The Toronto Cocktail is a delicious rye whiskey cocktail featuring Fernet-Branca. It's the perfect balance of sweet and bitter, rich and full of flavor.
Fernet-Branca Cocktails
So many cocktails, so little time. Trying to decide what cocktails to make next is quite the challenge. Do I stick with a theme, like warm soothing cocktails or riffs of classic cocktails like a Bees Knees Variation, that you might not have heard of?
Throwing all caution to the wind, I decided to just grab a bottle of something and find some cocktails to make. I grabbed Fernet-Branca.
Fernet-Branca is an Italian amaro. A type of bitter spirit. There is a fairly long list of what it might possibly be infused with - like myrrh, rhubarb, chamomile, cardamom and more! It's rich and complex tasting.
It's used in a similar way to how you might use Campari, to bring a complex bitterness to cocktails. I've started my exploration with a classic Fernet-Branca Cocktail - The Toronto Cocktail.
Ingredients in The Toronto Cocktail
- Whiskey - I am using a rye whiskey to add some sweetness and spice to the cocktail. As you would suspect a cocktail called The Toronto started out by using Canadian Whisky. So, if you have Canadian Whisky give it a try!
- Fernet-Branca - adds a deep rich, bitter flavor.
- Angostura Aromatic Bitters - classic bitters.
- Simple Syrup - we make up a batch of simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, heated on the stove and stirred just until the sugar dissolves) - it will keep in the fridge for about a month. We always use a piece of tape with the date on it, so we know when it was made.
- Orange peel - not pictured.
How to Make a Toronto Cocktail
Add ice to a mixing glass and find your bar spoon.
Measure 2 ounces of whiskey and add to the mixing glass. Add ¼ an ounce of Fernet Branca to the mixing glass.
Add ¼ an ounce of simple syrup to the mixing glass.
Add 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters to the glass. Note - a dash is usually considered ⅛ of a teaspoon. So, you would be adding ¼ a teaspoon of bitters.
Stir the ingredients in the mixing glass. You typically stir a cocktail for 30-45 seconds. You are doing that to both chill the cocktail and to properly dilute the cocktail.
Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with an orange twist!
The Toronto Cocktail
This cocktail is so good! It makes a great after dinner drink and we love sipping one while watching tv. It's kind of similar to a Manhattan with Fernet-Branca and simple syrup taking the place of the sweet vermouth.
If you're looking for an even easier Fernet-Branca cocktail, be sure and try a Fernet and Coke! The bitterness of the Fernet is perfect with the sweetness of the Coke!
More Whiskey Cocktails
This Blackberry Whiskey Sour is a fun fruity cocktail.
Turn a Manhattan into a gorgeous colored Cranberry Manhattan!
Like it spicy? Then you'll love this Mango Habanero Whiskey Sour!
The Vieux Carré Cocktail is a classic New Orleans cocktail that uses rye whiskey and cognac!
If you make this I would love it if you would follow me and tag me on Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook
Toronto Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- ¼ ounce Fernet-Branca
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon Angostura Bitters (2 dashes)
- orange twist for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass half full with ice.
- Pour in the rye whiskey, Fernet-Branca, simple syrup and Angostura Bitters.
- Stir for 30-45 seconds.
- Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with an orange twist.
Cory says
What is the name of the glass you used? I love it, but I can't find anything like it anywhere!
Pam Greer says
It's a coupe. I found it at a garage sale so I don't know how hold it is, but I'm guessing 40's or 50's.
Toni says
This is such an amazing cocktail! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Jessica says
I had this at a friend's house and it was so good I had to search for the recipe so I could make it myself. Thanks so much!
Audrey says
This was such a delicious cocktail!
Kayla DiMaggio says
We are always looking for good cocktails and this one was great!
Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says
This is such a gorgeous, sexy cocktail! I have ordered cocktails with Fernet-Branca in them at restaurants but have never used it in cocktails at home. This is inspiring, and perfect for the holidays!
Heidy L. McCallum says
Awesome Holiday cocktail and let me tell you we all enjoyed the smooth taste of it. I will definitely be making this again and soon!!
Alison says
Great information about this type of liqueur I had never hear of before. This sounds like a wonderful cocktail to finish the evening.
Rebecca says
this drink looks great! definitely want to try it
Irina says
This cocktail is a great idea for upcoming holiday season. I just need to enhance my collections of liquors:)
Pam Greer says
Once you start "enhancing" be prepared to expand your liqueur cabinet 🙂