The neon “Cocktails & Dreams” sign hanging in the front window is a great example of truth in advertising. One of the very few bars in Canada dedicated exclusively to bespoke cocktails, Civil Liberties isn’t fancy. The wine and beer selections are sparse. Food comes from a restaurant down the street. The vibe ranges from alcohol-nerd symposium to full-on party bar, depending on the time of night. But there’s always something new to sample, whether it’s a spicy tequila and snap pea cocktail or a sip of Stone Mother, the latest addition to an awesome back bar and their very own spirit, vacuum-distilled (off-site) from peach pits. This year, many judges praised it for being a beacon during the pandemic. Quick to pivot at every opportunity and unbelievably generous when it came to sharing resources, Civil Liberties embodied the spirit of the we’re-all-in-this-together mantra.

TRY: A DRY AND ZESTY LONDON CALLING – THE MOST REQUESTED COCKTAIL AT THIS MENU-FREE BAR