Hogtown is in the throes of a throwback cocktail fever — something for which Sidecar is partially to blame. Situated on Little Italy’s main thoroughfare, this restaurant was one of pioneering forces behind Toronto’s resurgence of Prohibition-era tipples. Four years ago, when the bar opted to eschew ’90s-style beverages, people would send back their drinks, proclaiming they were too strong for their saccharine palates. Now, of course, people can’t get enough.
We opted for the Autumn Sidecar, which is part of the brand new fall menu. Bartender Jason Barajas uses Calvados, pear cognac and Benedictine along with fresh lemon juice and Angostura bitters for this signature drink. Noting that the Benedictine has “more of an apple finish, which brings out all the spice,” Barajas double-strains the beverage and pours it into antique glassware dusted with a cinnamon-sugar rim.
Sidecar, 577 College St., 416-536-7000
Other must-try Toronto cockails:
The elderflower martini from Park Hyatt Toronto
The Viuda Blanca from Campagnolo
The Streetcar from Weslodge Saloon