The Distillery Winter Village is a downtown ritual. Cobblestones, artisan stalls, photos in front of the giant tree, and a glow that keeps your mood bright well into winter. If your plan is to browse the Village with friends, then head back to your place for a warm-up, you do not need to carry bottles around or make another stop on the way home. Drink Ink delivers after hours across central Toronto, which means you can arrive to a toasty space while your order is already en route. Below is a simple playbook for a post-Village hang: a welcome toast, an easy signature drink path, a “no bartender” menu for set-and-forget hosting, and a quick-order list you can paste into your notes.
Welcome toast: sparkle first, decisions later
Bubbles mark the moment and buy you time to settle coats, set out snacks, and cue music.
- Bottega Prosecco : bright citrus and florals that match everything from charcuterie to popcorn.
- Taittinger Champagne : if you want that picture-perfect pour beside the window, this is your elegant, balanced pick.
Five-second garnish: Drop a few pomegranate arils into each flute. It looks festive and adds a subtle pop.
Cosy classics that actually are easy
You do not need a full bar cart to serve winter-friendly drinks. Choose one hero spirit and build around it.
If your group loves gin
- Bombay Sapphire Hot Gin Punch: Brew strong black tea, stir in lemon and honey, add a cinnamon stick, then pour 2 oz gin per mug. It is aromatic, seasonally perfect, and on the table in minutes.
- Simple G&T uplift: Build tall over ice with tonic and an orange slice. A cinnamon stick makes it smell like a holiday market without adding work.
If your group loves whisky
- Crown Royal Maple Manhattan: Stir 2 oz whisky with 0.5 oz sweet vermouth, 0.25 oz maple syrup, and two dashes of bitters. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with orange peel.
- Rye and ginger: The fastest crowd-pleaser. Pour 1.5–2 oz over ice, top with ginger ale, lime wedge on the rim—done.
If your group wants energy
- Casamigos Cinnamon-Rim Margarita: Shake tequila with fresh lime and simple syrup. Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for a winter twist.
- Budget-friendly alt: 1800 Reposado in a Paloma—grapefruit soda, lime, and a pinch of salt. Bright, fresh, and repeatable.
If your group prefers rum or light sips
- Bacardi White : Mojitos are still great in winter when you swap mint for a sprig of rosemary and add a thin apple slice.
- Bacardi Gold + cola + a squeeze of orange tastes like caramel cake meets soda.
- “Just a beer, please”: Keep a few Heineken cold so no one waits for a shaker to free up.
- Lighter, crisp option: Variety pack of White Claw for easy sipping between snacks.
The “I forgot mixers” plan
You got home, kicked off boots, and discovered there is not much in the fridge. No problem—these builds use pantry basics.
- Grey Goose + citrus juice + splash of sparkling water = an instant spritz.
- Bombay Sapphire + strong tea + honey + lemon = hot gin punch without a trip to the store.
- Hennessy VS + warmed apple cider + clove-studded orange slice = a five-minute mulled moment.
One-bottle menus for set-and-forget hosting
If you prefer to enjoy your guests rather than play bartender, choose one of these simple paths and print it on a card beside the bottles.
Bombay Sapphire Night
Welcome: G&T with orange slice
Signature: Hot Gin Punch tea, lemon, honey, cinnamon stick, 2 oz gin
Zero-effort: Equal parts Bombay, red vermouth, and your favourite bitter liqueur over ice with orange peel
Crown Royal Night
Welcome: Rye and ginger with lime
Signature: Maple Manhattan 2 oz whisky, 0.5 oz sweet vermouth, 0.25 oz maple syrup, bitters
Zero-effort: Crown on the rocks with an orange peel
Casamigos Night
Welcome: Paloma grapefruit soda + lime + pinch of salt
Signature: Cinnamon-Rim Margarita
Zero-effort: Tequila and tonic with a lime wedge
Bacardi Night
Welcome: Rum and cola with an orange squeeze
Signature: Rosemary “winter” mojito with Bacardi White
Zero-effort: Bacardi Gold over ice with ginger ale
Set the space: quick wins with big impact
- Lights: String warm lights across a window to echo the Village glow.
- Warmth: Set a kettle to low so hot drinks are always a minute away.
- Flow: Keep small plates, napkins, and snacks in one zone. Label garbage, recycling, and compost before guests arrive so clean-up takes care of itself.
- Music: Start cozy (jazz or acoustic), then shift to favourites once the second round lands.
- Safety: Put water and non-alcoholic options within reach. Call it a night when it’s time; the party is better when everyone gets home safely.
How to order (and what to tell us)
Call (647) 641-2374. Tell us your delivery address and payment method (cash preferred; e-transfer accepted with a small fee). Delivery is free within Central Toronto—Eglinton to the Waterfront and Keele to Woodbine—with a small fee outside the zone based on distance. Hours: 10 p.m.–6 a.m. on weeknights and until 7 a.m. on weekends, plus extended holiday hours. When the market winds down, your night does not have to. Head home, warm up, and let Drink Ink bring the bar to you.