LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2017

TOOLS OFTHETRADE

BY ERIC VELLEND  •  PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB FIOCCA

Ten years ago, if you needed anything for your bar beyond a shaker and Martini glasses, you were better off searching in antique shops. Today, every bar tool imaginable, from absinthe drippers to spherical ice moulds, is only a few clicks away.

IN 2011, Donna and Kennedy Pires started up The Crafty Bartender (thecraftybartender.com) in an effort to bring better cocktail bitters to Canada. The country’s top bartenders took notice, and now the online store carries all manner of tools, glasses and garnishes, and its selection of bitters remains second to none.    As well, Toronto’s cocktail scene is strong enough to support two brick-and-mortar bar- ware shops, bothownedbyKristenVoisey.While both carry everything for budding barkeeps,

BYOB Cocktail Emporium (972 Queen St. W.) is strong on exquisite Japanese bar tools and glassware, whereas ½ oz. Cocktail Emporium (20 Kensington Ave.) has more vintage stuff and esoterica. Most of Voisey’s products can be ordered online (cocktailemporium.ca).    Since outfitting your bar can be a bit intimi- dating, we’ve picked five unique items and cre- ated a drink for each to get you started. With these new tricks up your sleeve, cocktail hour will never be the same again.

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