Toronto recipe
Canada's answer to the Old Fashioned — rye, Fernet, and a sugar cube.
Method: Stir ·
Glass: Rocks glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Old Fashioned Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Canadian Rye Whiskey
- 0.25 oz Fernet-Branca
- 0.25 oz Simple Syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
How to make a Toronto
- Add rye, Fernet-Branca, simple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir for 30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Express an orange peel over the drink and drop it in.
Garnish
Orange peel, expressed.
Pro tip
The Fernet is the star here — it adds menthol and herbal complexity without overwhelming the rye. If you find Fernet too intense, start with just a barspoon and work up.
History of the Toronto
First appeared in Robert Vermeire's 1922 book 'Cocktails: How to Mix Them.' Despite the name, it was likely created in the US or Europe. The drink fell into obscurity for decades before being rediscovered during the craft cocktail revival.
Flavour profile
Boozy, Herbal, Bitter, Warm
Variations
- Fernet Toronto — Double the Fernet to 0.5 oz for bitter lovers
- Bourbon Toronto — Use bourbon instead of rye for sweeter warmth
- Black Manhattan — Replace Fernet with Averna amaro
Practise making the Toronto in the free Virtual Bar game.