Cocktail Emporium

This place was awesome! My first time being at a store with such a large bitters section. I purchased a rhubarb bitters and a toasted almond bitters which I’m excited to try with my espresso drinks in the morning

Tons of stuff in here - so many amazing gift items!

Cocktail Emporium on Queen is hands-down one of my favourite specialty shops in Toronto. Every time I walk in, I'm greeted by a stunning array of bitters, syrups, glassware, and bar tools — everything you could possibly need to elevate your home bartending game. The store itself is bright, beautifully organized, and a joy to browse — it’s impossible to leave without finding something inspiring.

A super cool store with lots of themed bar and cocktail gear. The employees had some good advice on bitters and syrups. They had some sales on bitters as well, and a great selection. There is also a decent selection size of bar books and cocktail recipes.

If it can go in to a cocktail they have it! Great staff that serve as sages to all the esoteric drinks you’ve heard of but never tried. Unless you’re Don Draper and you only want a Manhattan or Old Fashioned for the rest of your life, this is a fun place to visit.

Great selection of bitters, super helpful staff. It's for good reason that I visit cocktail emporium every time I visit Toronto!

Had such a lovely experience purchasing at cocktail emporium. I’ve made the drive down from Mississauga a few times to grab some goodies and gifts from here and it’s always been a pleasure. Recently they started offering next day delivery to Mississauga so I started ordering a bit more. Had a slight issue with my last order but it was handled so quickly and professionally I was thoroughly impressed - you’ve had a customer for life but this past experience with Beth (she probs just works for the warehouse not too sure on location) deff reassured I’ll always be purchasing here!! Also love the fact that they reliably always have luxardo maraschino cherries in stock!!

A great selection of items required for a great cocktail hour! We were able to find metal straws AND tools to clean them as well which is unique!

Wowie Zowie! If you're even a little bit interested in cocktails, barware, or the finer things in life, you definitely need to make your way to BYOB when in Toronto. First there's the cocktail ingredients: bitters, mixers, syrups, etc. Then there are the glasses and barware--beautiful cocktail glasses, ceramic tiki glasses shaped like parrots and fish, shakers of all sorts of sizes and made of a variety of materials (glass, aluminum, etc). Fun details like toothpicks, metal straws, ice molds, etc. Plus fancy bar tools and accessories and glassware for beer and wine as well. Need help getting started? They're more than happy to help. And they have tons of books with cocktail recipes and more to give guidance as well. Prices are a little on the high side so I wouldn't stock my entire bar here but for beautiful pieces and additions it's absolutely worth visiting and acquiring items from them over time. It's a bit tight so be careful as you move around. Lost of delicate and expensive things in there that are easy to knock over.

Offer really cool items but I would only pursue in person. Tried to purchase something online, half of the items of the set were broke in transit. When I asked for a return they only refunded for half (since the other half of the set was not broken).

BYOB is the best store in Toronto if you are looking to get inspire, get gifts for your picky drinking friends for special occasions.. Great selections of bar and cocktail wares. All these bitters for crafted cocktail mix, all these cool utensils, all these gadgets, and oh Beer Making kits! Maybe I can look like a cool mixlogist if I can stock up on some of the products that BYOB Cocktail Emporium!

I don't drink alcohol, and I love this place... if that's not saying something, then the rest of this review won't matter. Just because I don't drink, doesn't mean I don't like to entertain, and this store has ALL the accessories, and then some, that will help your bar become a BAR. A huge selection of bitters, syrups, glass and barware... everything you'll need, and everything else you didn't but will want anyway.

Had everything I needed to make fancy cocktails at home. The salt and margarita mix was fantastic, was able to get those boys off of beer and drink a cocktail.

Still haven't been there, but I've benefitted from it multiple times because a family member buys presents for me on every holiday. Outstanding selection of bitters, which are great for mocktails. Fun glasses, including tiki sippers tall and small. Napkins, Amarena cherries, coasters, bar tools and everything else that you could possibly need. Can't wait to try my wild hibiscus flowers in syrup! Someday, I'll get there in person. Maybe I'll meet Kristen!

Love love love this place! Unfortunately, they don't deliver to the U.S. Bummer! I didn't want to drag a bunch of liquids in my carryon.... Now I'm sad bc there isn't a store like this in Chicago!

Stopped in at BYOB this evening after reading about it on Toronto Life. BYOB is a specialty shop which carries all sorts of BOOZE accessories. Wineglasses, cocktail shakers, wine stoppers, bar sets, decanters, shot glasses etc. What is unique is that lots of the inventory is vintage. They had a few vintage/retro looking bar sets all in pristine condition. I'm not really into vintage stuff but there were many things here I would have liked to take home. They also had some coffee brewing items and you could even buy vintage looking bar furniture. It's quite a big space and I have the feeling they are still waiting on more inventory, as the place seemed only half full. Great place to buy gifts for your boozer friends!

This shop is fabulous. Service is amazing, lady at the counter gave me recommendations on infusions and game me out some recipes. Thank you so much! Every time I come I'm amazed by the variety and good price for Toronto. Thank you and keep growing!

Ordered online some produvts that were shipped from Toront to Montreal. Unfortunately some products had leaked during the transit. I sent an email to them (Beth at Customer support) and she got back to me the same day and within 24 hours the issue was resolved entierely to my satisfaction. I wud definately recomend purchasing from this company. They are great!!

Rude! Rude! Rude! You would think when you are trying to support a business by making purchases, they would want to assist. But alas, no!

on one of my most recent days off i made it a priority to come and visit this place to see what its about, i was completely fascinated with everything that they had to offer in respect to alcohol's and bar-wares? i was a little bit taken back by the pricing on some of the items, some of the items were a bit pricey and then some of the items were outlandishly pricey. the staff are very awesome and extremely knowledgeable to help you with selecting an item, or guidance to picking out a better item. i didn't buy anything but i know if i need something i'm more then likely going to check here first. parking is available on the street, if you can find it. transit options are the 501 queen streetcar and the 63 ossington bus. would more then likely make a trip here to grab something an outstanding selection of bitters cherries and syrups, that much i can agree on!

Excellent store. The selection of bitters is some of the best you'll find in Toronto. I'm also ecstatic that they sell Maple Syrup from Kinsips. The product selection and breadth is quite unique. It's perfect for gifts, or if you feel like splurging on your own collection. If you're looking for molecular ingredients, you'll find them here too.

Wanna guess who the GTA's next big mixologist is? I'll give you a hint, he's about 6'1, has a beard that changes its length like a Yo-Yo's string AND I bet you're reading his review right now! Yep - it's me and it's all thanks to B-Y-O-B! (Rhymes rule) So where would someone who loves to drink cocktails but who hasn't made more than a few basics get that sort of confidence? Well I bought that at BYOB too... along with a wooden muddler, a couple varieties of aromatics (bitters), cocktail cherries and some simple syrup (yes I know it's easy to make it but I was in a rush and it was right there). BYOB, literally has everything that the amateur or professional cocktailer/mixologist could want to stock or restock a craft cocktail bar. Every tool, bitter, glass, book .... everything! Also, be sure you know roughly what brand of bitters you want half the store is bitters, floor to ceiling bitters yo! However, shopper beware get ready to pay for it AND be advised if you don't have your wits about you, they will up-sell you right out of your pants. Example: I wanted cocktail cherries, there were many options - the recommended the $25 jar... When my bill came up over $80 I first asked for a shot of alcohol, and THEN asked what the prices were of things - I removed said $25 cherries and opted for the much more reasonable $11 jar (note: They were equally delish). I'm in the process of building up a home cocktail bar so I know I'll be spending plenty more of my dollars (wisely) here in the near future! SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE.... SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE.... SHAKE that cocktail... shake that cocktail!!!

Tis the season to shop locally, falalalalalalala laaaaa. But guess what, friends? Stylish stemware is always in season. BYOB is the perfect place to buy gifts for loved ones, enemies with fabulous taste, and yourself. It is a veritable who's who of all the best celebrity glass couples. I tend to buy in pairs, because one stunning cocktail glass alone looks so lonely, no matter how perfect it is. The shop is jam-packed with crystal and other vintage drinking trinkets, so don't come in drunk. No one likes a bull in a china shop. Figuratively. Literally, I think a bull in a china shop would be an excellent youtube video. PROF PEPPER: The original champagne glasses were modeled after Marie Antoinette's breasts.

This is a great shop for Barware, accessories, shrubs, bitters, syrups, and on and on. Prices can be a little high from item to item but fair for the most part, And it's hard to expect online pricing from a brick and mortar store. (too many forget this.) If you are looking for bar related gear in Toronto, this is where you go.

Beautiful store, although be careful about knocking over glassware as you navigate through the narrow aisles. I went in looking for shrubs, which I had read about in Toronto Life, to add to homemade sparkling water for flavour. They did indeed have them, but the best before date was last year (November 2017). We asked the front desk lady if they'd indeed expired, and she said yes they had. But they weren't marked down or anything, so if you weren't paying attention, you would walk away with expired goods.

I was half-expecting one of those frou-frou home decor spaces where you're afraid to touch anything and gasp silently every time you glance at a price tag. This is not that place. BYOB is a "one stop shop" for your bar and cocktail needs and it really doesn't disappoint. There are all manner of supplies for the booze-thusiast: cocktail shakers, beer making kits, coasters shaped like records and kitschy glassware. Whether you drink beer, wine or spirits (and there is even stuff for coffee drinkers) you'll find something cool here. They is a good mix of new and old here. Some vintage glass coasters reminded me of my dad's old silver-rimmed ashtray. I'd get it for him but smoking's a nasty habit, and I'm the didactic type. Maybe I'll get him an absinthe fountain here instead. They have those here too. It would be a challenge to not find a worthwhile gift for your drinky-drinky friends. And the best part: affordable. I was able to spot a tonne of cool things for under $40. I will have to return to pick up some 20" baseless champagne flutes. Obligatory Title Cryptic: Dyslexic b-boy initially totes flask. (4) Menu Readability: If their logo's typeface was anymore 70s, it would be experience double-digit inflation. Need to mention: Oh, and there is Blue Jays memorabilia and even some furniture too. What this place teaches me about myself: I am torn: do I want a vintage glass cocktail shaker or the ultra-modern steel one with the fliptop? Decisions.

I did some Christmas shopping here and found lots of fun stuff for the wine/beer/liquor drinkers on my list. You are guaranteed to find whatever you're looking for, as well as a few things you never knew you needed. They have all kinds of bar paraphernalia like coasters, flasks, whiskey rocks, stainless steel straws, recipe books, and martini shakers. Everything you need for a classy DIY cocktail party at home. During the holidays, they had some gift boxes at the front, but they also let you create your own. They also are having a cocktail mixing class starting up in 2012. At the back, there is a small section of jewelery and women's clothing. Staff are helpful and cool.

I love this store! It has all the accessories you need for semi-sophisticated entertaining. Reminds me of a nite ala Mad Men (on AMC). There were so many things i wanted to buy...too bad I don't live in the TO! But i may have to go back to grab the "Hello My Name is..." erasable tags. SO creative!

Where has this place been all my life?? As Jason below described it perfectly, it is indeed a toys-r-us for adults. Adults who love to make a mean cocktail! I admit I'm not a huge drinker. However, I definitely appreciate a well-made cocktail and I have a slight fan-girl thing for bar carts and bar accessories. The assortment of glassware here is fantastic and the selection of bitters and syrups is crazy. I was very intrigued by the high-end Japanese made tools, never realized my people made such great bartender play things. If you need inspiration for housewarming or special occasion gifts, I would def. check this place out! My only complaint would be the prices might be a bit high, but I feel like that's justified in these specialized stores (with the hope you are getting great advice from expert sales people).

Whether you are serious about mixology, bartending, or you're just a casual drinker, BYOB has something you've never heard of that will delight the senses and turn any ordinary drink into something extraordinary. Bitters, barware, syrups, elixirs, shakers, books and all sorts of bar related gifts and accessories are displayed in OCD fashion by color, and it's an absolute treat to wander around and discover.

Let me give you the straight facts first: Walked in on Saturday to buy a flask as a gift. Picked up the box - it was marked $35. Went to the cash to pay. As I'll explain below, this is where things fall apart. The cashier said "I'm sorry, I have to wrap this gentleman's fountain - he's been waiting for 40 minutes." So, I waited for 10 minutes as she wrapped his item. Then, when it was finally my turn, she rung up my flask and said $58.76 - which was not the price. So I politely told her that the box was marked $35. She quickly peeled the price off and said "that's not the price - it's $52". When asked if she could honour the price that was marked, she said she'd have to text her boss, or otherwise the difference would come out of her paycheque. Already having a bad taste in my mouth, I left, and by this point, there were also about 10 people in line, because she hadn't served anyone in like 15 minutes. So based on that, here's what I can say about this store: 1) It's overpriced - $35 was a stretch for this item, but $52 is ridiculous. 2) Store is poorly staffed - there was one person on staff on a Saturday at noon. 3) Service (i.e. when you do get served) is unprofessional (it would come out of her paycheque?) devoid of common sense (making me watch as she wrapped a huge fountain as opposed to processing a one minute transaction) and ineffective (store couldn't deal with a simple problem). Overall, if you don't care about any of the things above, it's good, I suppose. But at these prices, you're better off buying this stuff online if you can find it - I did.

I've lately been getting back into making drinks at home so when my friend told me about this place, I was stoked to check it out. They have all the basic bartending accessories you'd expect along with some more unnecessary items like gold-plated jiggers. They also have a ridic selection of bitters to choose from. While there is a lot available, and although I don't have another store to compare to, prices seemed to be quite high. A large shaker, which I've seen at Tap Phong for $6.99, goes for $13.99. Perhaps it's the Queen West mark-up? Aside from this, the cashier charged me extra. Rather than simply refunding me the difference to my debit card, we went through an awkward few minutes as she didn't know how to (or didn't have access to) refund money using the POS. She had to calculate out the difference using pen and paper and then texted her boss to get permission to refund me the money in cash. In conclusion, big ups on selection but no go on pricing and service.

As a committed booze hound who would like to pretend that her regular imbibing is a 'classy hobby', this store is a quirky little shrine to old-school drinking that helps continue that delusion. Absinthe fountains? Full vintage cocktail shaker sets with fabulous patterns? Coasters fashioned from unwanted records? Enormous, graphic ceramic ashtrays? You can find all these in this niche boutique, and the price tags won't make you want to reach for the nearest shot of Jameson. I fully recommend this store to stock up your home bar on its selection of accessories alone, but please be warned - I found the service lacking. The women behind the counter were far too interested in texting, and their own conversation, to help my companion select a bottle of bitters he was buying for a gift or to offer any interaction beyond what was needed to complete the transaction. Disappointing, to say the least. Nevertheless, I'll be back. I know that somewhere in my near future I'm going to need a set of Tiki mugs. Yes, need. You know, for fruity beverages that require tiny umbrellas, and if you're going to judge me you're not invited.

I wanted to give 5 stars but it is still awfully pricey. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful and there are a ton of local items to check out! Great for holiday and birthday presents!

Stumbled across BYOB on a jaunt down Queen Street West, and I was immediately enamoured. BYOB is a place for those who think of drinking more as a cultured past-time than a weekend necessity, with its variety of tools and accessories for the alcohol aficionado in you. The shelves are lined with booze related books, cups, shakers, measures, stoppers, pourers, and coasters, just to name a few (unintentional rhyming bonus). BYOB's offerings marry the type of functional, fabulous items one might want to purchase for their own home bars, with stock that would serve as beautiful, interesting gifts. A classy "whiskey on the rocks" set for your boss? Check. A Titanic shaped ice cube mold for your film-buff friend? Got it. My personal favourite find was the large selection of bitters lining the counter. Fee Brothers, The Bitter Truth, and Bittermens! I'm generally skeptical of such niche, specialty shops, but this is one that works. Don't forget to bring your own...bag.

If you are a cocktail enthusiast this is *the* place to visit in Toronto. An amazing selection of bitters, barware, and other cool concoctions. I could spend hours here and have probably dropped a grand over the years. Not a cheap hobby, but dang this place is inspiring.

What a creative shop! Although most of the bar knick knacks are fairly overpriced, it's still a great place to window shop. They have an entire wall of different bitters, and syrups that you can add to drinks. As well as recipe books, gold, rose gold shakers, muddlers.. you name it! Very great atmosphere, its a small shop but I must have spent 45 minutes intricately looking at everything the shop has to offer. We ended up purchasing a rose gold jigger just so we could take something home with us from this unique place!

Take your money elsewhere! On my last visit, I went directly to who was apparently the owner and told her that I needed to buy all of the basics for a bar and wanted to buy only the best that money could buy. She never moved from the front desk and just waved in the direction of certain items. Considering that I told her that the sky was the limit, she couldn't care less. When I asked her to show me the strainer that would fit the very expensive shaker that I decided to buy, she sighed loudly and dragged her feet over to the item in question. On other occasions, I have found the staff clueless (they have to call or text her about anything) but at least they were relatively friendly. Based on my last experience, I won't go back. Too bad since I'd rather support neighbourhood stores but between the owner's badittude and her overpriced garage sale finds, I would strongly recommend taking your business to where someone would actually appreciate it.

Finally, a really great store that has all the barware you could think of!!! This is a really cool store for gifts for those who love to drink or love to make drinks or love to entertain. They sell a nice selection of vintage bar ware along with a great selection of anything that has to do with cocktails and drinking. They have barware of all types: glass, crystal, copper, stainless, plastic. From Tiki barware to Japanese stir sticks to vintage gold rimmed glassware they have you covered. And if you are into cocktails they have the biggest selection of syrups, shrubs and bitters. Any flavours of bitters you could think of is there and it's all tax free! The staff there are friendly and enthusiastic and willing to answer any of your questions or make some great suggestions. I picked up a beautiful pair of crystal whiskey glasses and I can't wait to use it! I had no problem finding gifts here and finding inspiration on making my next favorite cocktail or prepare for the next dinner or drinking party!

A place for creativity in the bar :) Sean the owner was a very friendly and approachable host - he showed us several samples of bitters comparing different brands to show us quality ones he recommended. I was impressed at how well he attended to us while at the same time greeting every single person who came and went. Picked up a few items - will be back for sure.