Winter blues got you down, out and on your couch? Get outside and perk yourself up with a drink. Not just any drink, but a drink that will warm your heart, spice up your soul or transport you somewhere tropical. Bottoms up!
Northwood, Christie Pits
You're across the street from a winter wonderland, so just lean into it and heat up your insides with a hot toddy or mulled wine Manhattan. If those don't tickle your frozen fancy, try their Royal Oak made with Elijah Craig bourbon, Cocchi Americano, Amaro Nonino and grapefruit. It's boozy enough to put you in complete denial. Pretend it's summer, you're drinking citrus after all...
Hair Of The Dog, Church-Wellesley Village
Shivering? Spice up your life! This bloody brilliant local brings you a Caesar fit for a king, with all the fixings and they'll make it as hot as you can handle. Bonus? It's breakfast approved, so no need to wait until late to thaw.
Rhum Corner, Trinity Bellwoods
Warm up where the decor will transport you to an island paradise. Once heated, get fully lost in the mirage and sip on their tropical slushies (piña colada or daiquiri) or a Mai Tai.
Montauk, Dundas and Bathurst
Steam things up with the marvellous folks at Montauk. They know how to shake (and stir) it up properly, and the proof is in the pudding... or in this case the Tame Impala. Tequila, ginger beer, lime, cucumber juice and chai tea syrup. Winter? What winter?
The County General, Queen W
$12 at the County General can get you a damn picnic in your mouth. Literally. The Sunday Picnic is 2 ounces of sunshine made with El Dorado 5yr Demerara Rum, Averna, cinnamon, vanilla and root beer.
Salt, Ossington Strip
Smoke the cold out with this cocktail. It's equal parts delicious and performance art, so be sure to sit at the bar and watch them concoct this drink with bacon infused Four Roses Bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura bitters, cedar smoked glass and maple candied bacon garnish. At $16 she's a pricey one, but worth every penny.
Toronto Temperance Society, Palmerston Village
Get hot, hot, hot with a little summer romance. Between The Sheets is a favourite here with brandy, Cointreau, rum and lemon. Membership required for merriness, so make a card-carrying friend.
The Good Son, Queen W
Tidings of warmth hit you at this brunch favourite, but they've got more than just the usual suspects. Grab a mug of their hot apple buttered rum for $14 and snuggle in to wait out winter.
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