LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2024

LESSONS IN TEQUILA

Groundbreaking Innovations

ROSY FUTURE Código 1530 Tequila Rosa ( LCBO 10122, $92.95 ) and Calirosa Tequila Añejo ( LCBO 37616, $119.95 ) get their blush from red wine barrels; Don Julio Tequila Rosado ( LCBO 37617, $219.95 ) rests in Ruby Port casks. Try 1 oz pink tequila shaken with ice, sliced strawberries plus dashes of triple sec and lemon; top with sparkling wine.

CRYSTAL CLEAR Some tequila is barrel-­ aged then filtered to remove colour. Hornitos Cristalino ( LCBO 11324, $65.95 ) has the vanilla and butterscotch notes of añejo but pours clear. Try it in a highball with soda or tonic water, a pinch of salt and a lime wedge.

WHAT IS TEQUILA? A spirit made from fer

mented and distilled Weber blue agave, a large succulent plant (not a cactus). It’s made in five Mexican states, including Jalisco, where the town of Tequila is located. Unaged tequila is labelled blanco, plata or silver, while wood-aged tequilas are called reposado (rested two to 12 months), añejo (one to three years) or extra añejo (more than three years). A TOAST TO THE EARTH Many tequila producers support local farming commu nities, conserve water, reduce emissions, recycle leftover agave bagasse (plant fibre) and more. Toast with Sauza Silver Tequila ( LCBO 2485, $38.45 ), 818 Tequila Reposado ( LCBO 25137, $85.20 ) and Patrón Añejo Tequila ( LCBO 34603, $105.95 ), to name just a few mindful brands.

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILIE SIMPSON

56 FOOD & DRINK SPRING 2024