Craft Cocktails Toronto: Speakeasy Drinks on St. Clair West
Speakeasy Meets Supper Club: Craft Cocktails Toronto Style
Discover three must-have classic craft cocktails at Desotos Eatery on St. Clair Ave W. Indulge in our rich Espresso Martini, expertly blended with premium vodka and freshly brewed espresso for a perfect balance of bold and smooth. Try the Spiced Old Fashioned, a timeless favourite with a twist of warming spices and a hint of citrus. Or enjoy the Negroni, a crisp and bittersweet cocktail crafted with quality gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Each cocktail offers a distinct flavour experience that perfectly complements our fresh Italian-inspired menu.
The Art of the Pour: Mastering Craft Cocktails Toronto Style
Desotos Eatery is more than just a top St. Clair West restaurant for Italian-American comfort food—it's also a sophisticated cocktail destination. Our bar program balances the vintage, speakeasy vibe of our decor with a modern commitment to quality. Whether you’re joining us for casual fine dining or looking for the perfect date night drink, we craft every cocktail to perfection.
Here’s a look at three of our signature drinks and the Italian tradition that helps you end your meal right.
The Italian Art of the Espresso Martini: Our Expert Take
Espresso Martini
We take our coffee seriously. After all, what is an Espresso Martini without exceptional espresso? Our unique blend is the key to creating a truly superior cocktail.
The Must-Have Espresso: We exclusively use Oro31 by Faema, considered one of the finest Italian coffee blends.
The Legend Machine: This premium espresso is pulled through our Faema E61 Legend machine—a true classic in coffee history.
The Desotos Difference: We are proud coffee snobs, and our bartenders know exactly how to pull and properly blend the espresso for ultimate flavor.
Local & Classic Ingredients: To complement the rich coffee base, we shake it with True Theory Vodka, a local Toronto spirit, and classic Kahlúa (made with 100% Arabica beans).
The Perfect Finish: The drink is double-strained and shaken vigorously to achieve a beautiful, creamy "Guinness-like" head before being poured into a chilled martini glass.
Warming Up with Our Spiced Old Fashioned
Spiced Old Fashioned
When you’re looking for a classic drink with a cozy twist, our Spiced Old Fashioned is the perfect choice. This drink highlights our commitment to fresh, made-to-order ingredients.
Handcrafted Syrups & Local Spirits
We invest the time to make sure every ingredient is as flavorful as possible, blending fall's most evocative scents right in house.
House-Made Syrup: Our syrup features warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom, perfectly balanced with Madagascar vanilla and fresh orange zest.
Canadian Whiskey: The drink uses Canadian Club 12-Year for a smooth, classic Canadian foundation.
Classic Preparation: The ingredients are expertly stirred with classic Angostura bitters and a large ice cube.
Signature Garnish: We soak our cherries in house, topping the cocktail with a rye-soaked Canadian cherry and zesting the glass with fresh orange peel for a final aromatic touch.
An Italian Classic: The Must-Have Negroni
Negroni
The Negroni is more than a cocktail; it’s an Italian ritual. For those looking for an Italian-inspired restaurant experience in Toronto, this drink is a must-try.
The Perfect Pre-Meal Primer
By stimulating the palate so effectively, this drink has quickly become one of the most highly requested examples of Craft Cocktails Toronto has to offer.
The Key Ingredients: We use traditional Campari, Martini Sweet Vermouth, and local Canvas Gin from a Toronto distillery.
The Digestive Edge: Because Campari is a classic Italian digestive, the Negroni is the perfect aperitif to enjoy before your meal—it actually helps start your digestive process!
Serving Style: It's stirred and served over a large ice cube in a highball glass, finished with a simple orange slice.
End Your Meal the Italian Way: Amaro Digestives
Amaro’s
After enjoying our satisfying fresh pasta or a gourmet pizza—some of the best you'll find in Toronto—cap off your meal with an amaro, a traditional Italian liquor believed to aid in digestion.
Image Source: www.bottleofitaly.com
Amaro Montenegro: A classic choice that is well-balanced—it’s very floral, spiced, and pleasantly approachable.
Amaro Nonino: Enjoy notes of orange, herbs, and vanilla, offering a profile that hints at honey and licorice.
Amaro Camillia (Liquore Tradizionale): A unique, lighter choice with a distinct chamomile flavor, honey, and floral undertones.
Whether you're starting with a Negroni or finishing with an Amaro, the Desotos bar program is here to elevate your entire dining experience.
Ready to find your new favourite drink? Reserve a table at our cozy, speakeasy bar today
