This $70 TIFF-themed cocktail features gin, saké, yuzu, activated charcoal and a liquid nitrogen smoke effect

To the many TIFF fans who opted to attend virtually the past couple of years and are only now finally coming back to the city for the full bricks and mortar experience, Toronto’s cocktail scene will barely be recognizable.

Between patio seating spilling onto the streets, breathtaking remodelling at some of the city’s best hotel bars and, everywhere you look, smart cocktail lists designed by bartenders at the top of their creative game, drinking in Toronto has never been better.

Here’s a roundup of five of the most exciting (and tasty) TIFF-themed cocktails at bars around the city.

The Film Noir, $70; EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace, Ritz-Carlton Toronto

Since the cocktails at EPOCH are already theatrical (not to mention exquisite), it’s hardly surprising that the bar’s TIFF menu is next-level. It features rare agave spirits served up in house-made ice spheres and champagne cocktails made with Dom and, our favourite, the Film Noir, a gin, saké, yuzu and activated charcoal creation that, thanks to liquid nitrogen is, literally, smoking.

Daria Nicolodi, $22; Trattoria Milano, Eataly

With all the bustling activity at Eataly, it’s easy to miss Trattoria Milano, a lovely little restaurant tucked away near the butcher counter that is well worth seeking out, since it happens to have some of the city’s best food and drink. Its elegant and understated TIFF cocktail this year is no exception — made with cognac, port, Strega and Amaro Lucano, this is a sophisticated little number inspired by Italian film actress and screenwriter, Daria Nicolodi.

Amity Island, $18; Flora Lounge, 1 Hotel Toronto

It’s hard to pick just one cocktail from the playful TIFF menu at 1 Hotel Toronto, which features the Five Stars, a $1,000 cocktail made with caviar syrup, truffles and edible gold glitter, but, for everyday drinking, our pick is the Amity Island. What makes it so great? It’s bright blue, garnished with a movie ticket and a small cone of popcorn and a delicious mix of Ontario craft vodka, french curacao, aloe vera and elderflower tonic.

The Dress, $38; Café Boulud and d|bar by Chef Daniel Boulud, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Some pretty creative mixology went into Café Boulud and d|bar’s Director’s Cut menu, which includes drinks made with leather tincture, popcorn syrup and champagne foam — the latter of which is used in The Dress. It’s the perfect finishing touch on this champagne cocktail, made with cognac, lavender lemon and of course, brut champagne.

Fade to Black, $27; Writers Room Bar, Park Hyatt Toronto

The legendary rooftop bar at the Park Hyatt is somehow even more elegant than it was before and part of this charm comes from its drinks list — a book of perfectly balanced modern classics. For TIFF, it’s offering limited editions built along similar lines, including the Fade to Black, a twist on the Old Fashioned made with Canadian rye, coffee liqueur, amaro and a lovely burnt orange syrup all served up over an oversized “king cube.”

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