Make it a mojito at these Toronto bars
Mojitos deliver a thirst-quenching blend of lime, rum and muddled mint leaves. These Cuban cocktails might be traditionally enjoyed in sunny locales, but you don’t have to wait until summertime to find a refreshing hit of green goodness in the city. Pull up a stool at these Toronto watering holes where the bartenders serve up creative and classic mojitos. [Imagecredit: iStock.com/GMVozd]
Henrietta Asante
401-30 Humberline Dr, Etobicoke, ON M9W 6K8Made-to-order mojitos are somewhat of a specialty at this casual College Street bar. Made with white rum, lime, mint, cane sugar and soda water, the creative cocktails are available in fruity flavours like strawberry, peach and wild berry. Or you could splurge on the deluxe Royal Mojito, a 3 oz indulgence made with white rum, Prosecco, mint and lime. If you’re wondering about the story behind the lengthy name, the bar is named after a novella by literary Gabriel García Márquez.
Julie's Cuban Restaurant
202 Dovercourt Rd, Toronto, ON M6J 3C8Housed in a converted 1960s snack bar, this neighbourhood Cuban joint is tucked away on a residential street just off the fashionable Queen West strip. The Mojito Cubano is a classic recipe made with rum, fresh mint, lime and soda. You’ll also find a variety of premium rums (including El Dorado 12 year Luxury Cask Aged rum from Guyana) and Sailor Jerry from the Caribbean) if you feel like sipping your liquor straight. The glowing string lights throughout the space and checkered tablecloths give the local hideaway a casual beach vibe.
Pacific Junction Hotel
234 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1J9Rum-based cocktails are available by the glass or bowlful at this quirky tiki bar on King Street East. The brightly coloured island-inspired space is bursting with an eclectic collection of vintage furniture and delightfully tacky décor items. Ordering yourself a tropical mojito is pretty much a requirement when you’re surrounded by strings of twinkling Christmas lights and plastic pink flamingos. After you order, head upstairs with your drink in hand to check out the games room, where you’ll find fun-loving folk playing pool, foosball and table tennis.
BarChef
472 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B2You’ll find sophisticated concoctions for cocktail connoisseurs at this modernist spot on Queen West. The menu is pricier than your average cocktail bar but you’re paying for seriously inventive molecular mixology. The coconut mojito is made with coconut rum, fresh lime, vanilla, coconut milk and mint. For a truly unique experience, order the Sailor’s Mojito, which mixes beach essence, Sailor Jerry rum, mint, fresh lime, vanilla syrup and vanilla air. The theatrical cocktail (served with a spoonful of “mojito ravioli” on the side) is delivered to the table amid a cloud of aromatic smoke that creates a sensational beachy smell.
La Cubana
392 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2M9This sunny spot with locations on Roncesvalles and Ossington attracts families and brunch fans with its crowd-pleasing Cuban cuisine. The bright diner-like space features mint-coloured subway tiles on the walls and Instagram-worthy mosaic flooring. Here the citrusy Mojitos are made with Blanco rum, turbinao cane sugar, lime and fresh mint. Not overly sugary, this tart cocktail is a perfect drink to pair with the meat-forward menu, which offers chorizo, pork belly and BBQ beef short ribs.
Mambo Lounge
120 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N1This authentic Cuban restaurant provides an alternative to the gyros and souvlaki from the abundant Greek eateries along the Danforth. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and guests enjoy live music while nibbling on tasty tapas plates like yuca fies, pan-fried shrimp, quesadillas and chorizo. The secluded side patio is a great spot to enjoy a mojito (or three!) during the summer months; colourful paneled walls, hanging baskets and leafy green plants create an idyllic urban oasis.
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