Last weekend we had the pleasure of attending one of the many Toronto Cocktail Week events. We were not sure what to expect when we purchased our tickets to the Cocktail Generator Gala, but the idea of getting some innovative drinks from top bartenders around Toronto was enticing enough.
After getting slightly lost, we ended up at the Burroughes Building. The event space was unique, rustic and had an amazing view of the CN Tower. If you are ever looking to host an event, this place is definitely worth checking out!
The event was set up so that each section of Toronto had its own bar and two bartenders mixing drinks. One of the interesting things about this event was that there was no drink menu. Instead, a list of adjectives that you chose from. The bartender would then make a drink out of many weird and wonderful ingredients (pumpkin, concord grape and all kinds of bitters). The concept was there, but a few times the drinks were not the best.
The list of ingredients
My first stop was the WQW/South OSS section. After waiting what felt like an hour for the girls in front of us to stop flirting with the bartender I asked him to, “make me your most delicious drink”. My first sip brought back terrible memories of being forced to drink cherry cough syrup as a child. I was later told it was a Negroni, one part Gin, Vermouth, Campari and bitters. I was slightly disappointed by this drink, but thankfully we had lots more to try!
By the end of the night we had found our favourite bartender Ana Wolkowski from Northwood who was serving in the Yorkville/Annex/ College section. She made some amazing drinks including one with egg whites and another using pumpkin! The only downside is that we did not find her sooner.
Egg whites and pumpkin cocktails!
Aside from the drinks there were also a few food stations set up from some great restaurants in Toronto. We tried the brisket sandwich from Barque (a place I have yet to experience!) and some delicious butter chicken arancini wings from The Hogtown Pub.
Barque’s brisket sandwich
Overall the event was unique and very well done, hopefully they have it again next year!
The Best: Ana from Northwood, her drinks were amazing and you could tell she put a lot of thought in to every drink
Not the Best: The cherry cough syrup tasting Negroni
PS. In true Not Foodies fashion, we made a couple more stops before ending the night. Burger’s Priest for a priest burger Vatican style (burger with deep fried portobellos stuffed with cheese on grilled cheeses instead of buns) and two dozen Tiny Tom’s donuts.
Burger’s Priest in all its meaty, cheesy goodness
not foodies. 