It’s no secret that we here at View the Vibe quite enjoy a good cocktail! However, our entire team doesn’t like the boozy part. So when we’re out we often sample mocktails – and what we’ve discovered is that it’s just as important for a mixologist to create unique and flavourful virgin mocktails as it is booze-fuelled cocktails. So, not a big drinker? We got you! Check out these Toronto restaurants for some delicious mocktails that will have you wondering why people put booze in their drinks to begin with…
The Good Son
This new and hot Queen West restaurant serves amazing food and cocktails, and we simply can’t get enough of them. However, don’t underestimate their mocktail list. With an uber creative Mixologist at the helm, recipes are an actual art and each mocktail is created based on the fresh ingredients in the kitchen. Here is Carmella’s Dream, a mocktail that had us wanting to get our “civilized drank” on…
Ingredients:
3 Ontario strawberries
Small handful of diced cucumber
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
1 oz soda
2oz ginger beer
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker muddle two strawberries with the cucumber then add the lemon juice, simple syrup, soda and shake (lightly). Empty contents into glass and add ginger beer. Garnish with thinly sliced cucumber wheels and a strawberry that has been sliced and fanned on a skewer. Enjoy!
Los Colibris
Feeling like a fiesta? The newly opened Los Colibris serves Mexican delicacies in a cool and classy setting with a cocktail list that will make your head spin. Having various takes on the Margarita on the drink menu, their mocktails are not to be ignored either. For a fruity taste that will have you thinking you’re in Mexico, try the Underage Fiesta (and feel younger while you’re at it!)…
Ingredients:
2 oz guanabana (soursop) juice
1 oz pink guava juice
1 oz pineapple juice
2 oz whole milk
Directions:
Shake hard and dump in Collins glass. Garnish with fresh mint, pineapple chip, and a straw.
Canoe
This Toronto staple is one of the most recognized culinary destinations our city has to offer. On a clear day the views are magical, and on foggy days it feels like you’re dining in the clouds. Overall this restaurant delivers the best all around – even on their mocktail list. Bar Manager Michael Bracegirdle loves a good Mojito, and has implemented a daily reinvention of this famous cocktail keeping guests guessing on the flavour of the day. However, it’s the Haskap Spritz that caught our attention. It’s a simple recipe – you can try this at home!
Ingredients:
Haskap juice (tastes like a combination of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries)
Juice of one fresh orange
Soda
Directions:
Blend and serve with a berry garnish!
Drake 150
It’s no secret that the new Drake 150 has been killing it since opening earlier this year. Food, vibe, cocktails all seriously delish. However, they are also thinking of the non-drinkers with some pretty awesome mocktails on the menu. Our favourite? The Italian Job 6 – maybe it’s the name or maybe it’s the ingredients, but it’s a definite must if you’re wanting to try something yummy and alcohol free. Here’s the recipe in case you want to try it at home!
Ingredients:
Lemon & lime
House-made grenadine
Cranberry bitters
Happy Mocktailing!
Have a favourite mocktail at a Toronto hot spot? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.
