Tasting Toronto

History was made on November 27 when Smirnoff brought 14 countries, six continents and 18,000 people together.

History was made on November 27 when 14 countries, six continents, 18,000 people, 50 DJs and 200+ bartenders joined forces for a never-before-seen, omnipresent, one-night only global affair across 10 time zones. And if you weren’t at one of Smirnoff’s ravishing Nightlife Exchange Project parties then where the bloody hell were you?

I’m excited to say that I was there. I was exceptionally fortunate to get a taste of Canada’s very chilly after dark scene at the Toronto-themed party hosted by exchanging sister-city Bangalore in India’s south.

As a first-time Aussie in India, it was a real treat to learn how local Indian’s simultaneously boogied and let their hair down to headlined sets by DJ Sultan, Zara Taylor and Max Graham while enjoying Canada’s famed specialities. Think traditional poutine (hot chips, cheese, gravy) and signature maple syrup-laced vodka concoctions at the ice bars.

I wasn’t the only merrymaker having a ball alongside media pals (@BobbySix, @Nialler9, @DarraghDoyle, @JuniorWM, @TheDougLevy, @ILuvLola, @MissMalini, @IHeartAU, @MixMag, @UrbanJunkies), though. Party-goers around the world were also experiencing a massive exchange of nightlife culture expertise with Smirnoff.

Brazilians in São Paulo were Aussified with Van She tunes and German techno God Marcus Schulz dropped beats in Cape Town. Peaches and South African famed Gazelle teamed-up for a unique new song at Berlin, while Zane Lowe played a Miami-inspired set in London. Dub step freshman Tinie Temper even whipped up a surprise performance for Brits.

Meanwhile, the global shindig continued. Argentina experienced the best of Dublin pubs. And as for Thailand, they hooked up with belly-dancing Lebanon and boasted epic decor including mystical Aladdin carpets!

I must say, I loved trying Canada’s iconic maple syrup and am glad I got to immerse myself in both Indian and North American cultures. Smirnoff’s Nightlife Exchange Project acted as a platform for very diverse cities around the world to come together and experience a very foreign, yet unforgettable night.

Greeted by two hip Canadian mounties on arrival!

Developed by Smirnoff’s Global Ambassador Kenji Jesse, The Canadian Smirnoff Mule was the drink to be sipping on in Bangalore. Unleash your mixologist skills and make it yourself:

Smirnoff Mule Canada 

Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 10ml maple syrup, 2 fresh wedges of lime and ginger ale.

Method: Fill your glass with cubed ice before pouring in all the liquid ingredients. Squeeze your fresh lime on top and stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.