Photograph by Raina + Wilson
1 Elit by Stolichnaya
Most liquor pundits indict vodka for lacking character. The real crime is to mix one this silky-smooth and citrusy with anything but ice.
$70, www.lcbo.com
2 Los Azulejos silver tequila
A tasty, crisp sipper, though the sweet agave and playful citrus also make for a vibrant margarita.
$68, www.lcbo.com
3 Anchor Distilling Junipero gin
Nearly 100-proof with a wallop of, yes, juniper. It’s strong enough to stand up to tonic but works best over a single king cube.
$90, www.vintagespirits.ca
4 George T. Stagg bourbon
Marginally easier to find than its elusive cousin, Pappy Van Winkle, and just as rich in caramel and
spice.
$185, www.devinewines.ca
5 Nikka single-malt Miyagikyo 15-year-old
Finely crafted whiskies like this one are what put Japanese distillers on the radar in the first place.
$189, www.lcbo.com
6 Angostura 1824 aged rum
Better known for its legendary bitters, Angostura also makes a damn fine rum, the key ingredient to a legendary daiquiri.
$76, www.lcbo.com
7 Dolin vermouth
Upgrade your Noilly Prat. Dolin’s Chambéry rouge makes a dry, herbal sweet aperitif; Dolin blanc has a nice honey-citrus kick.
$18–$19, www.bwwines.com
8 Dr. Adam Elmegirab’s Boker’s bitters
Zealously bitter, with cardamom and orange flavours, it perks up a dry martini and makes 19th-century cocktails like the Japanese come to life.
$21, www.thecraftybartender.com
9 Luxardo Maraschino cherries
Those glow-in-the-dark red orbs from the grocery store should stay there.
$18, www thecraftybartender.com
10 Pro-Crush muddler by Über
Because it’s heavy, and mean looking, and it even crushes ice.
$60, www.thecraftybartender.com
11 Yarai mixing glass
Bond was wrong. Straight liquor drinks should be stirred, not shaken.
$65, www.thecraftybartender.com
12 Cirrus ice ball press
Is crafting a giant sphere of ice ever “essential?” Nope. Just cool.
$855, www.williams-sonoma.ca
13 Tovolo King Cube tray
The standard upon which all two-inch cubes are measured.
$10, www.thecraftybartender.com
14 Cuisinart SmartPower blender
A must-have for a good, evenly mixed piña colada. And yes, we’d love one, if you’re making.
$120, www.thebay.com
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