There are few drinks better suited for a warm, summer evening than a glass of sangria. The classic blend of wine and juice is basically fruit punch for grown-ups but the sweet drink is a cocktail menu mainstay for a reason: it just works.
However, not just any blend will do. For the serious sangria sippers out there, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots in the city to indulge in a glass or two of the good stuff.
Patria
478 King St. West
This King West hotspot is known for its authentic tapas and inventive cocktails, but the real star of the show is their sangria. Choose from either the red; a rich and spicy concoction thanks to the addition of cloves and spiced poached pear, or the lighter white, which has crisp apple and lemongrass.
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Bar Reyna
158 Cumberland St.
Yorkville is certainly not lacking for cute cocktail spots, but Bar Reyna is still worth a visit, if only to try their signature sangria. A blend of rose wine, cava, sherry, cointreau, Mount Gay Silver rum and fresh fruit, the sparkling sweet concoction plus the bar’s picturesque patio are a perfect match.
Barsa Taberna
26 Market St.
If you find yourself in the St. Lawrence Market area with a hankering for sangria, look no further than Barsa Taberna. With six different varieties available, you’ll be sure to find the right liquid accompaniment for your meal. We suggest trying the Sangria Cava – this sparkling wine based drink with brandy, mango, raspberries, and blueberries is basically summer in a glass. Plus, sangria is half price every Tuesday until 6:30pm.
Gusto 101
101 Portland St.
Located in the King West neighbourhood, when most Torontonians hear the name ‘Gusto 101,’ they think of their decadent funghi pasta. However, the light and fruity sangria, which features St. Remy brandy and peach schnapps, is also worth a try.
Cocina Economica
141 Berkeley St.
This cozy Corktown resto is somewhat of a hidden gem in the Toronto culinary scene. Serving up quality Mexican comfort food, the only thing better than their savoury tacos is their sangria. They offer a red and white version, both combining fresh juice and sliced fruit with their house wine and a generous splash of Mount Gay rum.
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Sangria Lounge
145 Roncesvalles Ave.
When a restaurant literally has sangria in their name, you know you’re in the right place. Roncesvalles’ Sangria Lounge has multiple blended drinks on offer, ranging from your classic red or white, to more adventurous selections like Warm Sangria for those unseasonably cold Toronto nights.
Drake Hotel
1150 Queen St. West
The Drake is one of those rare Toronto restos that rarely disappoints. Whether you’re there for a boozy brunch or to grab a drink before a night out, you’re bound to have a good time at this Queen West institution. If you’re looking for a non-traditional take, try the white – the addition of watermelon and grapefruit soda make this a truly special sip.
Campechano
504 Adelaide St. West
Since opening a couple of years ago, this spot has become a favourite among those in the Fashion District looking for an authentic and delicious taco joint – and the drinks aren’t half-bad either. Their signature sangria combines Tempranillo (a full-bodied Spanish red) with cherry liqueur and Squirt soda for a twist on a classic.
Trattoria Nervosa
75 Yorkville Ave.
Trattoria Nervosa does classic Italian food right, and their self-proclaimed “famous sangria” is a can’t-miss. While the Yorkville restaurant doesn’t give too much away in regards to its ingredients, the classic combo of red wine, spirits and fresh fruit juices has a loyal following all on its own.
Carmen
922 Queen St. West
If you’re looking for a chill place to unwind after the work week, Carmen on Queen West really fits the bill. Whether you order up some tapas or split a paella, you can’t go wrong at this traditional Spanish restaurant. And of course, you have to try their signature sangria – made with fresh-squeezed orange juice, wine, sweet vermouth, and soda water, a pitcher of this will help you start the weekend off right.
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