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OCTOBER 18-25, 2026 Presented by

COCKTAIL BRUNCH October 18

MASTER CL ASSES Daily

TCF EVENTS Daily

GAL A OF COCKTAILS October 23 1

INSIDE:

THE MAIN EVENT: Gala of Cocktails �� 3 Seminars �� 4 Cinq à Sept Happy Hour Series �� 6 Cocktail-Paired Brunch �� 9 TCF Events �� 10 Our Sponsors �� 15 Nicole and Bagol photo

e are thrilled to welcome you to the second annual Toronto Cocktail Festival, presented by The Alchemist magazine. From October 18 to 25, 2026, this eight-day, city-wide celebration will raise a glass to the art of the cocktail—and to the vibrant food and cocktail culture that makes Toronto one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the world. Building on the incredible energy of our inaugural year, this year’s festival is a continued showcase of world-class creativity, talent, and hospitality. Toronto’s award-winning bartenders, chefs, and brand ambassadors are back with an expanded lineup of unforgettable experiences. From our signature Gala of Cocktails, neighbourhood cocktail crawls and daily Cinq à Sept happy hour series to hands-on seminars and cocktail-paired dinners, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re an industry professional, a returning enthusiast, or exploring the festival for the first time.

PUBLISHER, FOUNDER AND EVENT PRODUCER: Gail Nugent gnugent@lodestarmedia.ca 778-240-4010

Throughout the week, you’ll discover new flavours, learn from inspiring voices in the global cocktail community, and experience the very best of the city’s thriving bar scene. These events are designed not only to entertain, but also to build lasting connections across our community: uniting industry leaders and passionate consumers, locals and visitors, brands and premier venues.

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR: Valeria Remizova

We can’t wait to raise a glass with you this fall. Let’s sip, savour, and celebrate together. —The Toronto Cocktail Festival organizing team 2

TORONTO COCKTAIL FESTIVAL 2026

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Tara Rafiq MARKETING AND CONTENT CREATOR: Rachel Player

TheAlchemistMagazine.ca @TheAlchemistMag @TheAlchemistMag Published by: Lodestar Media © Toronto Cocktail Festival 2026

GALA OF COCKTAILS Friday, October 23, 2026 7 to 8 pm VIPs • 8 to 11 pm Partygoers Waterworks Event Hall, 50 Brant St. (enter off Maud St. ) The Gala of Cocktails is the biggest, most festive event of Toronto Cocktail Festival, and it’s one you don’t want to miss! Don your most stylish cocktail fashion and step into the Waterworks Event Hall where top bartenders and brand ambassadors from near and far craft unique cocktails just for you. The night begins with a VIP hour where guests enjoy exclusive early access to the Gala of Cocktails, including passed canapés and cocktails. Then the doors open onto the party of the year—with bar bites, a DJ to dance to, and cocktail stations with more than twenty premium national and international spirit brands to savour.

Tickets on sale at thealchemistmagazine�ca/tcf

Nicole and Bagol photo

THE GALA OF COCKTAILS IS SPONSORED BY:

TCF

SEMINARS There is serious education and training that goes into every cocktail. Learn about spirits, their history, cocktail techniques and more from some of Canada’s greatest experts in the field.

For tickets and the full lineup, visit thealchemistmagazine�ca/tcf�

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19

THE GREEN FAIRY: AN ABSINTHE MASTERCLASS

CHAOS CONTROL: MANAGING MICRO-SEASONALITY IN AN EVER-CHANGING MENU

5 pm Hotel À Toi, 214 King Street West Step into the storied, once-forbidden world of absinthe for an immersive evening at À Toi. Hosted in partnership with Toronto’s own Spirit of York Distillery, this masterclass demystifies one of history’s most misunderstood spirits—tracing its rise, its infamous ban, and its role in modern cocktail culture. The evening begins with an absinthe cocktail alongside passed canapés. Spirit of York’s distilling team will guide you through the history, production methods, botanicals, and tasting notes that give absinthe its iconic character. For the daring, a dedicated tasting station offers the opportunity to sample straight absinthe. The team will also lead a guided flight of Spirit of York’s signature Gin and Vodka, offering a behind-the-scenes look at local craft distillation.

3:30 pm Lonely Diner, 432 College Street Join Dyl Brentwood (Hux Bar Bistro, former manager of Bar Kismet—North America’s Most Sustainable Bar 2022) for a masterclass on navigating hyper-local, variable ingredients, presented with Giffard, Ramsbury Gin, and Planteray Rum. Drawing on over 300 cocktail recipes created in the last five years, Dyl shares his signature cocktail matrix, adaptable templates, and prep backlog systems. You’ll learn how to integrate premium liqueurs, spirits, and botanicals into a fluid menu model to deepen purveyor relationships, navigate shifting seasons, and maximize peak flavor. Ticket includes a welcome cocktail and spirit samples.

TORONTO COCKTAIL FESTIVAL 2026

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 TOPLACK SESSIONS x NIKKA Industry-only event 1 pm Third Place, 875 Bloor Street West Join Dr. Andrew Toplack for a special Toronto Cocktail Festival edition of The Toplack Sessions featuring Nikka Whisky Distilling Co.’s brand ambassador Naohiko Kumagai. This industry-only masterclass offers bartenders the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Nikka’s whiskies, explore the brand’s Japanese whisky craftsmanship, and connect with one of Japan’s most respected whisky producers.

UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF PISCO THE RULES OF THE BOOZE 5:30 pm Suite 115, 532 College Street Ever wondered why your favorite spirit tastes the way it does? While categories like Irish whiskey, bourbon, and gin seem set in stone today, their definitions were forged by centuries of bizarre regulations, tax loopholes, and economic gambles. Spirits aren’t made in a vacuum—unexpected history shaped every sip in your glass. Join Bacardi Cellar Ambassador Lucas Twyman for an immersive evening of cocktails and history at Suite 115, one of Canada’s most innovative bars. You’ll explore the hidden stories, quirky laws, and historical accidents that defined the modern spirits landscape, all while tasting exceptional Irish whiskeys and premium cognacs. Ticket includes a welcome cocktail, snack and spirit samples.

4:30-6 pm Bar Allegro, 597 College Steet Peruvian Pisco takes center stage in this focused masterclass at Bar Allegro. Led from behind the bar by Nick Masci, the session explores Pisco as Peru’s native grape spirit—a category shaped by patrimonial grapes, traditional distillation, and pure varietal expression. Through SAPAQ Quebranta and SAPAQ Italia, guests will discover two essential entry points into the spirit: Quebranta’s structure, body, and backbone, alongside Italia’s aromatic, floral elegance. The masterclass blends category storytelling, live cocktail demonstrations, and practical recipe development for modern menus. Nick will demonstrate how these distinct expressions open up versatile creative paths behind the bar, with an additional look at using Sinsonte as a subtle Peruvian modifier to add spice, depth, and intrigue.

CINQ À SEPT HAPPY HOUR SERIES Nightly, October 18-25, 2026 Between the daytime seminars and evening events, head straight to one of our TCF bar partners to enjoy these elevated happy hours based on the French concept of the “cinq à sept”—5 to 7 pm, the playful hours between work and family life. (Hours vary though, so check with the venues for times.) Expect TCF signature cocktails, snacks, entertainment, visiting bartender pop-ups, socializing and more. Note that these events are not ticketed; however, some establishments may recommend reservations, so call ahead to secure a seat.

Visit thealchemistmagazine�ca/tcf for venue descriptions� 915 DUPONT 915 Dupont Street Instagram.com/915Dupont

À TOI 214 King Street West Instagram.com/AToiToronto

BAR BANANE 227A Ossington Avenue BarBanane.ca

BARCHEF 472 Queen Street West BarChef.com

BELLIS CAFÉ & BAR 561 Bloor Street West BellisToronto.com

CHANTECLER 798 Bloor Street West ChanteclerTO.com

TORONTO COCKTAIL FESTIVAL 2026

COMPTON AVE� 1282 Dundas Street West ComptonAve.com

CRY BABY GALLERY 1468 Dundas Street West CryBabyGallery.ca

FLORA LOUNGE 550 Wellington Street West 1Hotels.com/Toronto/Taste/ Flora-Lounge

GOCHU LIBRE KANTINA 815 Bloor Street West GochuLibre.com

GREY TIGER 1190 Bloor Street West GreyTiger.ca Brenton Mowforth photo LONELY DINER 432 College Street Instagram.com/Lonely_Diner

MAHJONG BAR 1276 Dundas Street West MahjongBar.com

MIZUNARA 235 Adelaide Street West Mizunara.ca

MOTHER COCKTAIL BAR 874 Queen Street West MotherDrinks.co

SUITE 115 532 College Steet Suite115.ca

PREQUEL & CO� APOTHECARY 1036 Queen Street West BarPrequel.com

THE DIRTY LAUNDRY 1186 Queen Street West TheDirtttyLaundry.com

PROJECT GIGGLEWATER 1369 Dundas Street West ProjectGigglewater.com

THE CINQ À SEPT SERIES IS SPONSORED BY:

WE DO REALLY GOOD WORK FOR REALLY GOOD BRANDS.

Interviews News Features Reviews Trends Recipes & more 8

At the intersection of taste and inﬂuence, with deep industry roots and a global network of creators, tastemakers, and brand partners, we don’t just generate buzz — we build lasting love for your brand. From award-winning dining rooms to bold new openings, we turn great experiences into great stories.

Ready to do something really good? Contact us at reallygoodpeople.ca

Packed full of cocktail-loving content, the print edition of The Alchemist focuses on what makes cocktail culture great in Canada and beyond. Better yet, it’s free, so when you subscribe, you pay only for the cost of shipping and handling. Subscribe today and get every issue delivered to your door.

For more info and to start your subscription, visit thealchemistmagazine.ca

TORONTO COCKTAIL FESTIVAL 2026

COCKTAIL-PAIRED BRUNCH Sunday, October 18, 2026 12:00 pm Casa Madera at 1 Hotel, 550 Wellington Street West The Cocktail-Paired Brunch is one of Toronto Cocktail Festival’s best-loved events. The experience begins with a lively cocktail and canapés reception, before easing into a seated, four-course gourmet brunch. We’re taking over Casa Madera for a one-time-only experience featuring a 5-course gourmet brunch from executive chef, Daniele Pisanu. Each course will be paired with creative cocktails from Justin HelieMasters, with each drink introduced by its respective spirit brand ambassador. It’s the perfect way to gear up for Toronto Cocktail Festival with great food, great drinks and great company in one of the city’s most iconic venues.

Tickets on sale at thealchemistmagazine.ca/tcf

Brenton Mowforth photo

THE COCKTAIL-PAIRED BRUNCH IS SPONSORED BY:

TCF

EVENTS These ticketed events span everything from spirit tastings and cocktail-paired dinners, to parties and pop-ups, showcasing the breadth of cocktail culture in Toronto and beyond. Many feature international brand ambassadors and top bartenders from Toronto, across Canada, and around the globe—each one offering fresh flavours and memorable experiences for curious palates.

For tickets and the full lineup, visit thealchemistmagazine.ca/tcf.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 COCKTAIL-PAIRED BRUNCH 12-2:30 pm Casa Madera at 1 Hotel, 550 Wellington Street West A five-course brunch by Chef Daniele Pisanu with creative cocktail pairings from Justin Helie-Masters, with each drink introduced by its respective spirit brand ambassador. See page 6 for full event information.

LITTLE ITALY COCKTAIL CRAWL 3:30-6:30 pm Meeting point: Bar Raval, 505 College Street with stops at Lonely Diner and Suite 115 Explore the flavours and distinct atmospheres of Little Italy on a guided three-bar cocktail crawl. At each stop, you’ll enjoy a custom craft cocktail featuring premium Cavados Boulard, paired with a curated small bite designed to complement the drink. From the breathtaking, woodwork elegance of Bar Raval to the fresh, intimate energy of Lonely Diner, and wrapping up with the chic sophistication of Suite 115, each venue brings its own unique personality to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or just looking for an unforgettable Sunday afternoon, this crawl is all about craft, community, and exceptional flavour.

TORONTO COCKTAIL FESTIVAL 2026

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 HUX BAR TAKEOVER AT LONELY DINER 2 seatings: 6 pm and 8 pm Lonely Diner, 432 College Street Halifax’s acclaimed Hux Bar & Bistro is bringing its signature blend of UK underground culture and high-level hospitality to Toronto for a one-night-only takeover at Lonely Diner. Built on the framework of the late ’80s UK music and culinary scene, Hux serves up vibrant Acid House energy paired with meticulous technique. Expect eclectic, playful, and fresh thematic cocktails with an undercurrent of rebellion. Tickets include one cocktail and a welcome shot or tasting flight.

TILES & TURNTABLES 7 pm-2 am (arrive anytime) Mahjong Bar, 1276 Dundas Street West Join us at Mahjong Bar for a late-night cocktail party, featuring Vietnamese-inspired flavours, inventive cocktails, and a live DJ set for an evening of sipping, snacking, and socializing. This mingle-style event features an exclusive cocktail menu with playful twists on familiar favourites, alongside Vietnamese-inspired bites. From rich Vietnamese Coffee Espresso Martinis to tropical Mango Lassis, expect bold flavours, great music and a lively atmosphere that lasts late into the night.Enjoy a flexible evening with open entry anytime between 7 pm and 12 am. Tickets include two cocktails of your choice, plus a snack from the menu.

BORROWED BARTENDERS: A 915 TAKEOVER 8 pm-2 am Rooms | 915 Dupont 915 Dupont Steet For one night, 915 Dupont is handing over the reins to some of the best bar teams in the city. Six Toronto bars (Good Omen, Cry Baby Gallery, Bar Bokeh, Mother, Civil Liberties and Uh Bar) are stepping in for five guest slots—bringing their own cocktails and their own energy. Each visiting bar is bringing three signature drinks, while 915 keeps three house cocktails plus a zero-proof option flowing all night. If you’re looking for your new favourite cocktail, you’re not going to want to miss this one. No tickets—just walk in, grab a drink, and see who’s shaking up the next round.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 FASHION DISTRICT COCKTAIL CRAWL 6-9 pm Meeting point: Bar Chef 472 Queen Street West with stops at Civil Works and Goodnight Cocktail Club Immerse yourself in the style and sophistication of the Fashion District on a guided three-bar cocktail journey. At each stop, you’ll savour an expertly crafted cocktail highlighting the rich, aromatic profile of Fernet-Branca, paired with a small bite. Beginning at the legendary BarChef—famous for its sensory-driven, avant-garde mixology—moving on to the sleek architectural elegance and refined classic techniques of Civil Works, and concluding amid the moody, late-night charm of Goodnight Cocktail Club, every location showcases a distinct shade of the neighbourhood’s dynamic drink culture.

RACE FOR GLORY: FINALS NIGHT

THE ITAMESHI TABLE

8 pm-1 am The Dirty Laundry 1186 Queen Street West

2 seatings: 5 pm & 7 pm Bellis Café & Bar 561 Bloor Street West

Forget polite sipping—this is raw speed and pure chaos behind the bar. After months of city-wide heats, Toronto’s top four bartenders go head-to-head to prove who has the fastest hands and sharpest instincts, building drinks on the fly. Expect a packed room, high energy, and serious noise. Plus, competition cocktails built on stage will be auctioned live to the crowd, with proceeds going directly to the SickKids Foundation. Grab a ticket ($20 of ticket proceeds go to SickKids Foundation), bid high, and watch Toronto’s best fight for the title.

Bellis is built around itameshi—the intersection of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions. For this special dinner, the kitchen brings those two worlds together through a four-course menu combining familiar Italian techniques and dishes with Japanese ingredients, flavours and unexpected twists. Alongside the menu, guests will enjoy custom Japanese-inspired cocktails created to complement each course and continue the cross-cultural experience from plate to glass.

Partial ticket proceeds benefit SickKids Foundation.

L’ABATTOIR POP-UP AT MOTHER

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 BLOOR STREET WEST COCKTAIL CRAWL 5-8 pm Meeting point: Gochu Libre Kantina 815 Bloor Street West with stops at Civil Liberties and Grey Tiger Explore the flavours and distinct atmospheres of Bloor Street West on a guided three-bar cocktail crawl. At each stop, you’ll enjoy a custom craft cocktail featuring premium Giffard liqueurs and spirits, paired with a curated small bite designed to complement the drink. From the bold, high-energy fusion vibes of Gochu Libre Kantina to the masterful, world-class mixology at Civil Liberties, and wrapping up with the intimate, neighbourhood warmth of Grey Tiger, each stop serves up a completely different side of Bloor Street’s vibrant scene.

6-9 pm Mother Cocktail Bar 874 Queen Street West Join Vancouver’s acclaimed L’Abattoir as Bar Manager Alexa Gervais takes over the bar at Mother for one night only during Toronto Cocktail Festival. Stop by to experience cocktails inspired by one of Canada’s leading cocktail destinations, featuring Choya, Don Julio, and Fernet—no tickets or reservations required.

THE LOT 40 MASTERY EXPERIENCE 8 pm LuNa by DaNico 440 College Steet Join us on the newly launched LUNA patio at 1-Michelin-starred DaNico for an intimate, multicourse spirit and dining experience. Co-hosted by Executive Chef Daniele Corona alongside Lot 40 master blender Dr. Don Livermore, this event celebrates the intersection of modern Italian gastronomy and premier Canadian rye. Throughout the

TORONTO COCKTAIL FESTIVAL 2026

evening, you’ll explore Chef Daniele’s new patio menu white Dr. Livermore guides you through a series of custom cocktail builds and neat pours from Lot 40.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 TRINITY-BELLWOODS COCKTAIL CRAWL 5-8 pm Meeting point: Project Gigglewater 1369 Dundas Street West with stops at Compton Ave� and Bar Banane Immerse yourself in the atmospheric charm of TrinityBellwoods with an exclusive, guided three-bar cocktail crawl. Sheringham Distillery Master Distiller Jason MacIsaac will host the evening, offering an educational look into the production, artistry, and tasting notes behind each featured spirit. At every destination, you’ll savour a custom cocktail paired with a thoughtfully curated small bite designed to enhance and elevate its profile. The journey begins at Project Gigglewater (5:00 PM), continues through the sleek spaces of Compton Ave. (6:00 PM), and finishes in style at Bar Banane (7:00 PM). Each venue showcases its own unique personality and hospitality.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS AT SUITE 115 5:30-9:30 pm Suite 115 532 College Steet Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating Día de los Muertos, the traditional Mexican celebration where families honour and welcome the souls of departed loved ones through music, food, memory, and celebration. For one night only, Suite115 comes alive with the vibrant energy of a live mariachi band, powered by premium spirits Patrón Tequila and Ilegal Mezcal.

Tickets include a welcome shot, a feature cocktail and a pair of tacos.

BOVINE WINE CLUB x REMY MARTIN PAIRED DINNER 6-9 pm Bovine Wine Club 65 Front Street West Hosted inside the private Bovine Wine Club at Union Station, this ultra-exclusive dining experience pairs Blue Bovine’s prime steak and sushi with fine French cognac. The evening begins in the club’s private room with live acoustic jazz, passed amuse-bouches, and a welcome cocktail. Guests will then take their seats for a seasonal four-course dinner from Blue Bovine’s culinary team, featuring prime cuts and seafood designed to complement each spirit pairing. Throughout the meal, Rémy Cointreau Brand Ambassador Lory Skara and Blue Bovine’s beverage team will walk you through a tasting flight poured alongside each course—from a Rémy Martin VSOP highball serve to a neat pour of Rémy Martin XO paired with your main course. The night finishes with a pour of Rémy Martin Louis XIII served in custom crystal glassware with dessert.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 TCF’S GALA OF COCKTAILS 7 pm VIP; 8 pm Partygoers Waterworks Event Hall, 50 Brant Street (enter off Maud Street) Sip 25+ cocktails from 20 national & international brand-led bars hosted by local bartenders and brand ambassadors, all while grazing on bites by Food Dudes, and dancing to a live DJ. See page 3 for full event information� 13

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 CHEERS TO HAPPY HOUR’S BALSAM FIR BITTERS LAUNCH Industry Only — Limited Access 3:30-5:30 pm Aburi Hana, 102 Yorkville Avenue, Unit 4, Lower Level Celebrate the launch of Balsam Fir Bitters, a new aromatic bitters expression created by Brenton Mowforth of Cheers To Happy Hour and produced with Toronto’s Nickel 9 Distillery. Guests will experience the new bitters through a selection of cocktails highlighting its earthy, aromatic profile, while Brenton shares the story behind its creation and the Canadian botanicals that inspired it.

TCF INDUSTRY & FRIENDS CLOSING PARTY from 8:00 pm Harret’s Rooftop, 550 Wellington Street West The TCF Industry & Friends Closing Party brings together festival friends for one last unforgettable night, featuring signature cocktails crafted by our brand sponsors. Expect a room filled with familiar faces and a curated selection of signature cocktails. With a DJ spinning and an attractively-priced food and drink menu available all night, it’s the ultimate send-off for the people who make Toronto’s bar scene truly world-class. Join us for a final toast to a week well poured. Tickets include a TCF signature cocktail of your choice.

QUEEN STREET COCKTAIL CRAWL 4-7 pm Meeting point: The Dirty Laundry 1186 Queen Street West with stops at Mother Cocktail Bar and Prequel & Co. Apothecary Dive into the artistic energy and eclectic charm of the Queen Street West strip on a guided, three-stop cocktail journey. At each stop, you’ll savour a custom craft cocktail showcasing the rich, botanical profiles of Cocchi aperitifs and vermouths, paired with a curated small bite designed to complement the drink. We’ll start behind the hidden, speakeasy-style entrance of The Dirty Laundry, move on to the fermentation-focused creativity of Mother Cocktail Bar, and wrap up with the Parisian apothecary vibe of Prequel & Co.

TORONTO COCKTAIL FESTIVAL 2026

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TORONTO COCKTAIL FESTIVAL 2026

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