Sundown Summerhill
Those seeking out a well-crafted tipple uptown haven’t had too many options over the years. But with its beckoning neon sign, woodsy environs and cocktail list that’s almost 30 deep, Clocktower Bar is making Summerhill a sundown destination. Sharing both owners and land with Boxcar Social — but placing the focus on craft cocktails over coffee and wine — this neighbourhood spot is proving that one needn’t always head west for sipping purposes. 

A creative spin
With a background in both kitchens and bars, manager Ryan Macleod has maintained that explorative creativity from kitchens with Clocktower’s cocktail program. The fall menu has been kept super-seasonal and ingredient-driven. With Beet the Devil ($13), the underappreciated root veg has been given the limelight.  

Earth tones
The inspiration reaches back to a beet-based drink Macleod tried at Montreal’s Garde Manger. “The colour of beets always struck me — that crazy vibrant red,” he says. Using the MTL tipple as a starting point, Macleod’s goal was to create something with warmer spice notes. Enter Bulleit bourbon and ruby port. The spirits are layered with a house-made beet shrub — it pushes the essence out more than a syrup would — and a Mexican cinnamon syrup, which has this “awesome sweet and floral flavour.” Lemon and Fee Brothers black walnut bitters round off the ingredients, resulting in a drink that’s really rich and earthy, with hits of sweetness.

Clocktower Bar, 1210 Yonge St.