Happy Birthday Canada! Canada has more lakes than any other
country—which is why it has one of the best cottage-country lifestyles in the
world. Many Torontonians vacate their homes every weekend to head up to their
lake-side retreat. Unfortunately for them, they are leaving behind an amazing
summer experience. Toronto thrives in the summer with its perfect combination
of urban culture and green spaces. Here are a few of our favourite Toronto parks and Canadian inspired drinks.
the trinity mint (single) 1½ oz proof whisky • 6 torn mint leaves •
5 oz lemonade* • garnish of 1 tbsp blueberries and mint
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 ½ oz proof
whisky, 6 torn mint leaves and 5 oz lemonade*. Shake well and strain into a
Collins glass filled with ice. Garnish with 1 tbsp fresh blueberries and a mint
sprig. Can substitute proof whisky for proof vodka.
the trinity mint (group size) 1 - 500ml bottle of proof
whisky • 1/2 cup torn up mint leaves* • 60 oz of lemonade (1 can frozen
lemonade - when making use 1 can less water than instructed) Fill the pitcher
with ice (as it melts it will make up for the 1 can of water) Add all
ingredients and stir. * Use frozen lemonade. Can substitute proof whisky for
proof vodka.
To the west - Trinity Bellwoods Park: Located in the west
end of Toronto, bordered by Queen Street West on the
south and Dundas Street on the north, Trinity Bellwoods' hip West end park is one of the coolest and
most cultured of Toronto's public spaces, playing host to many art shows and
cultural events.
Only in Canada can you be driving along a busy Expressway, and spot an oversized canoe sitting on the edge of a hill. This is
Douglas Coupland’s Canoe Landing park. You can access the park just off the
Gardiner Expressway, by turning on to Dan Leckie Way.
Coupland sour 1 1/2 oz proof whisky • 1/2 oz pure maple
syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
Pour proof whisky, pure maple syrup, fresh lemon into a
cocktail glass filled with ice. Stir and enjoy. Can substitute proof whisky for
proof vodka.
queens quay (single) 1 1/2 oz proof
whisky • 1 oz lemon juice • 1 tbsp cranberries (frozen &
thawed) • 1/2 oz maple syrup • 2 oz Ocean Spray® Cranberry
Cocktail METHOD In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1½ oz proof
whisky, 1 oz of lemon juice, 1 tbsp cranberries (frozen & thawed) ½ oz.
maple syrup and 2 oz Ocean Spray® Cranberry Cocktail. Shake sharply and strain
into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon and cranberry skewer. We used cherries, because we like them. Can substitute whisky for proof vodka.
queens quay (group size) 1 cup proof
whisky • 5 oz lemon juice • ½ cup frozen cranberries (thawed)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup • 1.89 litres of Ocean Spray® Cranberry
Cocktail (full bottle) METHOD In a punch bowl or pitcher add ½ cup
muddled or smashed cranberries, 1 cup proof whisky, 5 oz. of lemon juice,
1/3 cup maple syrup and 1.89 litres of Ocean Spray® Cranberry Cocktail. Mix
well and add lots of ice. Garnish with frozen cranberries. Can substitute whisky for proof vodka.
To the South – Toronto is home to one of the longest urban lakefronts in the world. From the Rouge River in the east to Etobicoke Creek in the west, the 46-kilometre shoreline encompasses attractions ranging from city parks, beaches and marinas to concert venues, art galleries and a new BMX park. One of our favourite locations is the peaceful Music Garden, just west of lower spadina avenue at Queens Quay.
It's not exactly a park, but, if you are in the Spadina area, you might want to snap a few selfies at Graffiti Alley. This alleyway, just South of Queen Street West has quickly become one of Toronto's most popular instagram backdrops.
thyme for riverdale (single) 1 oz proof
vodka • 1 sprig thyme • 1 ½ oz Ceres pear juice • ½ oz simple syrup • ½ oz
lemon juice • splash soda
Add first 5 ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake hard
and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with soda and garnish with a sprig
of thyme.
thyme for riverdale (group size) 6 oz proof vodka • 6 sprig
thyme • 9 oz Ceres pear juice • 3 oz simple syrup • 3 oz lemon juice • splash
soda (6 oz)
Add first 5 ingredients to an ice-filled thermos. Shake hard
and serve in cups. Top with soda and garnish with a sprig of thyme. If soda is
inconvenient, drink will still be great without it.
To the east - All east-enders know about Riverdale Park and
its amazing view of the Toronto skyline. The top of the hill located on the east side
of the park, next to Broadview Avenue, has an unobstructed view of the downtown
core and surrounding skyline. It is easily accessible via TTC or car. In the
south end of the park, are located permanent cement ping-pong tables where you
can enjoy a round or two. If you are more in the mood for a caffeinated
beverage, the rooster coffee house is located just across the street on
Broadview.
