Toronto Cocktail Festival Seminars

These educational events feature a combination of sessions for industry and consumers.

There is serious education and training that goes into every cocktail. Learn about spirits, their history, cocktail techniques and more from some of Canada’s greatest experts in the field.

Check back often as more seminars will be added in the coming weeks.

Wednesday, October 22

The World of Liquid Transformations

Mother Cocktail Bar
874 Queen Street West, Toronto
2-2:45pm

Join Massimo Zitti for an in-depth look at why Mother built its drinks program around fermentation. Explore what fermentation is, how it can be applied behind the bar, and how it has shaped both flavour and philosophy—from supporting Mother’s Care Program to embracing the rise of low- and no-ABV serves. Guests will taste one fermented, one distilled, and one finished product while diving into what’s next: layering techniques, new forms of acidity, and unique flavour compositions. The session closes with an open Q&A.

Hendrick’s Gin – A Curiously Refreshing Cocktail Class

Suite 115
532 College Street, Toronto
3 times available:
5:30-6:30pm
7-8pm
8:30-9:30pm

Join us for a most curious evening with Hendrick’s Gin at Suite 115. In an exceedingly intimate class of just ten guests, you’ll roll up your sleeves to shake, stir, and garnish three delightfully peculiar Hendrick’s cocktails, each crafted by you under the guidance of our gin steward (a.k.a. Oliver Leung, co-owner of Suite 115) and cleverly paired with a tasty bite to let our rose-and-cucumber botanicals sing. Expect convivial chatter and a dash of friendly rivalry as you compare creations with fellow imbibers. Seats are scarce—summon your curiosity and secure yours forthwith.

Tickets include all cocktails, pairings, and instruction. Entry fee will be donated to the Toronto Botanical Gardens to help keep the city wonderfully in bloom.

Classic Martini Seminar

Bar XXX
102 Portland Street, Toronto
5-7PM

Step behind the bar at Bar XXX for this Classic Martini Seminar, presented by Tanqueray and led by the one-of-a-kind H. Equal parts education and entertainment, this session takes the martini off its pedestal and explores its many personalities—crisp, dirty, dry, or just plain unexpected. Guests will taste three martinis, each paired with a playful amuse bouche, while H shares stories, techniques, and a few surprises along the way. Come ready to sip, snack, and see the martini in a whole new light.

Thursday, October 23

Understanding Umeshu

No Vacancy
74 Ossington Avenue, Toronto
5pm

Meet Umeshu, a Japanese liqueur made from ume, a fruit closely related to the apricot. While many store-bought umeshu (Plum wine) varieties rely on artificial additives, CHOYA’s umeshu is crafted using only natural ingredients: ume fruit, sugar, and distilled spirits. With over 100 years of history, CHOYA is Japan’s largest and most renowned umeshu producer.

Join CHOYA Distributor Brand Representative Shotaro Ozawa and GM and Beverage Director of No Vacancy Troy Gilchrist for an immersive flavour journey. Explore the fascinating story of umeshu, its versatility in cocktails, and the art of pairing it with food.

After this masterclass you will enjoy four cocktails created by Troy Gilchrist each paired with small bites from No Vacancy.

Master Classic Cocktails at Home

Bar XXX
102 Portland Street, Toronto
5-7PM

Join H at Bar XXX for a seminar that proves great cocktails don’t have to stay at the bar. Featuring The Busker Irish Whiskey, Collingwood Whisky, and Gautier VSOP Cognac, this session highlights three essential cocktails to master at home—each paired with a perfectly matched amuse bouche. With H’s signature style, you’ll learn techniques, stories, and tricks to elevate your home bartending game. Walk away with new favourites, fresh inspiration, and the confidence to mix like a pro.

Saturday, October 25

The New Wave of Baijiu

Hong Shing
195 Dundas Street West, Toronto
1-3pm

The New Wave of Baijiu comes to Hong Shing, inviting bartenders and curious drinkers to discover the world’s most consumed—yet least understood—spirit. Guided by Alex Black through an approachable lens, this seminar demystifies the unique production process—centred around qu, the fermentation starter—and breaks down baijiu’s diverse aroma categories. Along the way, attendees will explore baijiu’s cultural roots, taste its structure, and uncover its versatility behind the bar. Expect a balance of history, flavour, and technique, plus inspiration for weaving baijiu into modern cocktails with confidence. This seminar includes premium spirit tastings. Canapés will be served.

Sunday, October 26

Wildly Canadian: Showcasing Canada’s Wild Terroir through Cocktails featuring Bearface Whisky

Flora Lounge at 1 Hotel
550 Wellington Street West, Toronto
3-4:30pm

Join Bearface Master Blender Andres Faustinelli on Sunday, October 26 at Flora Lounge for Wildly Canadian – an intimate afternoon that celebrates the bold flavours of Canada’s terroir through expertly crafted cocktails. The experience includes a welcome cocktail, a guided tasting of Bearface Triple Oak and the three Wilderness Series Expressions, led by Andres himself. National Brand Ambassador Blake Canning will serve up a custom cocktail for each Wilderness expression, showcasing the wild spirit of these uniquely Canadian whiskies. Light bites will be served throughout the event. There are 20 spots available so secure your place now!