The first recipe for my own personal blog has to be the simple recipe that got the point across to me that a cocktail is more than the sum of the ingredients you use. Combining Rye Whisk(e)y, Fernet Branca, and simple syrup gets you an easy and enjoyable cocktail. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients:

2 oz of a Rye Whisky

1/4 oz Fernet Branca

1/4 oz Simple Syrup

Garnish with an Orange Twist

And that’s it! Stir this over ice and serve up, but don’t forget to express that orange twist!

What’s that? Someone told you that actually the Toronto is more of a Manhattan riff and less of an Old Fashioned one? Don’t worry, I’ve heard that too. While I prefer the recipe this way, and it also happens to be how I first came across it thanks to Jim Meehan’s Bartender Manuel, I was taught the version that you’re referencing. Make them both and decide what you prefer.

2 oz Rye Whisky

3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth

1/4 oz Fernet Branca

2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Garnish with a Lemon Twist

Stir over ice, strain in to a coupe, and don’t forget that this gets a lemon twist not an orange one!

Don’t get me wrong, the second version here is absolutely still enjoyable, but I prefer mine with the greater amount of Fernet and the added sweetness. Obviously at the end of the day, everyone has a different idea on how every drink should taste. Be your own person and make your own choice.

Or just agree with me every time, I don’t mind.

Cheers!

-KJ

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