Toronto Life continues to stir things up in the Love Your City event series with Art of the Cocktail

On May 23, Toronto Life welcomed more than 200 guests to Malaparte at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The event, part of Toronto Life’s new Love Your City event series, offered attendees a four course cocktail tasting from bartenders around the city with dynamic food pairings to match from Oliver & Bonacini.

Rachel Heinrichs, Toronto Life Food Editor, kicked off the event by introducing the evening and discussing the latest cocktail trends in the city.

The first cocktail course, served by Nishan Nepulangoda (Blowfish), was an unmistakably tangy yet cool cocktail called “Caribou Crossing”, featuring the sophisticated Ketel One vodka and paired with a delectable Ahi Tuna Tartare.

This was followed by Rob Montgomery (Miller Tavern) as the second course, with his twist on a classic, a Spanish Style Gin & Tonic that paired Tanqueray No. 10 with botanicals such as chamomile flowers for an unrivalled taste.

For the third course, Simon Hooper (Bloke & 4th) brought the heat – literally – with his cocktail called Smokin’ Aces, which used Tequila Don Julio Blanco and a quick blast of fire to fresh rosemary to create a crowd pleasing cocktail with a crisp agave flavor and hint of citrus.

Sara Kuz (Jump) ended the night on a sweet note with her creation called the Golden Kilt, using Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve for a truly indulgent blend with a smooth balance of sweet fruits and creaminess, while evoking deeper honeyed tones.

Thank you to our event presenting partner, Diageo Reserve, for helping us put on such a decadent and delicious evening. Look for more Love Your City events coming soon!

(Video: Roxton Media; Music: ‘Awel’ by stefsax)