10 Of Toronto's Best Summer Cocktails

It’s the time of the year we’ve all been waiting for. The days are longer, the temperature is warmer, and restaurants and bars are dusting off their patios for the season ahead: nothing says ‘summer’ better than grabbing a cold beverage al fresco. Listed below are the top seasonal drinks to try in Toronto this summer, so grab a thirsty friend and enjoy these tantalizing creations at the city’s best spots.

Fuzzy Wawa @ Miss Thing’s

Bar, Restaurant, Asian

The tropical Fuzzy Wawa from Miss Things

Miss Thing’s is a retro-style spot with tropical accents and a stunning interior with turquoise walls and floral murals. This venue serves as a restaurant, bar and event space and serves innovative Polynesian dishes and tiki cocktails. This summer, the ‘Fuzzy Wawa’ is the must-try cocktail which consists of Havana Club 3 Year, coconut, lemongrass sake, kaffir lime syrup, and toasted coconut Bitters, and is served in a coconut. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation after your first sip!

Red/White Sangria @ Patria

Bar, Restaurant, Spanish

Nothing quite says summer better than sangria, and Patria serves the best. Patria specializes in classic Spanish cuisine (from tapas to paella), wine and cocktails in a stylish, airy setting. The bar offers both red and white sangria, which may be the hardest decision you make all summer. The red sangria is made with red wine, port, sweet vermouth, spiced poached pear reduction, cloves, orange juice and pear nectar. The white sangria consists of white wine, Spanish brandy, fresh peach nectar and apple. You may just have to order both!

Queen’s Park Cocktail @ Figo

Bar, Italian

The airy, bright space at Figo features a stunning bar lined in marble and gold accents and an open kitchen. Complementing the beautiful space is their fancy cocktail menu, with creations that are constantly changing. For summer, indulge in the refreshing ‘Queen’s Park Cocktail’ that consists of Sorel, Prosecco, peach nectar and fresh lemon.

The Caesar @ Hunters Landing

Hunters Landing is a roomy sports bar with an excellent patio and mezzanine seating serving a menu of hearty Canadian fare and drinks. We recommend the famous ‘The Cure’ Caesar, which is practically an entire meal. Topped with a lobster tail, house-pickled vegetables, smoked cheese, sausage, bacon and pizza crust, this meal in a glass is the perfect option after a long night out with friends.

Punch for Two @ The Harbord Room

Bar, Restaurant, American

The famous Punch for Two served in a copper pineapple tumbler from The Harbord Room

This intimate restaurant and bar features seasonal New American cooking, with a snug patio in the back, which is perfect for relaxing on in the summer months. The Harbord Room is known for their extensive cocktail list and unique glassware and tumblers. You can’t visit without trying the ‘Punch for Two,’ served in a massive copper pineapple tumbler which (almost) looks too pretty to drink.

Black Mamba Margarita @ The Carbon Bar

Bar, BBQ, Pub Grub, Beer, American

The Carbon Bar is the go-to spot for Southern-inspired BBQ and unique cocktails. The artsy space offers a variety of beverages for every taste, and new flavors are constantly introduced. The ‘Black Mamba Margarita’ is one of the bar’s best-selling drinks, and its refreshing mix of sweet and sour is perfect for summer.

The Bulldog Margarita @ The Porch

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

The Porch, located on top of the Rock n’ Horse Saloon, offers one of the largest bar patios in the city, and their view of the CN Tower can’t be beat. This bustling, seasonal rooftop venue for cocktails, pub snacks and brunch fare is an extremely popular spot with younger crowds. To get into the summer mood, order ‘The Bulldog Margarita’ which is served in a fun sand pail with your choice of lime, mango, strawberry or raspberry and topped with an upside down bottle of Sol.

Wanderlust @ The Drake Hotel

The Drake Hotel consists of multiple on-site dining options, a lounge with live music, event spaces and a rooftop patio known as The Sky Yard, one of the best patios in the city. For a refreshing summer beverage, select the ‘Wanderlust’ which is made with lemon juice, muddled cucumber, mint, and raspberry. Your choice of vodka, gin, or tequila will kick it up a notch.

Piña Colada @ Rhum Corner

Rhum Corner serves Haitian grub and rum cocktails, complete with Caribbean music that will transport you to that all-inclusive resort you’ve been dreaming of. Their unique cocktail list features drinks from every island making the choice a difficult one: we recommend the piña colada – the ultimate way to cool down during those sticky summer months. It’s made with two different types of rum, coconut cream, pineapple and lime juice and finished with a spritz of Gosling’s.

Chipotle Watermelon Mojito @ Aft Kitchen & Bar

Bar, Fast Food, Pub Grub

The Chipotle Watermelon Mojito (right) and the Smoked Blueberry Margarita

Aft Kitchen & Bar specializes in decadent smokehouse sandwiches, Texas-style brisket, BBQ ribs and a full bar offered in a stylish setting. For summer, order the ‘Chipotle Watermelon Mojito.’ The hint of spicy chipotle perfectly balances the fruity, sweet elements of the watermelon.

About the author

Katherine Palumbo

Katherine Palumbo studied Sociology at McMaster University and completed a post-grad in Social Work at George Brown College shortly after. Since graduating, she has worked in the not-for-profit sector for 8 years, and now specializes in Digital Media Communications. She dedicates her spare time to travelling and exploring all of the fantastic restaurants, wineries, art galleries and nature trails Ontario has to offer. You can keep track of her adventures by following her on Instagram at kat_m_palumbo

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