The Best Cocktails in Toronto

The best cocktails in Toronto are testament to not only the people who make them but, without sounding too nous-congratulatory, us wee people who drink them. When I first moved to Toronto a decade ago there was very little in the way of sophistication and while it was definitely metropolitan it was not, unlike Montreal, cosmopolitan.

However, over the past ten years and especially the last five, Toronto has changed, morphed and matured into city that is really starting to understand itself and nowhere is that more evident than in our bar and cocktail culture. Where ten years ago it was all about big clubs in the entertainment district with ubiquitous cosmos and drinks that tried to hide the alcohol, now it's about smaller, more intimate venues scattered throughout various unique neighbourhoods that serve elegant drinks created by bartenders who actually care about the quality of the ingredients and how they play off one another.

While some of this is undoubtedly due to overall global cultural shifts, I can't help but think Toronto's transformation is even more pronounced.

From the molecular mixology of BarChef to the reinvigoration of classics at places like Goodnight and Parts & Labour to the simple love of a fine margarita at Crooked Star, we've come a long way.

Here are the 11 best bars for cocktails in Toronto.

Goodnight

While first having to call a number to get a reservation (647.963.5500), then having to walk behind a storefront and down a back alley to a little buzzer and tiny nameplate might seem like pretentious douchebaggery, Goodnight is actually anything but. It’s friendly, easily accessible, non-judgmental and refreshingly different with classic cocktails made with high end ingredients that pack a tasty wallop and won’t break the bank. Go. Drink. Enjoy. More »

BarChef

Completely self-taught and incredibly enthusiastic about all the wicked concoctions he creates from scratch, Frankie is Claudio Aprile gone liquid – and the global press and celebrities have taken note. Flavoured foams with balls of mojito, hickory infused simple syrup that taste like sweet campfire smoke, and drinks that bewilder the eye, nose and tongue, BarChef is all about creating flavourful associations from the unexpected. It’s an experience NOT to be missed! More »

Bohmer

This gorgeous space is one of three cocktail entries on Ossington and makes a great first or last stop on a cocktail hop. With classic cocktails – most from the 19th century – Maya Kamo, Sarah Parniak and GM/Sommelier Steven Sousa are always evolving the list and creating new, seasonally inspired drinks for their discerning clientele. Tongue in cheek names like “Lychee in the Sky with Diamonds” and “Blazing Apples” make you smile even before the first sip. More »

The Crooked Star

Ridiculously friendly (they even won some sort of friendly award recently) and down to earth, the Crooked Star was one of the first on the Ossington block and is the type of local many people look for. The drinks are simple but made with fresh ingredients, unique additions (like Chef Karen’s special picante), and sometimes wild variations (Tandoori, French, Kimchi or Jerk Caesar anyone?) More »

Czehoski

With a long bar that’s a perfect place to pull up to, Czehoski’s has their cocktailing down pat. Robin, Tony, Cindy and Charlene are always commiserating about the cocktails and with drinks like the Winter Jack (Jack Daniels, lemon tea, lemon, lime, and ginger beer) and the Hot Dicken’s Cider (Zybrowska Bison Grass Vodka, honey, pressed apple juice), it seems they’re a winning combination. More »

Reposado

While known more as a tequila bar, and probably the best the city has at that, Reposado’s bartenders also have an arsenal of well made cocktails at their disposal. Beautiful to look at in this narrow, lean and dark space, their cocktails are a perfect complement to that tall, long drink of water sitting across from you. It’s difficult to go wrong here and that’s coming from a master of knowing how to go wrong! Let me know how it goes. More »

Souz Dal

Just recently celebrating their 16th anniversary, longevity in this difficult business means something done right and their cocktails are just that. Souz Dal was doing martinis and cosmos before Sex and the City made them part of the collective subconscious and they continue to make some of the best the city has. A perfect space for a date, start off with some Absinthe done traditionally and see where the night goes. More »

Parts & Labour

With a newly adjusted cocktail menu meant to complement the season, Parts & Labour had some of the best drinks I've tasted lately. Also nodding and winking to the 19th century, their Sazerac (made with Alberta Springs 10 yr rye, Taboo Canadian Absinthe avec wormwood, and Peychaud’s bitters) is a revelation that even non-whisky drinkers MUST TRY. If a warm-up is what you’re craving their Hot Spiced Rum Cider with fresh in-house hand pressed cider is incredible too. More »

Brockton General

Located just west of Dovercourt on the very quickly gentrifying Dundas West strip, the Brockton General, while more of a restaurant, does not disappoint on the cocktail front. Pull up at the 3 seat bar or grab one of the 6-8 tables and you’ll feel like you’re at grandma’s house in the country. Using Hendrick’s Gin, rosewater, simple syrup and soda and topped with rosepetals, it’s as pretty as they come. More »

Bar Salumi

With no fewer than 20 Prosciutto di Parma’s hanging from the ceiling at any given time, I’m sure Bar Salumi is breaking some sort of “Scent Rules for Success”, but then again if you like the smell (and really, who doesn’t?) then this is your kind of place. Only open 2 months but packed with people, this Parkdale joint consider themselves more of an aperitif & appetizer bar with a great selection of Negroni’s and who am I to argue. It’s working. More »