the proof is in...: proof rum, mixing one up for mama, Vol. 84

Today, we are spicing up mom’s tea with a little something nice. Wish your mom a Happy Mother’s Day with this tea time cocktail. Want to have the 'proof is in' come straight to you inbox? Sign-up is at the bottom of the page. For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get last minute updates on tastings & events.

Tea time 1 cup sugar • 9 cups of water • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil • ¼ cup chopped fresh thyme • 5 bags black tea • juice of ½ a lemon •
1 ½ cups proof rum

Bring 1 cup of water and sugar to a boil over medium heat. Add basil and thyme, lower heat and simmer for 4 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine strainer to remove all herbs. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Place tea bags in a glass punch bowl or large pitcher, add boiling water and let steep for 8 minutes. Remove tea bags, add herb-infused syrup and allow to cool to room temperature. Add proof rum and lemon juice. Refrigerate. When ready to serve add ice to the punch bowl, Fill cups with ice and chilled tea. Garnish with a basil leaf and lemon slice.

Forget the church basement – take mom to one of these hip Toronto breakfast and brunch spots:

Bellevue (61A Bellevue, 647-340-8224) Located at the corner of Bellevue and Nassau in Kensington Market serves an all-day brunch in a sustainable bullfrog powered shop, with on-premise herb garden.

Graffiti’s (170 Baldwin, 416-506-6699)

Specials like mini-cheeseburgers on grilled garlic calabrese topped with poached eggs and lemony hollandaise and sided with organic greens in a berry vinaigrette and fried sweet potato "homies".

Frank @ the AGO (317 Dundas Street, 416-979-6688 www.ago.net)

Named after Toronto-born superstar architect Frank Gehry, Frank serves baskets baskets of delicious pastries along with inspired dishes. For the month of May, they are featuring Spanish-inspired dishes.

Fressen (478 Queen West, 416-504-5127 www.fressenrestaurant.com)

Sister of Kensington’s Urban Herbivore, Fressen uses vegan ingredients to dramatic effect.

Gilead Café & Bistro (4 Gilead Place at King Street, 647-288-0680 www.jamiekennedy.ca) Organic guru Jamie Kennedy regroups at this low-key Corktown beanery.

Le Petit Dejeuner (191 King East, 416-703-1560 http://petitdejeuner.ca)

An unassuming east-side storefront, this café features a first-rate breakfast card that reflects its chef’s Belgian roots.

Le Select (432 Wellington Street, 416-596-6405 www.leselect.com)

Though it lost its famous hanging bread baskets when it left its original Queen West storefront, Select has kept its brasserie’s original flavour.

Morning Glory (457 King East, 416-703-4728)

The unofficial offshoot of Aunties and Uncles offers a similar all-day breakfast-slash-soup-’n’-sandwich lineup.

Origin (107 King East, 416-603-8009 http://origintoronto.com)

Famed for his culinary experiments in molecular gastronomy at nearby Colbourne Lane, Claudio Aprile's latest offshoot remains as over-the -top as ever.

Mill Street Brew Pub (55 Mill Street, 416-681-0338 http://millstreetbrewpub.ca)

House microbrews and Bennys in the historic Distillery District.

Bonjour Brioche (812 Queen East, 416-406-1250 http://bonjourbrioche.com)

Best known bakery in leslieville, Bonjour Brioche is a prime place for flaky pastries and café breakfasts and lunches

Globe Bistro (124 Danforth, 416-466-2000 www.globebistro.com) For mother’s day they are offering a prix fixe.

Lady Marmalade (898 Queen East, 647-351-7645 www.ladymarmalade.ca)

Regulars patiently stand in line every day of the week for a table at this hectic BC-based breakfast café.

Table 17 (782 Queen East, 416-519-1851 http://www.table17.ca)

This shabby-chic French country resto serves an ever-changing seasonal menu, inspired by local ingredients and European preparation techniques.

Edward Levesque’s Kitchen (1290 Queen East, 416-465-3600)

Small, intimate restaurant featuring a French-inspired eclectic and eco-friendly menu featuring organic veggies grown in chef’s own farm.

Le Papillon on the Park (1001 Eastern, 416-649-1001 http://lepapillonpark.com)

French crepes and quiche on a rooftop deck overlooking Ashbridges Bay.

Aunties And Uncles (74 Lippincott, 416-324-1375 http://auntiesanduncles.ca)

Caters to a budget-conscious crowd that appreciates value as much as style.

Caplansky’s (356 College, 416-500-3852 http://caplanskys.com)

Caplansky's Delicatessen serves in-house smoked meat sandwiches, and its famous Leaning Tower of Caplansky. Check out their online menu.

C5 (at ROM, 416-586-7928 www.rom.on.ca)

Fabulous rooftop views facing the downtown skyline, offers a separate five-course bacon menu.

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen (85 Hanna, 416-588-5695 www.templekitchen.com)

Mom’s, Queens and Goddesses, Mildred is celebrating other’s day All day long.

Parts & Labour (1566 Queen West, 416-588-7750 www.partsandlabour.ca)

The 5,000 square-foot space boasts a haute cuisine restaurant/bar overseen by Chef Matthew Matheson, who harvests some of his ingredients from the rooftop garden. A live-music venue on the lower level rounds out the experience brought to you by the guys behind The Social, Oddfellows and Castor.

Swan Restaurant (892 Queen West) Swan has a retro feel with rows of booths and 1950's decor. Its brunch menu offers an eclectically inspired mix of options that all come in generous portions.

School (70 Fraser, 416-588-0005 www.schooltoronto.com) Great bakery and all-day breakfast spot in Liberty Village.

Czehoski (678 Queen West, 416-366-6787 www.czehoski.com)

Resto-bar in former butcher shop.

The Drake (1150 Queen West 416-531-5042 http://www.thedrakehotel.ca)

On Sunday, May 13th, there are two different brunch ways to show your mom you heart her! Join Drake for a brunch extravaganza on Mother's Day! Our prix fixe soul brunch menu includes Lobster Scramble, famous Drake blueberry scones + more! Every diner will also receive a Sweet Ending gift at the end of your meal.

Fresh by Juice for Life on Queen W (894 Queen West, 416-913-2720 www.freshrestaurants.ca) Ruth Tal Brown’s veggie haven draws a health-conscious crowd. Also: 336 Bloor W, at Spadina, 416-531-2635; 147 Spadina, at Queen, 416-599-4442.

Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen West, 416-531-4635 www.gladstonehotel.com)

Treat your mom to Sunday brunch, there will be live Bluegrass music and you can mosey on up to one of our 3 galleries.