Toronto’s meanest Moscow Mules

Whether they’re mixing with gin or vodka, spicy ginger beer or Domaine de Canton, fresh lime or lime liqueur, these Toronto restaurants have mastered the Moscow Mule, each with its own tasty twist. Some even serve this flavor-filled cocktail in its traditional copper mug for a full-on ‘50s feel. [Image credit: iStock.com/rez-art]

Toronto’s meanest Moscow Mules
Karen Lloyd By

Nuit Social

1
1168 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J5

Tag No.5 vodka, ginger beer and fresh lime – that’s how this warm and welcoming Queen West gem does their Moscow Mule. Enjoy it with a market charcuterie board (build your own with a dazzling selection of imported cured good), cheese and olives, or a few sharing plates. It’s compact and low-lit at this inspired watering hole, with a gorgeous stained glass bar and winning menu items like P.E.I. mussels, mushroom tostada, and bacon-wrapped quail.

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Toronto Temperance Society

2
577A College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B2

Only the best vodka, lime, ginger syrup and ginger beer find their way into a Moscow Mule at this secret cocktail society on College Street. The Toronto Temperance Society features a range of classic cocktails, Italian fare, and gorgeous garden patio, and the interior is modelled after the speakeasies of the Prohibition era. But note: you’ll need a membership or to be brought as a guest to this swanky spot – it’s a semi-private venue.

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D.W. Alexander

3
19 Church St, Toronto, ON M5E 1M2

Mull over your mule in a comfortable speakeasy-style cocktail bar and lounge on Church Street near Front. D. W. Alexander, a former warehouse turned premium bar, features an array of highbrow drinks and a mean Moscow Mule made with vodka, lime juice and local ginger beer. Head steps below the sidewalk and find a seat on the comfy sofa benches (ritzy ‘50s vibes included) at the back of the bar.

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Cactus Club

4
100 King St W, Toronto, ON M5X 1C1

Sip your Moscow Mule in style at Toronto’s Cactus Club, a super swanky three-storey restaurant and bar located in the heart of Financial District. A transplant of the west coast, Cactus Club is all about ritzy-meets-casual vibes and New Canadian cuisine. The spot’s magnificent mules are mixed with Smirnoff vodka, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and ginger beer, and are served in a copper cup.

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Drake Hotel

5
1150 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J3

The Drake Hotel, a quaint and quirky lounge bar on Queen west, is known for its unique selection of creative cocktails and their Moscow Mule is no exception. The Gin Gin Mule is made with Beefeater gin, lime juice, ginger beer and a twist of mint. Enjoy in the SkyYard or the cocktail lounge on the main floor (and don’t forget to stop in at the photobooth on your way downstairs to the Drake Underground).

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Earls Kitchen + Bar

6
100-150 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4B6

Toronto’s Financial District imbibers are better off for having an Earls in their corner. This upscale chain restaurant located on King West features gourmet comfort food, wines, beers and classic cocktails. It’s one of the neighbourhood’s top picks for a packed happy hour patio, but it’s just as good for late-night cocktails and Sunday brunch, too. Oh, and the Moscow Mule is mixed to perfection, with vodka, ginger and fresh lime juice.

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Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge

7
563 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1Y6

A neighbourhood favourite for lunch and brunch, Insomnia boasts a delicious menu of tacos, fried chicken, burgers, pasta and brunch served every day of the week. Found on the seasonal cocktail menu, the Gin Kick has Beefeater gin, fresh squeezed grapefruit, basil and ginger beer.

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More from Karen Lloyd Karen Lloyd
Karen Lloyd is a Queen East scribe who fancies gritty dive bars, street meat smothered in French’s mustard and hanging out at dog parks. In addition to writing twisted non-fiction about her neighbourhood for The Local Rap, Karen also specializes in digital marketing, website design, food photography and social media.
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