Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:5g
Alcohol:22%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Toronto cocktail has its roots in the Prohibition era, when Canadian whiskey was smuggled across the border into the United States. It was first documented in the 1922 book 'Cocktails: How to Mix Them' by Robert Vermeire. The drink is a classic whiskey cocktail that has gained popularity among whiskey enthusiasts and those who appreciate a well-balanced, spirit-forward drink.
The Toronto cocktail is a rich, bold, and slightly sweet drink with a hint of bitterness from the Fernet-Branca. The rye whiskey provides a strong, spicy backbone, while the simple syrup and orange peel garnish add a touch of sweetness and citrus.
Rye whiskey is the backbone of the Toronto, providing a bold, spicy kick. It's strong enough to stand up to the potent Fernet-Branca; if you reduce its quantity, the drink can become too bitter. Substitute bourbon if you prefer sweeter notes, but expect a less spicy profile.
Fernet-Branca is like the mysterious stranger at the bar—a bit bitter, a bit herbal, and very intriguing. At 0.25 oz, it adds complexity without overpowering. Omit this, and the cocktail loses its signature edge. Swap it for another amaro for a change in the bitterness profile.
This touch of sweetness balances the intensity, acting like the friend who knows just how to cool down an argument. Too much, and you'll drown the other flavors; too little, and the bitterness may be too much. Honey could be swapped in for a richer sweetness.
The equivalent of a dash of pepper in a gourmet dish—2 dashes provide a spicy, herbal touch that ties the drink together. Go without, and the cocktail feels unfinished. You could experiment with other bitters to slightly adjust the spice palette.
An orange peel is the garnish that adds a zesty flair. Its oils, expressed over the cocktail, give an aromatic lift that contrasts beautifully with the drink's depth. No peel might leave the cocktail feeling one-dimensional. A lemon peel could be a zesty alternative.
Pair the Toronto with a bold blue cheese or a plate of assorted charcuterie. The smoky and spicy notes of rye whiskey, paired with the herbaceous Fernet, cut through the richness of the meats and cheeses, elevating both the drink and the food.
A great companion would be grilled steak or barbecue ribs. The strength of the whiskey is a fine match for the charred flavors of the meat, while the bitter elements from Fernet-Branca and Angostura balance the sweetness of barbecue sauces.
Enjoy the Toronto with dark chocolate desserts. The bitterness of the chocolate matches the Fernet's profile, and the orange's citrus aroma complements the cocoa's depth.
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Replace simple syrup with maple syrup for a Canadian twist. The maple's earthy sweetness complements the rye's spiciness and adds a woody note perfect for autumn evenings.
Use a dash of smoky mezcal in place of some rye whiskey. The smoky element introduces a new layer of complexity while maintaining the original's strong character—a nod to the mysterious smoky bars of yesteryear.
Add a barspoon of chocolate bitters alongside the Angostura. The chocolate's richness plays beautifully with the orange's zestiness, giving a nod to those timeless chocolate-orange confections, perfect for dessert.
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupPlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Yes, you can experiment with different types of whiskey. However, sticking to rye whiskey or bourbon will keep the cocktail closer to its traditional taste.
The Toronto cocktail, being a rich and spirit-forward drink, is ideal for evening drinking or as a digestif after a meal.
Yes, other types of bitters can be used, but it will alter the flavor profile of the cocktail. Angostura Bitters provide a complexity and specific flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
The Toronto cocktail is traditionally served in an Old Fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass.
If you're interested in similar drinks, you could try cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, and the Boulevardier, which all use whiskey as a base, bitters and a form of sweetener.
The Hanky Panky cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, bitter, and herbal flavors. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the sweet vermouth adds a touch of sweetness and complexity. The Fernet-Branca adds a bitter, herbal edge that lingers on the palate.
The Fernandito cocktail is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and mildly bitter drink with a hint of herbal and citrus notes. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a pleasant, lingering aftertaste.
The San Martin cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, with a combination of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, slightly herbal, and has a hint of citrus.
The Cosmopolitan is a well-balanced cocktail with a slightly sweet, tart, and fruity taste. The combination of cranberry juice, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and zesty flavor, while the vodka adds a smooth and subtle kick.
The Angel's Share cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors. The whiskey provides a strong, robust base, while the citrus and sweet vermouth add a touch of brightness and sweetness. The bitters bring a subtle bitterness that balances the drink perfectly.
The Kentucky B cocktail has a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of spice. The bourbon provides a strong, oaky base, while the other ingredients add complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Sazerac is a complex, strong, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of bitterness. The combination of rye whiskey, absinthe, and Peychaud's bitters creates a unique, herbal flavor profile with a smooth, velvety finish.
The Boulevardier is a complex and well-balanced cocktail, with a rich and bold taste. It has a bitter-sweet profile, with the bitterness of Campari complementing the sweetness of the vermouth. The whiskey adds warmth and depth, making it a perfect drink for sipping.
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
