Toronto’s Superlative Sangria

The sun has exploded into the sky and the patios have unfurled onto the sidewalk. It’s summer in Toronto and the din that roars above it is the occasion calling out for liquid accompaniment. Why not sidestep the leaden brews for once, and opt for the wine-and-chopped-fruit concoction that best exemplifies seasonal levity. Here’s where to get a cántara of the city’s best sangria:

• Café Diplomatico, 594 College St. A Euro finals match on the box, a sweating pitcher of Spain’s most popular summer export on the table and thou: Heaven in the T Dot.

• Gusto 101, 101 Portland St. The two sprawling patios at this new King West Italian joint — a splendidly transformed car garage — present the perfect setting for your next people-watching session. And what better to wash the proceedings perfectly down than a $22 pitcher of sangria?

• Nirvana, 434 College St. Sangria flows smartly at this cheap and cheerful Kensington staple, where guests visit for affordable shots of this most Spanish of elixirs. Pitchers are $17.25 each ($13.95 on Sundays), and come in a slew of fruit-adorned varieties.

• 7 Numbers, 517 Eglinton Ave. W., 307 Danforth Ave. Irrigate your pan-fried calamari and osso buco with a splash of rosé wine-based punch at this authentic Italian resto, where Rosa publishes her menu at five every afternoon. 

• Torito, 276 Augusta Ave. Cozy and familiar Torito, rave its online critics, is ground zero for home cooking at its best. Make the stuff at this Kensington tapas bar better still with a sangria side.