Nothing says summer quite like a gin and tonic. Gin is the summer drink of choice for visiting islands, yacht days, and country clubs. Premium whisky may be the drink for winter, but it really has nothing on a glass of lavender-infused gin on a hot July day.
Here’s our roundup of the top five gin based cocktails in Toronto…
The Hole in the Wall
Gin & Tonic
This junction hotspot offers a fancy twist on the old classic. Its G&T is made with lavender-infused gin, homemade tonic and soda. While it’s only available during the warmer months, this spiced up version of the classic cocktail is one of the most refreshing drinks I’ve ever had the pleasure of sipping.
SPIRITHOUSE
Cucumber Collins
With gin, fresh lemon, and cucumber soda, the Cucumber Collins is less about creating something fancy and more about creating the most refreshing cocktail possible. By replacing tonic water with cucumber soda, SPIRITHOUSE manages to create something truly special and completely delicious.
County General
Sloe Gin Fizz
There’s something about a Sloe Gin Fizz that makes me think of old timey bars and Mad Men-era advertising. The County General doesn’t do anything spectacularly new to their Sloe Gin Fizz; they just make the classic exceptionally well. But if you want to try something bold, I suggest the Corpse Reviver #2 – a combination of gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, fresh lemon juice, absinthe drop, and an orange disk.
BarChef
Strawberry and Lavender
It’s hard to make a list of the best cocktails in Toronto without mentioning BarChef; Frankie Solarik’s unconventional molecular experiment is widely considered to be one of the top bars in the city. The Strawberry and Lavender is no exception. With strawberry-infused gin, strawberry and elderflower bitters, lavender-infused orange liqueur, and fresh lemon, this cocktail should be on your must-try list for the summer season.
Northwood
Choupette
Northwood has several incredible gin-based cocktails on the menu, but it’s the Choupette that brings me back time and time again. The Choupette has gin, St. Germain elderflower, lemon and thyme, and while it sounds simple the flavour profile is deceptively complex.
Will you be swapping your vodka for gin cocktails this summer? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
