Get the party started with this simple Toronto Cocktail recipe, a delightful mix of whisky, Fernet-Branca, and bitters that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
185
Ingredients
- 2 oz Canadian Whisky
- ¼ oz Fernet-Branca
- ¼ oz simple syrup
- 1 dash Angostura aromatic bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Add Bitters: Add 1 dash Angostura aromatic bitters into the old fashioned glass for depth of flavor.
- Add Fernet-Branca: Measure and add ¼ oz Fernet-Branca.
- Add Simple Syrup: Incorporate ¼ oz simple syrup into the mixture.
- Add Whiskey: Pour 2 oz Canadian Whisky into the glass.
- Add Ice: Fill up the Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes.
- Stir Gently: Take your bar spoon and stir the ingredients well with a gentle hand to combine the flavors.
- Garnish: Twist an orange peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it into the glass.
Notes
Substitutes:
From my experience tinkering with recipes, I've learned a thing or two about flexibility. If Canadian whisky isn't at hand, a quality rye whisky does the trick — it maintains that bold, spicy profile. Fernet-Branca is unique, but in its absence, a dash of a different herbal liqueur or amaro might surprise you pleasantly; they contribute a complex herbal note, though each has its own character. A homemade simple syrup can replace the store-bought version, giving a richer undertone.Making a Pitcher of Toronto Cocktail:
- Scale: Crafting a pitcher serving 8? Just multiply all ingredients by 8 — 16 oz of whisky, 2 oz of Fernet-Branca, 2 oz of simple syrup, and 8 dashes of bitters.
- Mix: Find a sizable pitcher to unite the whisky, Fernet-Branca, simple syrup, and bitters. Give it a good stir.
- Serve: Distribute the concoction into individual ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with an orange twist, and it's showtime immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Whisky Substitute: Non-alcoholic whisky alternatives exist, or you could use a strong black tea for the body and a hint of smokiness.
- Fernet-Branca Substitute: Try a non-alcoholic herbal elixir or a tea concoction with a mix of chamomile, mint, and a touch of licorice.
- Angostura bitters: Try a non-alcoholic aromatic bitter available in the market.
- Proceed As Usual: With these non-alcoholic stand-ins, follow the primary steps, and voilà — a sober Toronto Cocktail awaits!
Making it Vegan:
- Simple Syrup: Ensure your simple syrup is vegan. Some white sugars are processed with bone char, so opt for a vegan-certified sugar (like a raw cane) or a different sweetener like agave nectar or maple syrup to craft your simple syrup.
- Bitters: While generally considered vegan, some bitters have obscure ingredients. Double-check that your aromatic bitters don't contain any animal products or by-products.
What is a Toronto Cocktail?
A Toronto Cocktail is a blend of Canadian whisky, Fernet-Branca, simple syrup, and dashes of bitters. This cocktail hails from the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada, reflecting the locale’s spirit in its straightforward yet profound character. While it shares a kinship with other whisky drinks, the Toronto Cocktail stands out due to its inclusion of Fernet-Branca, giving it a unique edge of herbaceous bitterness that intrigues and delights.
What is in a Toronto Cocktail – The ingredients
The ingredients for an Toronto Cocktail are as follows:
- Canadian Whisky: Provides the robust, full-bodied base that carries the cocktail’s main flavor.
- Fernet-Branca: Infuses the drink with a touch of herbal bitterness and a hint of mint, enhancing its complexity.
- Simple Syrup: Balances the cocktail with a dash of sweetness, smoothing out the overall taste.
- Angostura Bitters: Adds depth with its subtle spices and slightly bitter undertones, rounding out the cocktail’s profile.
- Orange Twist: Contributes a zesty note and aromatic citrus oils, brightening the cocktail’s finish.
