A Taste of the North: The Toronto Cocktail

The Toronto Cocktail is a hidden gem, a rye whiskey-based drink with a surprisingly complex flavor profile. This recipe captures its essence, offering a delightful balance of sweet, bitter, and herbal notes, perfect for those seeking something unique and sophisticated.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Rye Whiskey
• ¾ oz Fernet Branca
• ¾ oz Dry Vermouth
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• Orange Peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Chill your coupe glass. Fill it with ice and let it sit for a minute. Discard the ice before building your cocktail.
2. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Pour in the rye whiskey, Fernet Branca, dry vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. Add ice and stir gently. Fill the mixing glass with ice and use a bar spoon to stir for 20-30 seconds. Dilution is key for a balanced cocktail, so don't over-stir.
4. Strain into the chilled coupe glass. Double strain the cocktail using a bar strainer and a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a smooth and clear drink.
5. Garnish with an orange peel. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by gently squeezing it. Release the peel into the glass or discard it.

Tips:

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best results. Rye whiskey is the traditional spirit, and a good quality Fernet Branca is crucial for capturing the unique herbal character of the drink.
• Chilled glassware ensures your drink stays refreshingly cold.
• Stirring gently prevents excessive dilution, which can water down the flavors.
• If you don't have Fernet Branca, you can substitute with another herbal liqueur such as Averna or Cynar. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different.

A Sophisticated Sip:

The Toronto Cocktail is a conversation starter, perfect for adventurous palates who appreciate complex flavors. It's ideal for after-dinner drinks or a night of enjoying good company. With its unique blend of sweet, bitter, and herbal notes, this hidden gem is sure to become a favorite among those who seek a taste beyond the ordinary.