Cinqo Drinkos: five inspired Toronto takes on the classic Mexican margarita
There are few things more quintessentially Mexican—or more dangerously refreshing—than the margarita, a time-honoured mix of tequila, triple sec and lime. Lately, Toronto cocktail gurus have been playing fast-and-loose with the classic cocktail, adding unusual ingredients like tamarind, chili peppers and fermented tea. Here, in honour of Cinqo de Mayo (it’s today!), five great (if not entirely authentic) ways to take your tequila.
1. Fonda Lola Fonda’s take on the drink wins extra points for inventiveness: it comes mixed with fermented black tea (i.e. kombucha) and horchata, a milky Latin American drink flavoured with vanilla and cinnamon. $10.50
942 Queen St. W., 647-706-9105
2. El Catrin The margaritas at El Catrin in the Distillery get their sweet-and-sour tang from fruity tamarind. Glasses are rimmed with Tajin, a spicy Mexican seasoning powder made with chilis and dehydrated limes. $12.50 18 Tank House Ln., 416-203-2121
3. Aft The Riverside barbeque joint celebrates the South with its fusion spin on the tequila cocktail, mixed with slow-smoked blueberries and basil. $11 686 Queen St. E., 647-346-1541
4. Grand Electric Trust the irreverent Grand Electric team to jack their drinks with mouth-incinerating firepower. The Parkdale taco shop’s El Chili Verde margarita gets its burn from spicy Serrano peppers. $8 1330 Queen St. W., 416-627-3459
5. Von Doughnuts Traditional margarita flavours take doughnut form at Von, the popular Danforth doughnut shop. The One Night Stand comes glazed with tequila, triple sec and lime icing, and it’s finished with a sprinkle of salt. $3 713 Danforth Ave., 416-901-8663
