LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2021

MIX IT UP

summer bar additions

Flavours to savour

Think vodka’s neutral? Not these days. This season’s fresh and wild new expressions will have you looking at this spirit in a new light.

By Christine Sismondo photography by darren kemper

THE BARISTA

Recipe on page 137

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Espresso Shot

There have been a lot of great coffee liqueurs, but Pravda Espresso Flavoured Vodka’s ( LCBO 18171, $48.00) intense and authentic espresso aroma and taste practically transports you to a busy European coffee house. With its perfect balance of bittersweet flavours, it is ex- ceptionally easy to mix with.

Basically any dessert topping— whipped cream, dulce de leche or chocolate syrup—can be transformed with Pravda Espresso Flavoured Vodka. But our favour‑ ite use is swapping it for the bran‑ dy in a traditional indulgent Italian zabaglione for an extra-special coffee-tinged after-dinner treat.

Making a great Black Russian just got a whole lot easier thanks to this robust and delicious espresso vodka—simply add ice. For the White Russian lover in your life, add a shot of milk or, for added richness, half‑and‑half cream.

Give your next spicy beef chili or barbecue sauce a little smoke, richness and extra depth of flavour by adding a couple of ounces of espresso vodka. For a double hit of coffee goodness, it can also be mixed into almost any savoury pork or beef marinade.

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FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2021