Toronto
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Toronto
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.45 / 5
The Toronto Cocktail was first published as the Fernet Cocktail in 1922. Robert Vermeire’s Cocktails: How to Mix Them, noted “this cocktail is much appreciated by the Canadians of Toronto”.
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Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Base ingredient
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Whiskey
Calories
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128 calories
Garnish
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Orange
Alcohol content
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37.68% | 2.6 units *

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

The Toronto cocktail, a sleek blend with its roots in early 20th-century sophistication, presents a fascinating tapestry of flavors. The warming embrace of whiskey, paired with the herbal, bitter complexity of Amaro (Fernet) and a hint of sweetness from the gomme syrup, creates a deep, aromatic experience that balances warmth with mystique.

Method
How to make a Toronto

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Combine whisky, fernet, simple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass and fill with cracked ice
Stir for 20 seconds and strain into chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with an orange slide, then serve

Power tips
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Chill your mixing glass beforehand. This ensures your cocktail stays extra cold and prevents dilution from excessive stirring.
Use high-quality fernet. The fernet should have a smooth yet complex flavor profile to complement the whiskey without overpowering it.
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Bitters  ·  Stir  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Toronto cocktail?

The Toronto cocktail is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. It is often linked to the city of Toronto, Canada, though precise details about its inception remain somewhat unclear. This cocktail gained popularity as a classic Canadian whiskey-based drink, showcasing the use of rye whiskey complemented by the bitter and sweet notes of Fernet-Branca (a type of Amaro) and gomme syrup.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I substitute the whiskey in a Toronto cocktail with another type of alcohol?

While rye whiskey is traditional in a Toronto cocktail, you can substitute it with other types of whiskey such as bourbon or Canadian whisky, depending on your preference or availability. The choice of whiskey will alter the flavor profile slightly, so it's encouraged to experiment to find your preferred taste. However, substituting it with a completely different type of alcohol like vodka or rum would stray significantly from the classic Toronto cocktail's intended flavor and character.

Ingredient specifics icon

What's the significance of using Gomme syrup in a Toronto cocktail?

Gomme syrup, or simple syrup made with gum arabic, adds not only sweetness to the Toronto cocktail but also a silky texture that is harder to achieve with regular simple syrup. Gum arabic emulsifies the syrup, giving the cocktail a smoother mouthfeel. If gomme syrup is not available, regular simple syrup can be used as a substitute, though the texture of the cocktail may be slightly different.

Serving suggestions icon

How should a Toronto cocktail be served for the best experience?

For the best experience, a Toronto cocktail should be served in a chilled cocktail glass. Stirring the cocktail with ice before straining it into the glass ensures that it's well-chilled and dilutes the drink just enough to make it smooth. The garnish, often an orange peel twist, enhances the aromatic experience. Serving it cold accentuates the bold flavors of whiskey and the complex bittersweet notes of Amaro, making it a refreshing yet warming drink.

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