We’re on a mission for summer 2011 to diversify our palates, get a little more intimate with Toronto’s cocktail scene and try as many summery concoctions as possible. From beach essence to torched marshmallows, our top 10 must-try cocktails will have you drinking away summer – literally. 

The Drink: Sailor’s Mojito ($25)
Where: BarChef, 472 Queen St. W.
Ingredients: Sailor Jerry rum, beach essence, mint, fresh lime, vanilla syrup, mojito ravioli, vanilla air 

The Drink: Lychee in the Sky with Diamonds ($15)
Where: Boehmer, 93 Ossington Ave.
Ingredients: Bombay Sapphire gin, Wyborowa vodka, soho lychee, cactus pear juice 

The Drink: Blackberry Lemonade ($12)
Where: The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St. W.
Ingredients: Gin, blackberries, lemonade 

The Drink: Shark Bite
Where: Sidecar, College St.
Ingredients: Havana Club 7 year, lemon, lime, grenadine, cherry bitters 

The Drink: Basil Fawlty ($10)
Where: The Black Hoof, 923 Dundas St. W.
Ingredients: Gin, basil, lime juice, orange blossom water 

The Drink: Red Velvet ($11)
Where: The Harbord Room, 89 Harbord St.
Ingredients: Beefeater gin, aperol, fresh strawberry, fresh rhubarb, sparkling wine 

The Drink: Canadian Campfire (this one happens to be a shot but it’s going on the list anyway)
Where: The Avro, 750-B Queen St. E.
Ingredients: Crown Royal, butter ripple schnapps and Goldschläger, torched marshmallow 

The Drink: Spicy Cucumber, Relish ($14)
Where: Canoe, 66 Wellington St. W.
Ingredients: Pearl cucumber vodka, chili/cucumber lime-ade, Grand Marnier drizzle 

The Drink: ShuckerPaddy’s Starfish Caesar ($7), created by Kevin Brauch of Food Network’s The Thirsty Traveller
Where: Ceili Cottage, 1301 Queen St. E.
Ingredients: Vodka, clamato juice, horseradish, dulse-seaweed rim 

The Drink: Balsamic Bramble ($17)
Where: Brassaii, 461 King St. W.
Ingredients: Tanqueray Ten, Chambord, reduced balsamic vinaigrette, raspberries, blackberries, rosemary, champagne

~ Caitlyn Holroyd
~ Photo from The Drake Hotel