LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2022

INSIDE SCOOP

ENTERTAINING Big Mix Up

Whether you crave a bar-quality drink at home or need a special gift, check out the premium bottled cocktails at the LCBO. New to the shelves, On the Rocks Effen Cosmopolitan (LCBO 26678, 375 mL, $22.95) uses Dutch vodka and natural ingredients to create the iconic Cosmo. Simply shake with ice and serve straight up with a lime wheel. For fans of darker spirits, Ontario-made BarChef Project The Toasted Old Fashioned (LCBO 546994, 375 mL, $28.10) blends Canadian whisky, maple syrup and toasted camomile for a balanced, complex libation. Just pour a serving into an ice-filled lowball and add an orange twist.

BAR HACKS HOW TO “VEGANIZE” YOUR COCKTAILS Thanks to the work of crafty bartenders, there’s no shortage of cool hacks for replacing eggs and dairy in cocktails these days. Here are four tips for plant-based mixing over the holidays. BY CHRISTINE SISMONDO 1 Most Hot-Buttered Rum calls for a “batter” made from sugar, baking spice, butter and ice cream. Skip the dairy and use a mix of virgin coconut oil and cashew milk instead. 2 Surprise your guests with a dairy-free version of Eggnog that’s every bit as decadent as the original but features a combination of coconut cream, full-fat coconut milk and oat milk. 3 A tangy Cranberry Fizz isn’t nearly as festive without a frothy, foamy top. Instead of egg whites, get the same effect with Versawhip (cocktailemporium.com), a modified soy protein. 4 For plant-based whipped “cream,” bartenders beat aquafaba (canned chickpea liquid) with cream of tartar, oil and sugar. It creates a rich, fluffy topper for Irish Coffee.

ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID SPARSHOTT

36 FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2022