By Caitlyn Holroyd
Ahhh, Spain… drinking pitcher upon pitcher of sangria from our hotel room with the stunning view overlooking classic architecture, picturesque beaches, and gorgeous people. No, this isn’t how we spent our summer (aside from the pitcher upon pitcher of sangria part) but fortunately, there are plenty of places in the city to enjoy a glass of this summer classic whilst pretending you’re Scarlett Johansson in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Here’s our picks for the best sangria in Toronto.
Nirvana (434 College St.)
A great spot for cheap eats and drinks, Nirvana has some of the cheapest sangria in the city at $17.25 a pitcher ($13.95 on Sundays) with plenty of variations to choose from. Can easily rival those at double the price.
Boulevard Cafe (161 Harbord St.)
Located on the cozy Harbord strip, Boulevard’s canopied patio is a popular spot for sangria lovers. Homemade and available in both red and white wine versions ($9/glass), it’s the perfect refresher to go alongside their Peruvian fare.
Cafe Diplomatico (594 College St.)
Nothing quite beats an afternoon people-watching and sangria-sipping on the Diplomatico patio, one of our favourite spots to hit up when the temperature rises. Made with a plethora of alcoholic beverages, pineapple juice, gingerale, and plenty of fruits ($30/litre), it’s a boozy affair we’re always up for.
Torito (276 Augusta Ave.)
An authentic Spanish experience in the heart of Kensington Market, Torito’s sangria ($10/glass, $35/litre) comes in both red and white wine variations with seasonal fruits and just the right amount of sweet. Paired with their tapas, there’s nothing better.
Milagro (783 Queen St. W.)
Reasonably-priced with delicious options like the Sangria de Mango (red wine and fresh mango, $8.95/glass, $31.95/pitcher) and their own Sangarita (margarita clasica on the rocks topped with red wine, $10.95/glass). Thursdays also happen to be half-price sangria nights – yay!