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Toronto Cocktail Drink

Toronto Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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.
Remember that the rest of the ingredients in a standard Toronto Cocktail are vegan-friendly, so sip without concern!