In tribute to the fall TV upfronts, known both for the unveiling of new shows and the consuming of delicious drinks at the after-parties, the time seems ripe to explore TV and alcohol brand integrations. Ryan Desjardins, a mixology instructor at BartenderOne in Toronto who works behind the wood at College Street Bar, has created some concoctions for four of this season’s new series and laid out the ingredients (he also snapped the photos), so you can drink while you watch.
Series: The Blacklist
Mondays at 10 p.m. on Global
Synopsis: Ex-government agent Raymond Reddington, one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, has surrendered with an offer: he will help them catch people on his “blacklist” (a laundry list of criminals only Reddington knows about), under the condition that he speaks only to Elizabeth Keen, a woman with whom he seemingly has no connection.
Drink: Blacklisted (pictured above): a rich, strong, slightly sweet spirit-forward cocktail.
Ingredients: 1.5 oz. Jim Beam bourbon, .25 oz. Amaro Averna, .5 oz. Aperol, .25 oz. Carpano Formula Antica sweet vermouth, 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters, grapefruit zest.
Preparation: Put all alcohol in a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled. Pour into a rocks glass, add bitters and garnish with grapefruit zest.
Series: Crossing Lines
Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on CBC
Synopsis: A crime drama revolving around a special law enforcement unit mandated by the International Criminal Court to investigate cross-border crimes.
Drink: Breaking boundaries: smooth and delicate with a lot of body and power to it. This drink uses ingredients from many of the borders we cross.
Ingredients: .75 oz. Grey Goose vodka, .75 oz. Cazadores Reposado tequila, .5 oz. Ramazzotti amaro, .5 oz. Cointreau orange liqueur, orange zest.
Preparation: Place all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled. Pour into a glass and add orange zest.
Series: The Tomorrow People
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on CTV
Synopsis: A genetically advanced race with abilities like telekinesis and teleportation are hunted by a paramilitary group known as Ultra.
Drink: The Breakout: has a silky texture but packs a punch.
Ingredients: 1.25 oz. Beefeater dry gin, .5 oz. St. Germain liqueur, .5 oz. Campari liqueur, .75 oz. simple syrup, .75 oz. ruby red grapefruit juice, 1 oz. egg whites.
Preparation: Place all ingredients in a mixing glass and shake without ice for 10 seconds. Add ice and shake for another 15 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass.
Series: The Crazy Ones
Thursday’s at 9 p.m. on City
Synopsis: This comedy set in the advertising world (sweet) revolves around the relationship between the head of a powerful agency and his daughter who works with him.
Drink: Spiced and Ready: has a spicy kick and is very refreshing.
Ingredients: 1.5 oz. Bacardi Oakheart Spiced Rum, 1.5 oz. fresh lime juice, 1 oz. simple syrup, a bunch of basil, soda.
Preparation: Place all ingredients into a collins glass with basil on the bottom. Muddle the basil. Add ice and stir. Top with soda. Place a basil sprig on top for a garnish.
