Heralding the start of our weekly cocktail column is the Manhattan from — where else? — Cocktail Bar. Part of restaurateur Jen Agg’s mini-Empire, this Dundas West watering hole offers up a slew of booze-soaked beverages for the cocktail connoisseur.
The obvious pick is the Manhattan, the most perfect cocktail, according to Agg. Hoofland’s most famous libation, the cocktail is a blend of house-made bitters, Alberta Springs 10-year rye whisky and the kicker, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth (at around $55 a bottle, the cost may send some reeling, but Agg staunchly refuses to craft her drink without it).
The finishing touch? Two sour cherries, dried and brought back to life thanks to a luxurious bath of rye, vermouth, caramel syrup and a house-made bitter almond tincture. For those who think $16 is astronomical for a drink, we suggest they take it up with Agg.
Just don’t go asking for vodka.
Cocktail Bar, 923 Dundas St. W., 416-792-7511