Sometimes, a cocktail needn’t be fancy. At Torito Tapas Bar in Kensington Market — soon to have a sister restaurant on Queen West — chef Luis Valenzuela serves up a roster of authentic tapas for the Spanish enthusiast: bacon-wrapped dates, ceviche, grilled chorizo and more.
Cocktail-wise, we opted for the tinto de verano ($8), a mainstay of Spain’s summer drinking scene. Translating into summer red wine, the laid-back beverage is certainly a little bit trashy, starring red wine and pop.
Torito’s version varies depending on the season, but it will usually feature Chilean red wine — a Cabernet or a Merlot — poured over rocks with some ginger ale or lemon soda and a splash of vermouth. A curl of orange peel, or a stick of cinnamon, acts as a garnish.
After all, sangria is for tourists.
Torito Tapas Bar, 276 Augusta Ave., 416-961-7373
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