of lemon, raspberry, and pear.
The Gladstone Hotel recently released their Cinnamon Toast cocktail. Lambs BlackSheep Spiced Rum with fresh apple cider and cinnamon is served hot, making it perfect for crisp, fall days in the Big Smoke.
The Kennedy Curse at Yours Truly is a bittersweet concoction, with a light and mouth-coating texture. With notes of vanilla and plum, it is truly reminiscent of the harvest season.
The Rearden from The Comrade is a rye forward cocktail infused with vanilla, almonds, honey, oats and punctuated with fall spices, Antica formula, and black walnut bitters.
The Autumn Sour from Goods & Provisions is a seasonal twist on the whiskey sour, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, and a dash of maple syrup.
When you’re chilled to the bone, stop by URSA and cuddle up with a hot Rum Toddy. Rum is steeped with chai tea, spiced syrup, and orange zest, before being garnished with shaved nutmeg.
