LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2018

DINNER PARTIES  COCKTAIL HOUR

As a host, it’s up to you to plan a responsible get-together. Alcohol-free cocktails are a great way to ensure everyone is included in your cel- ebration. The 0 %Caipirinha (recipe p. 132) is fla- vourful and refreshing. Tart lime and cranberry flavours are balanced by cane sugar, and the re- sult is a drink that pairs brilliantly with our cocktail party recipes. Check out the LCBO’s extensive collection of mocktail recipes at lcbo.com. THE RESPONSIBLE HOST

ShopYour Cupboards Repurposing everyday items gives you a great décor resource: wooden cutting boards for serv- ing charcuterie, small vases to hold breadsticks, ceramic soup spoons cradling one-bite hors d’oeuvre, teacups as cute dessert holders and clean votive candle holders as great appetizer ves- sels for everything from soup to crudités nestled in a dip. Bite-Sizes Allow 8 to 10 savouries per person when serving hors d’oeuvre only. A selection of five different bites is plenty, supplemented by nuts, olives and chips in replenished bowls. Late-Night Snack A traditional cocktail party is scheduled for around two hours, but often goes on into the night—when a fresh-baked flatbread or crisply barbe- cued Chinese duck and rice- paper wrappers gives guests (and the party) new life. Clear Solutions Rent glasses if you don’t have enough or require a special style—copper Moscow Mule mugs or silvery Mint Julep cups—but if you live in a small space, consider where you’ll store bulky glassware rental boxes or trays. Warming Trend Invest in an electric hot plate for serving hot appetizers, or pass them on a plate warmed in the oven, dishwasher or in hot water.

SHOP YOUR CUPBOARDS PHOTO BY ROB FIOCCA

Planning a successful cocktail party requires flexibility, as some guests may prefer to sip wine. A good-quality sparkling wine fits in perfectly with the cocktail party’s glamour and sense of occasion. From Spain’s Catalonia region, cava delivers on value, flavour and food-pairing ver- satility. Try Segura Viudas Brut Reserve ( LCBO 216960, $15.75).    Rosé wines are another good option to have on hand. With a range of sweetness and a palate brimming with red fruit flavours, rosés are lovely to sip, attractive in the glass and sensational with finger-foods. Remy Pannier Rosé d’Anjou AOC ( LCBO 12641, $15.60) has medium sweetness and juicy strawberry and citrus flavours, while Ontario’s Cave Spring Dry Rosé VQA ( LCBO 295006, $15.95) is extra-dry with a vibrant texture. what t serve

84  FOOD & DRI NK AUTUMN 2018