Best of Toronto
The Best Martinis in Toronto
The best martinis in Toronto must be enjoyed in the right atmosphere. I have no doubt that 'Carl' at the local watering hole knows how to shake one up extra dry, but there's something to be said for enjoying a classic drink amid sophisticated surroundings. Speaking as someone who has been on both sides of the bar, I believe there's certainly still a place for the traditional gin martini even alongside the cran-appletinis du jour, and it takes a fine hand (one more skilled than my own, admittedly) to prepare it just right.
Here is the list of the best martinis in Toronto.
See also:
The great Toronto cocktail challenge
The great Toronto Caesar challenge
The best new bars in Toronto, 2010
The best hotel bars in Toronto
Consort Bar
On the topic of skilled hands, bartender Stefano Sabbatini is said to have some of the finest in the city. He holds post at the Consort Bar at the King Edward Hotel, where you can get a classic, 2oz martini for about $17. More »
The Comrade
The Comrade has that perfect old-world vibe that makes sloshing around a dirty martini actually seem a little less pretentious. But its martini list isn't limited just to the classics, of course, and also includes custom favourites such as its 2oz Cafe Comrade Martini, made with espresso, creme de cacao, vodka, and Galliano. More »
The Avenue
The Avenue at the Four Seasons has got sophistication down pat, so no surprise its martinis convey just that. The list is extensive, with everything from French Martinis (for the tourists?), a Lemon Drop Martini, a Lychee Martini, as well as its signature Sapphire Breeze. Martinis are 3oz and range from $14 to $18. More »
TOCA
Is it the raw bar that makes TOCA at the Ritz-Carlton seem ultra-chic? Or just the knowledge that it's Tom Brodi's baby? In any case, the martinis here are immaculately prepared (often with dry ice for an extra chill), both classic and contemporary for about $16. More »
Harbour Sixty
Harbour Sixty is known to be pricey, and its martinis are no exception. At about $21 for a 3oz cocktail, they certainly don't come cheap, but they do, however, come in a variety of forms. Besides the classic gin and vodka martinis, patrons are offered a list that includes Cotton Candy Martini, Strawberry Caviar, and Rhubarb Black Pearl martinis. More »
Library Bar
Bird bath martinis are signature at the Library Bar at the Fairmont Royal York, and the bartender tells me they're always stirred--never shaken. It's mostly about the classics here (gin and vodka, of course) with the Sidecar a loyal favourite as well as the French Martini. 3oz Cocktails start at $14. More »
Byzantium
Byzantium is the only martini bar (by name, that is) to make it on this list. Long and lean in the heart of the Village, Byzantium has a zillion martini options on its menu, broken down by creamy martinis (such as the Pearl Necklace), fun and fruity (Red Devil), martinis with bite (After Eight), tart, unique, and classics. More »
Roof Lounge
For a martini with a view, the Roof Lounge at the Park Hyatt is a safe bet with its 18th floor panoramic and timeless dark decor. Its famous martinis give merit to the saying of "If it ain't broke.." and are offered with any variety of its premium spirits and liqueurs. 3oz Martinis start at $14. More »
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and Joe is just the best bartender you'll ever met.
I'm sure these are great bars, but I stopped reading at "made with espresso."
Sure, there's something to be said for the skill of a great bartender being able to make a plethora of drinks, but a martini glass does not a martini make.
A martini is gin and vermouth with a twist or an olive. That's it. You could conceivably use vodka, instead (and I do), but even that's not a traditional martini.
And Vermouth and maybe an olive or an onion.
The inherent coolness of these Gin Martini's have made any drink that should only be called a cocktail sound cooler, hipper, better than the sugared up drinks they are.
Let's leave Appletinis back where they belong, in the dark ages.