LCBO Food & Drink Travel 2026

INSIDE SCOOP

TRENDING Spotlight on Croatia BY IRENE MATYS Tucked along the Adriatic Sea, Croatia blends breathtaking coastlines, ancient cities and world-class food and wine. With Mediterranean roots and Central European flair, it’s a rising star for Canadian travellers.

CROATIAN SIPS

WINE COUNTRY Croatia is home to historic wineries and over 120 indigenous grape varietals, including the widely planted Graševina, which yields dry, zesty whites. Must: Kutjevo Winery in Slavonia

From the Slavonia region, this five-grape red blend is medium- bodied with dark berry flavours and bright acidity. Serve with ćevapi (grilled minced meat). Kutjevo Empress Red LCBO 43706, $16.95

WHAT TO EAT From Istrian truffles and olive oil to fresh Adriatic seafood, Croatia’s cuisine celebrates seasonality, terroir and tradition. Must: Brudet (seafood stew) by the sea

WHAT TO DRINK The bar culture thrives on local libations, including crisp Pošip whites, bold Plavac Mali reds and rakija fruit brandies. Must: A small glass of rakija at sunset

WHAT TO SEE Explore 10 UNESCO

Dating back to the 19th century, this herbal liqueur tastes of cola and mint with a slight bitterness. Try neat or on the rocks with a lemon slice. Badel Pelinkovac Gorki VINTAGES 539627, 700 mL, $30.05

World Heritage Sites, from Dubrovnik’s medieval walls to the Roman palace in Split, each steeped in history and natural beauty. Must: Dubrovnik Old Town

TOP: IVAN SADRI, CROATIAN NATIONAL TOURIST BOARD (CNTB); MIDDLE LEFT: MAJA DANICA PECANIC, CNTB; MIDDLE RIGHT: JULIEN DUVA, CNTB

SEASONAL SIPS Everybody’s Irish Instead of green beer, try one of these unique Irish beverages—or our Irish Buck, a zippy highball of Irish whiskey and ginger beer—and raise a glass to St. Patrick’s Day. BY CHARLENE ROOKE

IRISH BUCK RECIPE ON P. 98

Two Stacks Double Irish Cream Liqueur Dram in a Can LCBO 46431, 4 pk, $28.25 This Irish cream is more whiskey-forward than others, with a smooth, toffee flavour. Pour over ice or sip chilled, right from the mini-can.

O’Hara’s Irish Nitro Stout

Glendalough Wild Botanical Irish Gin LCBO 635482, $52.95 Let the wild-foraged botanical flavours of this bright Irish gin shine through with a splash of soda and a fresh herb garnish.

LCBO 20013, 440 mL, $3.75 With the same thick, creamy head of foam as that other famous stout, O’Hara’s is the favourite of many an Irish beer fan for its deeply roasted, chocolatey notes.

DRINK OF THE SEASON

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———————— TRAVEL 2026