Little Italy's Cocktail Crawl shakes up Calvados Boulard at three Toronto bars
Toronto Cocktail Festival's crawl features apple brandy from Normandy across Bar Raval, Lonely Diner, and a speakeasy; food pairings included.
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French apple brandy Calvados Boulard shook up the cocktail scene at three Toronto bars on Sunday, October 18, as part of the Toronto Cocktail Festival's second year in the city. The Little Italy Cocktail Crawl featured award-winning bartenders crafting unique drinks with the spirit from Normandy, ranging from strong and bitter to sweet.
Bar Raval, at 505 College St., opened the crawl with "House of Blondes" — a three-ounce drink with Calvados Boulard, green apple, Amaro Alpino Riserva, Cocchi di Torino, Angostura and hickory, listed at $22. The drink carried apple cider vibes perfect for fall but felt strong for a first stop. Olives, cheese, and nuts helped cut the bitter aftertaste.
Lonely Diner, ranked 47th on Canada's 100 Best list, delivered the second cocktail: "Autumn Sensation." The pineapple-based drink uses apple cider vinegar slightly adjusted with baking soda to reduce acidity, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns, rye, and Calvados. The bartender also performed fire-breathing tricks with 60 per cent alcohol — a signature move at the venue.
Each drink came with a small food pairing to complement the flavours and balance the alcohol. The crawl offered a mix of atmospheres, from an enclosed patio to a cozy bar and a speakeasy, though organization was inconsistent — at least at the first stop, more attendees than chairs forced everyone to stand and mingle.
Good to know
What was the first cocktail served at Bar Raval during the crawl?
'House of Blondes' is a three-ounce drink made with Calvados Boulard, green apple, Amaro Alpino Riserva, Cocchi di Torino, Angostura, and hickory, priced at $22. The drink has apple cider notes and pairs well with olives, cheese, and nuts.
Which bars participated in the Little Italy Cocktail Crawl?
Bar Raval, Lonely Diner, and a speakeasy hosted the crawl on Sunday, October 18, 2026, as part of the Toronto Cocktail Festival. Each venue offered a different atmosphere and a unique Calvados Boulard cocktail.
What makes the 'Autumn Sensation' cocktail at Lonely Diner distinctive?
Lonely Diner's 'Autumn Sensation' is a pineapple-based drink featuring apple cider vinegar adjusted with baking soda to reduce acidity, along with cloves, Sichuan peppercorns, rye, and Calvados. The venue is also known for bartenders performing fire-breathing tricks with high-proof alcohol.
