How One Canadian City Became the Epicenter for Cocktail Innovation

Set between Koreatown and Little Italy, Civil Liberties takes a unique approach to its cocktail menu — they don’t offer one. Bartenders ask patrons a couple of questions about their likes and dislikes and then dream up a cocktail tailored to their tastes. The spontaneity helps break the third wall between the bartender and bar-goer, allowing guests to strike up a conversation and try something new that puts them a touch outside their comfort zone in the best way possible.

It’s one of many reasons the world is taking note of Toronto’s cocktail culture as bars, both old and new, draw attention and praise for their creativity and innovation. Whether utilizing seasonal ingredients or blending molecular gastronomy with traditional bartending techniques, bars and bartenders around the city are carving out truly unique spaces for themselves while offering unforgettable sips. 

Bar Mordecai

Bar Mordecai offers two distinct bars, one upstairs and one downstairs. The upstairs bar pays homage to Wes Anderson films with fun pops of color and vintage aesthetics, while the downstairs bar is a bit more subdued with a similar design in darker hues. The intimate space only has seats for six, but guests can unwind in one of the four private karaoke rooms, enjoying one of the bar’s house-canned cocktails. 

Bar Pompette

For a more traditional setting, there’s Bar Pompette, the atmosphere akin to a French bistro, but the cocktail menu strays from the classics, weaving in unconventional ingredients and plenty of personality. The Cornichon, made with pickle distillate and gin, is perfect for the savory crowd, while those who prefer sweet can go for the Atlas’ Snow, made with Courvoisier and dates. 

Hoof Cocktail Bar

At Hoof Cocktail Bar, the atmosphere is more eclectic with salvaged leaded-glass cabinets for bar shelving inside and a small outdoor patio that mixes tropical and mid-century with a palm-frond mural, strung globe lights, and minimalist-designed seating overlooking buzzy Dundas Street. The drinks mimic the convivial environment by mixing unlikely ingredients for a powerful flavor combination — like the Gold Lion, made with Scotch, rum, passionfruit, sesame, lime, and matcha.

Mother

On the more cerebral end of the spectrum, where you’ll find molecular gastronomy at its finest, Mother blends high-skill technique with bartender flair. The best seat is right up at the bar, where guests can see the bartenders work their magic firsthand — especially impressive as the space can barely fit two behind the bar. The Lighthouse Martini — served with a palate-cleansing foam served in an oyster shell — is savory, yet refreshing and is a house favorite.

Bar Raval

For the design aficionados, Bar Raval is a must. The corner bar, set in the epicenter of Little Italy, pulls inspiration from Barcelona’s famed tapas restaurants. The interior features winding wood paneling mixed with patterned metalwork in a nod to Spain’s most well-known architect, Antoni Gaudi. Step outside on a warm day to enjoy the covered patio, or snag a table inside to soak in the design and a cocktail or two. The Porcelina, made with gin, sake, elderflower, honeydew, miso, and lime, is a refreshing tipple ideal for a warm summer day.

As bartenders continue to perfect their craft throughout the city, recognition is fast to follow. More and more bars are pulling in international accolades for their fun and inventive approach to mixing spirits and hospitality. So, whatever your sipping style, there’s a litany of places to explore. Just make sure to plan ahead, as space at the bar can be hard to come by — but at any of these places, the experience is worth the wait.