In this special bar feature, we highlight some of the city’s key drink trends and the best spots to make the most of them.
Kick off with cocktails, which have become part of our leisure lexicon. Sophisticated drink lists have become requisite in most bars and the thirst for classics like old-fashioneds and Manhattans has hit fever pitch.
Now that we know how quality cocktails should taste, we want to imbibe unique concoctions. Creative and craft ingredients, often locally sourced, are in demand, be they components of a cocktail or a pint of microbrew.
Speaking of which, beer culture is exploding in Ontario, too. More drinkers are eschewing the watered-down dribble of mass-produced suds for charismatic, locally brewed IPAs, farmhouse ales and sours.
For an unsexy moment, bars got super-serious, with unsmiling mixologists pontificating on the history of bitters and wine geeks snickering at requests for Pinot Grigio. Fortunately, we’re settling down and realizing that drinking sucks when it’s elitist and should be, above all, a good time. Accordingly, more and more spots are championing fun and relaxation.
How the hell are we supposed to keep up with all these drinking trends? By fortifying our constitutions courtesy of delectable bar snacks, of course. Thanks to a number of kitchens pumping out small plates till 2 am, it’s never been so easy to eat better later.
Amidst all this booze-related activity, we’re also going back to basics. Hospitality is at a premium, and the industry’s best are balancing the roles of comedian, matchmaker, educator and curator of memorable experiences.
There are a slew of excellent reasons to drink up, T.O. The short order: get your ass out on the town and see for yourself.
